Will Denver make any major moves before the season?
Q>> Can we expect any other major moves before the season kicks off? If so, what do you see happening during training camp?
— Terry, Denver
RYAN>> Hey Terry, I’m filling in for Parker Gabriel this week while he is on vacation. This is a great question. I’ve wrestled with this one since Denver signed Frank Clark.
At the moment, I don’t see the Broncos making a major move, but it wouldn’t hurt to add more depth at the defensive line or offensive tackle.
Coach Sean Payton has been optimistic about Javonte Williams’ recovery from a torn
ACL. However, if the team feels Williams won’t be ready by Week 1, I can see them adding another running back despite having a handful of players in that position. Free agent Dalvin Cook would make the offense even stronger, but it’s highly unlikely they will sign him due to the cap situation. Running back Kareem Hunt or even Leonard Fournette would make more sense for Denver.
Q>> I am not sold on bringing Vance Joseph back to Denver. Change my mind, please, change my mind.
— Rip, Aurora
RYAN>> I can understand the concern, especially after an unpleasant head coaching stint with the Broncos. But Joseph’s familiarity with the franchise and his aggressive defensive scheme make Payton’s decision to bring him back to Denver understandable.
Joseph’s last season with the Arizona Cardinals wasn’t great, as their defense ranked 31st in points allowed. In Denver, however, Joseph will have a more talented defense led by cornerback Pat Surtain II and safety Justin Simmons. They also added Clark and defensive end Zach Allen and re-signed inside linebacker Alex Singleton.
The Broncos’ defense was solid for a good chunk of 2022, allowing 17 points in their first 12 games. If Denver can stay healthy, I’m optimistic that Joseph can make it work.
Q>> Wanted to see if there has been any talk about ownership updating the Broncos uniforms. Have always loved the old school D logo and hope they bring it back. Are you team old school or new school?
— Trevor, Aurora
RYAN>> Hey Trevor, thanks for writing. I’ve been a fan of the old school D logo even though the current design is pretty cool as well. It would be interesting to see the team’s alternate helmet design. I think incorporating the D logo would make sense.
Q>> What can we really expect here in Broncos Country this year, is saying making the postseason a bit much? Just feel like a slimmed down Russ and new staff have a lot to show us fans.
— Matt, Denver
RYAN>> Great question, Matt. I think eight to nine wins should be a reasonable expectation for Denver this season. In fact, I predicted the Broncos to finish with a 9-8 record. Denver should be in good hands under Payton, who has a track record for winning. Under Payton’s guidance and a revamped offensive line, I expect Wilson to bounce back.
Defensively, they will be solid, especially if Randy Gregory can stay on the field and young players like outside linebacker Nik Bonitto can make strides in Year 2.