TEAM OVERVIEW
Strengths: Both backfields. At running back, Javonte Williams (right) moves ahead of Melvin Gordon III in his second season and success in the team’s new zone running scheme would open things up for Russell Wilson and his playmakers who are trying to make up for the loss of Tim Patrick to a knee injury in camp and the trade of Noah Fant to Seattle last spring. The spine of Denver’s defense is second-year CB Patrick Surtain II and S Justin Simmons, whose lock-down and big-play abilities should aid a retooled front seven that features the return of pass rusher Bradley Chubb from ankle injuries and the arrival of free agent OLB Randy Gregory from Dallas. Weaknesses: The Broncos’ offense has been stuck in neutral going back to 2015, and the loss of Patrick to a torn ACL could have huge implications on the field and in the locker room. The Broncos will miss his leadership and his sure hands and his loss puts an even bigger onus on WR Jerry Jeudy to finally start living up to his first-round status in his third year in the NFL. Jeudy has just three TD catches, none last year.
Camp development: Second-year pro Baron Browning has successfully and quickly transitioned from inside linebacker to outside linebacker. His bendability and play disruption are reminiscent of Von Miller’s. Along with rookie Nik Bonitto, Browning brings depth to the pass rushing group behind Chubb and Gregory, both of whom have a history of injuries keeping them sidelined.
Expectations: With the feuding Bowlen ownership family no longer in the picture, old-school Vic Fangio stripped of his head coaching duties and the sevenyear search for a worthy successor to QB Peyton Manning finally fruitful, the Broncos expect to end their six-season playoff drought and return to the postseason party this year.