As the Broncos prepare to begin training camp this week, here’s a quick offseason recap and season preview for Denver.
What’s new: Denver lost star CB Chris Harris and DE Derek Wolfe — key members of the Broncos’ Super Bowl-winning defense in 2015 — during free agency. To replace them, Broncos GM John Elway acquired CB A.J. Bouye and DE Jurrell Casey through trades with the Jaguars and Titans. On offense, Denver signed RB Melvin Gordon and added speedy WRs Jerry Jeudy and KJ Hamler during the draft. Elway also changed offensive coordinators, bringing in former Giants coach Pat Shurmur to help mentor QB Drew Lock.
What could go right: Shurmur will have plenty of weapons to work with on offense. Gordon, Jeudy and Hamler will join a squad that featured WR Courtland Sutton, RB Phillip Lindsay and TE Noah Fant in 2019. Lock will be surrounded by talent this season and could take a big leap in Year 2. Defensive-minded coach Vic Fangio will look to build on his unit’s 10th-place finish in points allowed last season. OLB Bradley Chubb, who missed most of last season with an ACL injury, will return and team up with Von Miller to form a dangerous pass-rushing duo. The Broncos’ defense should be able to hold opponents to low scores like they did in 2019, taking some pressure off the offense.
Tough season if: Denver will struggle if Lock doesn’t build on his strong finish last season. Lock went 4-1 as a starter in 2019 and Elway opted not to pursue a veteran QB like Cam Newton or Jameis Winston during free agency. Jeff Driskel, who has a 1-7 career win-loss record, will serve as Lock’s backup. Lock’s health and performance will likely dictate the Broncos’ fate.
The call: Denver added explosive weapons on offense and brought in Pro Bowl-level replacements for Harris and Wolfe on defense. Playing in the same division as the Chiefs, the Broncos are unlikely to win the AFC West but they should be able to challenge for a Wild Card seed in the AFC.
