Entering the midway point of preseason, here is a quick preview for the Denver Broncos’ 2019 season.
What’s new: After missing the playoffs for a third straight year following a win in Super Bowl 50, Broncos GM John Elway overhauled the team’s coaching staff and roster. Coach Vance Joseph and most of his staff were fired to clear the way for Vic Fangio and his staff. Elway also acquired QB Joe Flacco in a trade with the Ravens and bolstered the offensive line by signing OT Ja’Wuan James and selecting OG Dalton Risner in the NFL draft. The team also addressed the defense, signing DBs Kareem Jackson and Bryce Callahan to pair with standout CB Chris Harris.
What could go right: Fangio is a defensive mastermind and a linebacker guru, which is great news for OLBs Von Miller and Bradley Chubb. Miller and Chubb combined to record 26.5 sacks last year and it wouldn’t be surprising to see them surpass 30 sacks in Fangio’s 3-4 scheme this fall. On offense, RBs Phillip Lindsay and Royce Freeman will return to form arguably one of the best backfield duos in the league. Denver will keep both RBs fresh by rotating them — Freeman will serve as the team’s bruiser and Lindsay will be utilized as more of a scatback. With a formidable defense and a productive rushing attack, the Broncos might be able to post their first winning record since the 2016 season.
Tough season if … : Flacco suffered a hip injury midway through the 2018 season and Baltimore replaced him with rookie QB Lamar Jackson. If Flacco goes down again (or if he is benched for poor performances), Denver might not have a suitable replacement. Veteran QB Kevin Hogan hasn’t looked overly impressive at camp and second-round draft choice Drew Lock isn’t ready to be a starter. If the Flacco experiment fails, the Broncos will probably have another long season.
The call: Playing in the AFC West, Denver may struggle to keep pace with the Chargers and Chiefs in 2019. The Raiders look like they have improved as well, making a Wild Card spot the Broncos’ best bet to reach the postseason.
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