Broncos Season Off to a Rocky Start Before it Begins

Scott Long

9/11/20

The Denver Broncos entered this season with some high expectations, as many are expecting second year quarterback Drew Lock to take the next step. However, things have gotten off to a rough start, as star linebacker Von Miller went down with an ankle injury during practice this week. The injury is diagnosed as a dislocated peroneal tendon and will require surgery that will likely end Miller’s season barring a miraculous recovery and a deep Broncos playoff run.

Not only will Denver miss Miller’s pressure on opposing quarterbacks, but they will also miss his leadership, as he is one of the team’s captains and vocal leaders. Younger players such as Justin Simmons and Bradley Chubb will be asked to fill Miller’s role by making an impact on the defensive side of the ball while also taking on leadership roles. To make things worst star wide receiver Courtland Sutton left practice with a shoulder injury after landing awkwardly on it after going for a catch. Luckily, the injury doesn’t appear to be too serious as the MRI revealed it to just be a sprain.

Denver is hoping to have Sutton return to the field soon to pair with rookie wide receivers Jerry Jeudy and K.J. Hamler and second year tight end Noah Fant. The receiving core paired with the dynamic backfield duo of newly signed Melvin Gordon and Phillip Lindsay gives Lock weapons on the offensive side of the ball. It’s the surplus of young weapons that makes many believe Lock will make a huge jump this year, and why many have him as a dark horse MVP candidate. With the top player in MVP voting the last few years going to a player who took a massive leap in his second year playing, many are pegging Lock or Kyler Murray to be that guy this year. Lock stepping up this year would go a long way towards bringing Denver back to the playoffs for the first time since Peyton Manning retired.

It’s going to take a lot more than an improved offense to take the Broncos to the playoffs as the defense is going to have to prove its worth with no Miller this season. They will have their work cut out for them, playing the Kansas City Chiefs twice, the New Orleans Saints, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Pittsburgh Steelers and Atlanta Falcons, who all boast high powered offenses. With that kind of schedule, it’s crucial that the Denver defense gets off to a strong start, particularly since there are so many young players, so that they can build up confidence for when they begin playing these high-powered offenses.

While the team is filled with talent on both sides of the ball, Denver will have its work cut out for them this season due to a tough schedule and injuries. But, with the expansion of playoffs this season, allowing for three wild card teams, anything can happen. If Denver can slip in they have the pieces on both sides of the ball to be an extremely dangerous team, who can make a deep run if they catch fire.