Are the 2023 Denver Broncos a Repeat of 2015 – or a team Destined for More?
the Denver Broncos are surging, boasting an impressive record built on a knack for winning close games. But a nagging question lingers: are they a legitimate Super Bowl contender, or are they mirroring the 2015 Broncos – a team that peaked in the regular season only too stumble in the playoffs? Let’s dive deep, examining the parallels, the differences, and what it will take for this current Broncos squad to truly forge their own legacy.
(Image from original article included here)
The 2015 Broncos: A Cautionary Tale?
It’s hard to ignore the similarities. The 2015 Broncos, led by a veteran quarterback in Peyton Manning (and later Brock Osweiler), finished 12-4, relying heavily on a dominant defense. They ultimately secured a Super Bowl victory, but the path wasn’t always pretty.
Many see echoes of that season in the current Broncos’ 11 one-score victories. Could this team suffer the same fate as the 2015 Minnesota Vikings – a 13-4 record followed by a shocking first-round playoff exit? It’s a valid concern.
Broncos Alumni Weigh In: Optimism Tempered wiht Realism
Interestingly, former Broncos players are largely optimistic, but not blindly so.Unlike some championship teams whose alumni become fiercely protective, these Broncos are offering nuanced perspectives.
* Omar Bolden, a former defensive back and special teams ace, is all-in: “They are giving me more hope… I see us as the favorites to come out of the AFC – 100%!”
* Chris Harris Jr., an All-pro cornerback, agrees, but with a crucial condition: “Oh yeah, they got a chance to (reach the Super Bowl) if we get homefield.”
* Von Miller, a cornerstone of the 2015 defense, sees promising talent: “Nik Bonitto with his get off… Jonathon Cooper bullies guys with his strength… Zach Allen makes everything go.” He even believes the current offensive line surpasses the 2015 unit.
These insights are valuable, coming from players who know what it takes to win.
Where This Broncos Team Differs – and Where They Need to Improve
While the enthusiasm is palpable, the current Broncos aren’t a carbon copy of their championship predecessors. Here’s a breakdown of key differences:
* Offensive Firepower: The 2015 Broncos boasted elite skill players like Demaryius Thomas, Emmanuel Sanders, and Ronnie Hillman. This year’s receiving corps, while improving, is younger and less proven.
* Defensive Takeaways: The 2015 defense was a takeaway machine, forcing 27 turnovers and scoring four defensive touchdowns. This year’s team ranks 28th in takeaways (12) and hasn’t reached the endzone on defense. This is a critical area for improvement.
* Quarterback Experience: Bo Nix is a promising rookie, but he lacks the veteran savvy of a Peyton Manning. His development will be crucial.
* team Age: The current Broncos are substantially younger across key positions – receiving corps, secondary, and quarterback.
The Running Game: A Key to Sustained Success
One consistent theme from the Broncos’ veterans is the importance of establishing the run.
* Ryan Harris, a former offensive lineman, emphasizes this point: “The concern grows when you have 12-to-17 rushing attempts… That number has to stay between 22-to-30.”
A strong running game not only controls the clock but also takes pressure off Bo Nix and opens up play-action opportunities. The Broncos’ offensive line is a strength, and they need to leverage it.
Clutch Wins Aren’t Enough: the Road Ahead
Winning 11 one-score games demonstrates resilience and a “clutch gene,” but it’s not a sustainable formula for playoff success. As former running back C.J. Anderson points out, the 2015 Broncos faced their share of close contests.
This current Broncos team needs to:
* Increase Takeaways: Generating more turnovers will give the offense more opportunities.
* **Establish a Consistent Running
