2012 Denver Broncos Preview

2012 Denver Broncos

How about those Broncos last year? Denver pulled off arguably the most remarkable run to the postseason we’ve ever seen in 2011, which was both a blessing and a curse. Blessing because we witnessed one of the best games of the year, the playoff game against the Steelers, but a curse because we have all been subjected to the offseason that has been a Tim Tebow saga on ESPN. Anyway, this is a completely new team this year, and we all know why. 18. That’s all you need to know. Peyton has come to the Broncos, and while Denver fans rode an incredible wave of fourth quarter comebacks in their dream run, people knew it had to come to an end. This year, there’s a new sheriff in town, and everyone in Denver is wondering one thing: Are the Broncos Super Bowl contenders with Peyton Manning leading the way? 

Offense

Last year, the Denver Broncos led the league in rushing as a team, led by Tim Tebow and his spread option. We also saw a resurgence of Willis McGahee, and proof that he can still be a number one running back. Now, of course, Peyton Manning has taken the reigns, and the running attack that Denver utilized last year is going to become a potent aerial assault on the NFL. If Manning stays healthy, he is probably the biggest lock for Comeback Player of the Year ever. The two happiest people ever have to be Demaryius Thomas and Eric Decker, who are both primed for huge seasons this year. They also brought in Jacob Tamme, the tight end who had a huge year two years ago with Peyton at quarterback in Indianapolis. Willis McGahee should also have a nice season, because who is going to load the box against Peyton Manning? McGahee might get 1,000 yards this year or might not, but he will definitely be productive and probably will have at least 10 total touchdowns. The Denver Broncos, provided Manning’s health, can potentially put up 28 points per game. It depends on how rusty Peyton will be. I’m guessing he’ll be ready to go.

Defense

This was an odd defense in 2011. The Denver D got lit up a few times last year, but during the winning streak in the middle of the season, played very impressively. Unfortunately, they still didn’t get any credit because of the infatuation with Tebow-mania. So to sum up last year, this defense both overachieved and underachieved at the same time, I guess you can say. This year, there is no Brian Dawkins in the secondary, who was one of the most fierce players I have ever seen in the NFL. Kudos to him on a great career. The Broncos do sport one of the scariest pass rushing tandems in the league, though, with Elvis Dumervil and stud second year player Von Miller. Each player should have double digit sacks this year. Kind of reminds you of Freeney and Mathis right? Denver is the new Indianapolis! Champ Bailey is also still locking down the secondary, and even at his old age, he still gets the job done with efficiency and class. This is not a great defense, but it doesn’t have to be; if they give up 24 points a game, they should be fine.

Schedule

The Denver Broncos finished 8-8 last year but still somehow made the playoffs. The teams in that division are not bad, I just think they shoot themselves in the foot which prevents them from having stellar records (see Oakland Raiders and San Diego Chargers). Denver is probably the hardest team to predict this year, because Peyton Manning’s health is so up in the air. He could be great, or he could get hurt; he could stay healthy but suck, or stay healthy and play ok, but if he plays only ok, how many wins is that worth? Peyton doesn’t play as well outdoors, and does not play well against the Chargers, but he’ll have to get used to both those things. Let’s try and work out a prediction.

Week 1: W vs PIT (He can’t lose the opener, can he?)

Week 2: L at ATL

Week 3: W vs HOU

Week 4: W vs OAK

Week 5: L at NE

Week 6: L at SD

Week 7: Bye

Week 8: W vs NO

Week 9: W at CIN

Week 10: L at CAR

Week 11: W vs SD

Week 12: L at KC

Week 13: W vs TB

Week 14: L at OAK
Week 15: L at BAL (Suggs will be back by this game)

Week 16: W vs CLE

Week 17: W vs KC

The Denver Broncos will go 9-7 this year. That’s what I decided. They will be good because of Peyton, but it’s unclear whether they can be great or not. Double digit wins with a possibly rusty Manning and a very tough schedule is a reach, but at nine wins in the AFC West, they might be able to win the division, or possibly compete for a wild card. Then again, Manning might go down in the first month and the Broncos’ season can catapult into the gutter. Only time will tell how this year will go for Denver. But nine wins looks possible, and good for a possible playoff berth. After my bold prediction, I’ll preview the Kansas City Chiefs. That is one you want to read. How do you think Peyton  and the Broncos will do? Leave a comment with your thoughts!

Bold Prediction: Peyton Manning’s stat line: 3,700 yards, 33 TDs, 18 INTs