On the eve of the 2015 Broncos season, now is the time to look at the biggest storylines heading into this year. These are the key components that will dictate whether the Broncos are holding up the Lombardi Trophy after Super Bowl 50, or if they will be lamenting another year without a championship. Let's take a look at the Broncos key storylines heading into the season followed by a pick for Week 1 between Denver and the Ravens.
Storylines for the 2015 season:
1) The Sheriff's Last Ride: Peyton Manning returned for his fourth season as a Bronco, and although there was some speculation from Manning about retiring, the "Sheriff" decided to return. How much Manning has left in the tank at 39 years old and how he fits with new head coach Gary Kubiak's scheme are the two biggest questions with him as this year commences. I think the focus should be on the level of play from Manning. I'm not worried about his health or adapting to a new offense, I wonder about his level of play declining. There was an obvious difference between his play from the first 8 games last year to the last 8 games, and that was before he got injured in San Diego in Week 15. Maybe time has finally caught up with Manning, but we will see. If Manning plays the way he did in the first eight games last year, then the Broncos will be a Super Bowl threat. If he plays the way he did the last eight games, then the Broncos could be in some trouble.
2) Kubiak Comes Home: Gary Kubiak comes back to Denver this time as the head coach. It is cool to see Kubiak roaming the sideline once again in Broncos apparel. It just feels right. He has a lot of live up after John Fox put together four straight AFC West titles, an AFC Championship, and three straight years of at least 12 wins, but we know that was not all Fox's doing. I think Kubiak can be the right fit for this team. It was obvious they needed a change after the way they limped out of the playoffs against the Colts last year. I think that Kubiak was successful enough in Houston to give the Broncos hope that he can take them over the hump.
3) Orange Crush: Quietly, the strength of the Broncos is their defense. There is a lot of depth at linebacker, their secondary is very solid, and their defensive line is very versatile. Although they will be without DE Derek Wolfe for the first four games and T.J. Ward for Week 1, the Broncos defense should be able to be a dominant unit. New DC Wade Phillips has a reputation for getting the most out of his defenses, and I think his hire was one of the most important moves the Broncos made this offseason. By the way, the Broncos pass rush consists of DeMarcus Ware and Von Miller with rookie Shane Ray, the underrated Malik Jackson, and up-and-comer Shaq Barrett. Look out. If the Broncos are winning games by the scores of 17-13 or 13-3, then don't be surprised or upset.
4) Window Closed? The Broncos enter 2015 in a different spot for the first time in four years. They are not considered one of the favorites to represent the AFC in the Super Bowl. A lot of experts think the Broncos window was closed shut after the humiliating loss to the Colts last year in the Divisional Playoffs. I think the lack of expectations might be a good thing for the Broncos. Let everyone pick the Colts. Allow the experts to ride the Patriots. It's okay if all the analysts take the Ravens or the Steelers. As long as Peyton Manning is healthy, then the Broncos window is not closed. Plus, they have put together a solid roster from top to bottom. Watch out for the Broncos as they sort of lay in the weeds in the AFC.
Week 1 Pick:
Baltimore (+5) over DENVER: This is going to be a tough game for the Broncos. Naturally, there will be some adjustment for Peyton Manning and Gary Kubiak as they try to install both of their offensive schemes and ideas. A young and inexperienced offensive line will be challenged by a pass rush from the Ravens that features Terrell Suggs and Elvis Dumervil. Joe Flacco is always a threat for the Ravens, and Denver will be without the suspended Derek Wolfe and T.J. Ward on defense. This game seems like a nail-biter and a very tough opener for the Broncos-even at home.
Final Score:
Ravens-24 Broncos-17
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