It was pretty cool to be able to watch the Broncos visit the White House and meet President Barack Obama. NFL Network showed it live on television and it was very neat to watch it. Obama did a nice job congratulating the Broncos, and it was very cool to see the whole 2015 team together again-with the exception of Brock Osweiler. It is one of those things that comes with the territory of winning a championship and the fun part about seeing a championship in 2015/2016 is the fact that I got to watch it on television live. In 1997 and 1998, I didn't get a chance to see it on television. The Ring Ceremony was the following week and it was closed to the public but the players were sending out pictures on social media. The Broncos Super Bowl 50 rings are really amazing. It has the three Lombardi trophies with the Broncos logo in the middle of them and the 50 from the Super Bowl in the background. On the side there is an inscription that says "This One's for Pat." It is a beautiful ring and the well-deserving for the Broncos players and organization. I also love the fact that Shannon Sharpe, Rod Smith, and Terrell Davis were apart of the ceremony and I think it is cool that the Broncos are bringing those guys back on a regular basis to bridge the gap between the two eras. The Broncos also put together a first class presentation of the rings to the players, and it just shows how first class the organization actually is.
What is your take on the idea that the Broncos have had a disastrous offseason?
Let's recap some of the things that have happened since the Broncos won the Super Bowl in February: Peyton Manning retired, they cut popular veterans like Owen Daniels and Louis Vasquez, Brock Osweiler bolted in free agency, Malik Jackson and Danny Trevathan left in free agency, Colin Kaepernick almost got traded to Denver, the Broncos traded for Mark Sanchez, Aqib Talib got shot in Dallas, Von Miller's contract squabble went public, and the Broncos aren't even considered favorites to win the AFC West over the likes of KC and the Raiders.
I get the fact that losing Brock was a big blow, but at least the Broncos responded by drafting their QB of the future by taking Paxton Lynch in the first round of the draft at a fraction of the price it took to re-sign Osweiler. We all knew that Jackson was likely to leave to get paid somewhere else. We knew Trevathan was going to leave as well, and we re-signed Brandon Marshall to an extension. We re-signed C.J. Anderson after he signed an offer sheet with Miami. We re-signed Ronnie Hillman and Jordan Norwood. We got something for Ryan Clady when we traded him to the Jets for a 4th round pick, and we signed OT Russell Okung to a very team-friendly deal. Then, we got Lynch and even got RB Devontae Booker in the 4th round of the draft.
Let's recap some of the things that have happened since the Broncos won the Super Bowl in February: Peyton Manning retired, they cut popular veterans like Owen Daniels and Louis Vasquez, Brock Osweiler bolted in free agency, Malik Jackson and Danny Trevathan left in free agency, Colin Kaepernick almost got traded to Denver, the Broncos traded for Mark Sanchez, Aqib Talib got shot in Dallas, Von Miller's contract squabble went public, and the Broncos aren't even considered favorites to win the AFC West over the likes of KC and the Raiders.
I get the fact that losing Brock was a big blow, but at least the Broncos responded by drafting their QB of the future by taking Paxton Lynch in the first round of the draft at a fraction of the price it took to re-sign Osweiler. We all knew that Jackson was likely to leave to get paid somewhere else. We knew Trevathan was going to leave as well, and we re-signed Brandon Marshall to an extension. We re-signed C.J. Anderson after he signed an offer sheet with Miami. We re-signed Ronnie Hillman and Jordan Norwood. We got something for Ryan Clady when we traded him to the Jets for a 4th round pick, and we signed OT Russell Okung to a very team-friendly deal. Then, we got Lynch and even got RB Devontae Booker in the 4th round of the draft.
How do you feel about the "QB" battle between Mark Sanchez and Trevor Siemian?
It is a QB battle right now in June, but let's wait to see what happens in August. The fact that Siemian is in the discussion right now tells you all you need to know about Mark Sanchez. Neither guy is the answer. Again, they are running neck and neck for the QB position in June, but let's see how it plays out in August.
It is a QB battle right now in June, but let's wait to see what happens in August. The fact that Siemian is in the discussion right now tells you all you need to know about Mark Sanchez. Neither guy is the answer. Again, they are running neck and neck for the QB position in June, but let's see how it plays out in August.
What do you think about Paxton Lynch's chances at playing this year?
A lot of people think there is no chance that Lynch will play at all this year, but I'm not buying that at all. The coaches seem to want to push Lynch, but it is obvious he is going to be behind the learning curve when training camp starts in August. The secret is that the coaches want Lynch to play as quickly as possible. The fans also want to see Lynch play as quickly as possible. Lynch is more physically talented than either Sanchez or Siemian, and he was drafted to play, so I think it is only a matter of time before he plays. Also, any glimmer of brilliance that he shows in camp or preseason will provide the opening that he needs to get the start. I still think that Lynch will be starting opening night against Carolina.
A lot of people think there is no chance that Lynch will play at all this year, but I'm not buying that at all. The coaches seem to want to push Lynch, but it is obvious he is going to be behind the learning curve when training camp starts in August. The secret is that the coaches want Lynch to play as quickly as possible. The fans also want to see Lynch play as quickly as possible. Lynch is more physically talented than either Sanchez or Siemian, and he was drafted to play, so I think it is only a matter of time before he plays. Also, any glimmer of brilliance that he shows in camp or preseason will provide the opening that he needs to get the start. I still think that Lynch will be starting opening night against Carolina.
What do you think will happen with Von Miller and the Broncos by the July 15th Franchise Tag deadline?
Forget about all the talk and nonsense about Miller sitting out the season, and the Broncos not giving him the contract he deserves. Forget about the supposed "bad blood" between Miller and John Elway. All this nonsense is just negotiation, and the Broncos and Miller don't have to finalize a deal before that July 15th deadline. We know that things don't get done until they have to. Both sides want to make it happen, and I believe Miller will sign a long-term deal with Denver on July 15th.
What is your biggest concern going into the summer?
My biggest concern is the Von Miller deal. I think it will get done, but until it is done there is always some doubt. I am also concerned about the Aqib Talib situation. The details of that night are murky, but it is something worth watching. The expectation is that Talib will be back for preseason and training camp, but I worry about not only his physical condition, but the possible suspension by the league if he is found to be guilty of something from that night in Dallas a few weeks ago. If you lose Talib for any period of time, that could be very damaging to the Broncos defense and their secondary.
What is your take on Brock Osweiler and his actions towards the Broncos since leaving for Houston?
Brock Osweiler has become public enemy number one for the Broncos and their fans. Osweiler bolted for Houston for the $18.5 million per year guarantee that he got and the fact that he was upset that he got benched in Week 17 for Peyton Manning against San Diego. He has a real grudge against the Broncos as a result and that is why he left to go to Houston. Osweiler can't say that publicly because he doesn't want to come across as a greedy and whiny guy, but it is obvious that is the reason. Don't pay any attention to Osweiler saying that he doesn't have a grudge against the Broncos, and that he understood getting benched by Kubiak, and that he wasn't worried about Manning and Elway's shadows in Denver. What else can he say? He can't admit that publicly. Then, he decides to skip the trip to the White House and he also decided to skip the ring ceremony in Denver the following week. It was a baby and a dick move. It is clear that Osweiler is holding a grudge against the Broncos. The fact that Osweiler's new owner, Bob McNair, even said that Brock wanted to go to Houston to get out of Peyton and Elway's shadow. Who wants a QB to lead their franchise that is upset and a baby about being benched? Who wants a QB that can't handle the shadow of former legends? Brock played up the fact that he was a team guy and he wanted to return to Denver, but money and hard feelings stood in the way and he bolted to go to Houston. Good riddance, and Brock and we will see you in Denver in October 24th when the Texans visit the Broncos for Monday Night Football. Our defense will be waiting.
Brock Osweiler has become public enemy number one for the Broncos and their fans. Osweiler bolted for Houston for the $18.5 million per year guarantee that he got and the fact that he was upset that he got benched in Week 17 for Peyton Manning against San Diego. He has a real grudge against the Broncos as a result and that is why he left to go to Houston. Osweiler can't say that publicly because he doesn't want to come across as a greedy and whiny guy, but it is obvious that is the reason. Don't pay any attention to Osweiler saying that he doesn't have a grudge against the Broncos, and that he understood getting benched by Kubiak, and that he wasn't worried about Manning and Elway's shadows in Denver. What else can he say? He can't admit that publicly. Then, he decides to skip the trip to the White House and he also decided to skip the ring ceremony in Denver the following week. It was a baby and a dick move. It is clear that Osweiler is holding a grudge against the Broncos. The fact that Osweiler's new owner, Bob McNair, even said that Brock wanted to go to Houston to get out of Peyton and Elway's shadow. Who wants a QB to lead their franchise that is upset and a baby about being benched? Who wants a QB that can't handle the shadow of former legends? Brock played up the fact that he was a team guy and he wanted to return to Denver, but money and hard feelings stood in the way and he bolted to go to Houston. Good riddance, and Brock and we will see you in Denver in October 24th when the Texans visit the Broncos for Monday Night Football. Our defense will be waiting.
What did you think about the extension with Brandon Marshall?
Great move by John Elway to lock up Marshall to an extension. Marshall will play this year under his Restricted Free Agent tender and then the extension kicks in at the start of 2017. Marshall is one of our best players on the defense and in my opinion he is better than Danny Trevathan, who departed in free agency, and Marshall deserved to get a new deal. He is one of the anchors of our defense and it is a great move to get him locked up long term.
Great move by John Elway to lock up Marshall to an extension. Marshall will play this year under his Restricted Free Agent tender and then the extension kicks in at the start of 2017. Marshall is one of our best players on the defense and in my opinion he is better than Danny Trevathan, who departed in free agency, and Marshall deserved to get a new deal. He is one of the anchors of our defense and it is a great move to get him locked up long term.
Will they sign Emmanuel Sanders to an extension this summer?
I hope the Broncos and Sanders can get a new deal done by the time training camp commences. Right now the two sides have exchanged proposals, and I think it would be smart on Sanders part to get a deal done with Denver sometime this summer. If it doesn't, then there is a real good chance Sanders will leave after 2016. That would be unfortunate. I would love to see them do a deal, but I have a feeling that training camp and preseason will come and go without a deal.
How do you feel about going into the summer knowing the Broncos are defending Super Bowl Champions?
It is definitely a great feeling to know that the Broncos are the Super Bowl champs heading into the summer. Every offseason as a fan you are frustrated if you team fell short of a Super Bowl title, and this summer Broncos fans don't have to worry about that. All summer long leading up to training camp, we can sit back and watch and re-live the 2015 season knowing that at the end of it the Broncos were able to win Super Bowl 50 and win a World Championship. It is pretty satisfying and it makes for a lot of stress free nights as the new season comes up.
What are your expectations for the Broncos as they head into the 2016 season?
I think that the expectations for this team have been lowered by a lot of majority of experts around the NFL. I think the biggest reason for that is the QB situation. Right now, I would say that I think the Broncos will take a step back in 2016. 8-8 kind of seems where I am looking for them next year, but that could change if Paxton Lynch takes control of the reigns at quarterback and plays solid as a rookie. If Lynch starts and plays well, then they are a playoff team. If Sanchez/Siemian starts, then they will struggle and the season will be about developing Lynch at some point. I think that right now the expectations are that they will take a step back, but I think that will also fuel this team and motivate them once the season starts. A lot of people are already picking the Raiders and Chiefs to leapfrog them in the AFC West.
Have you stop celebrating the Broncos Super Bowl 50 win?
Nope, and I am not going to because Super Bowls are forever. The Broncos will get featured on America's Game in September and they will host the Panthers on opening night on Thursday September 8th in Denver and they will unveil the championship banner and the Lombardi Trophy. Those can never be taken away from the Broncos and no matter what happens in 2016, every Broncos fan-including myself-will be able to enjoy that victory for the rest of our lives. I will watch the Super Bowl, the AFC Championship, and all the 2015 games over and over throughout the summer, and I will enjoy it and bask in the glory all summer long. You can never stop celebrating a Super Bowl win, and I won't stop anytime soon.
I hope the Broncos and Sanders can get a new deal done by the time training camp commences. Right now the two sides have exchanged proposals, and I think it would be smart on Sanders part to get a deal done with Denver sometime this summer. If it doesn't, then there is a real good chance Sanders will leave after 2016. That would be unfortunate. I would love to see them do a deal, but I have a feeling that training camp and preseason will come and go without a deal.
How do you feel about going into the summer knowing the Broncos are defending Super Bowl Champions?
It is definitely a great feeling to know that the Broncos are the Super Bowl champs heading into the summer. Every offseason as a fan you are frustrated if you team fell short of a Super Bowl title, and this summer Broncos fans don't have to worry about that. All summer long leading up to training camp, we can sit back and watch and re-live the 2015 season knowing that at the end of it the Broncos were able to win Super Bowl 50 and win a World Championship. It is pretty satisfying and it makes for a lot of stress free nights as the new season comes up.
What are your expectations for the Broncos as they head into the 2016 season?
I think that the expectations for this team have been lowered by a lot of majority of experts around the NFL. I think the biggest reason for that is the QB situation. Right now, I would say that I think the Broncos will take a step back in 2016. 8-8 kind of seems where I am looking for them next year, but that could change if Paxton Lynch takes control of the reigns at quarterback and plays solid as a rookie. If Lynch starts and plays well, then they are a playoff team. If Sanchez/Siemian starts, then they will struggle and the season will be about developing Lynch at some point. I think that right now the expectations are that they will take a step back, but I think that will also fuel this team and motivate them once the season starts. A lot of people are already picking the Raiders and Chiefs to leapfrog them in the AFC West.
Have you stop celebrating the Broncos Super Bowl 50 win?
