The Broncos got the 2022 season started as Training Camp is underway in Dove Valley. This year begins with a sense of excitement the Broncos haven't had since Peyton Manning retired after a Super Bowl 50 win in 2015. Russell Wilson is now the Broncos quarterback after a blockbuster trade in March, and there is a new head coach in town as Nathaniel Hackett takes over the helm. There is also a new owner in Denver. Rob Walton is now the owner for the Broncos, and the anticipation for this season is off the charts. Here is the annual Training Camp primer to break it all down....
Where We Left Off: The Broncos were on the losing end of a tough game to the Kansas City Chiefs at home to finish the 2021 season with a disappointing 7-10 record. The Broncos 3-0 and 7-6 during the season, and there was legitimate playoff hopes, but a four-game losing streak to end the year put those hopes to bed. Denver finished with their fifth straight losing season, and missed the playoff for the the sixth year in a row.
What Happened Since? First, Denver fired head coach Vic Fangio the day after the season ended. It was not a surprise by any means. They hired Nathaniel Hackett, who was previously Green Bay's offensive coordinator, to become the next head coach of the team. Then, in March, General Manager George Paton made a huge trade for QB Russell Wilson. It was one of the biggest trades in NFL history. This was a franchise altering move. Later in the spring, Rob Walton become the new owner of the Broncos. A lot has changed since that last game of the 2021 season, and there is real hope in Broncos Country heading into 2022.
Position Battles at Camp: Some people might say the battle for the starting RB position between Javonte Williams and Melvin Gordon is a critical one to watch in camp, but we know that both guys will get plenty of carries and contribute throughout the year. I think the biggest position to watch is the interior of the offensive line. Between the Center and Guard spots, which players will emerge as starters? Lloyd Cushenberry, Quinn Meinerz, Graham Glasgow, and Dalton Risner are all vying for a combination of those three starting spots.
Surprise Cuts: I wouldn't be surprised to see someone like Risner or Glasgow get cut if they don't start. There might not be enough room for those guys if things don't pan out for them.
Out of Nowhere Players: A name to keep an eye on is rookie WR Montrell Washington. He has looked really good in camp so far, and apparently he has a lot of rapport with Russell Wilson already. He might make an impact at receiver and in the return game.
Biggest Questions That Need To Be Answered: The Broncos need to find out how well this offense runs with Wilson at the controls. WR Tim Patrick tore his ACL in the beginning of camp and he is done for the season. Which receivers will step up in his absence? Can Wilson find comfort learning a new offense in time for the regular season? Also, how will this defense gel and come together with a new coordinator. As much as Vic Fangio struggled with being a head coach, he did a great job with this defense. Can that defense come together and continue to be dominant?
