Broncos Postseason Storylines

The Broncos enter the 2014 Playoffs with a different feel from last year. At 12-4, Denver is the number 2 seed in the AFC behind the Patriots. Although they had a very good season, many experts are not picking Denver to get back to the Super Bowl or even win their first playoff game. The last two years, the Broncos were the favorites heading into the tournament, but that isn't the case this year. I kind of like that approach. Let everyone pick the other teams, and forget about Peyton Manning and the Broncos. I'll take that perspective heading into the playoffs. Like last year, I decided to do a list of storylines heading into the postseason. These are the key storylines that could potentially play a role if Denver is to hoist the Lombardi Trophy at the end of the playoffs.

1) Not the Favorite: In 2012 and 2013, all the pressure was on Denver because they entered the playoffs as the favorites and the #1 seed. This year is different. Everyone is picking the Patriots to get to the Super Bowl, and there is a growing momentum for anyone else but Denver to represent the AFC. It seems like everyone is expecting the Broncos to lose this week to Indy in the Divisional Playoff Game. As I said earlier, I kind of like that approach. I like that everyone is forgetting about them just like people forgot about the 2012 Ravens, the 2011 Giants, the 2010 Packers, the 2007 Giants, and the 2005 Steelers. The Broncos can use that as motivation, and I am sure their coaches are selling that to them.

2) The Real Orange Crush: John Elway signed T.J. Ward, DeMarcus Ware, and Aqib Talib in the offseason for the playoffs. Usually in the playoffs, the games are closer and played in the 20s. You won't see too many high-scoring shootouts in the later rounds. The Broncos defense was good all year, but they need to step up their game in the playoffs. They need to shut down opponents at the key moments, limit touchdowns, and force turnovers. To get to the Super Bowl, they are going to have to stop Andrew Luck, Tom Brady and/or Joe Flacco. They have to prove they can stop those type of big-time QBs. If they can do those things, then the Broncos have a great shot at winning the Super Bowl. If they implode like they did against the Ravens in 2012, then the Broncos are going to be one and done.

3) Orange Julius: One reason why the Broncos offense slumped down the stretch was the injury to Julius Thomas. Hopefully, the week off gives Thomas some time to get healthier and improve his ankle for the playoffs. If Thomas is out there doing his thing, the Broncos offense will be able to get on a roll once again. With Thomas joining Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders, and the threat of a running game, the Broncos offense should be very hard to stop. If Thomas isn't fully healthy and limited, then the Broncos offense is going to struggle in the passing game. We need Thomas to be back to what he was last year and in the beginning of the year.

4) Special Teams: Remember last year when I said I was worried about our kick coverage units before the playoffs? Remember when it bit us in the ass in the Super Bowl with Percy Harvin's back-breaking kick return to start the second half? Well, I am really worried about the special teams units this year. We have a kicker who has no playoff experience in Connor Barth. That scares me a lot. We have a punter who is maddeningly inconsistent in Britton Colquitt, and we have been giving up some big returns on punts and kickoffs down the stretch. Although, Omar Bolden has provided a little spark on kick returns the last few weeks, we don't have that homerun threat in the return game like we had the last two postseasons with Trindon Holliday. I am really nervous that our special teams is going to cost us in the playoffs.

5) Running Game/Offensive Line: The biggest issue with the Broncos offense the second half of the season has been the inconsistent play of the offensive line. Whether it is injuries, wear and tear, or the adjustment of inserting Will Montgomery to C, moving Manny Ramirez to RG, and kicking Louis Vasquez out to RT, the offensive line just hasn't played consistent from week to week. Their pass protection has been outmatched and weak at times, and I think that is the biggest reason why Peyton Manning threw so many interceptions down the stretch. He has little confidence in them- especially when teams blitz. If the O-Line can get their game back on track, maybe the bye will get them healthier, then the Broncos can put up points like they did in the beginning of the year. The one thing that the Broncos offensive line did better towards the end was establish the run game. It might have been a combination of improving the mindset and the addition of C.J. Anderson. Whatever it was doesn't matte because the running game improved. We all know that we are going to need that running game to dominate once the playoffs start. If they can run the ball consistently, and the offensive line can protect Manning, then the Broncos are a real threat to win the Super Bowl this year.

6) Peyton Manning: It always comes down to #18. He was criticized for his play down the stretch and he deserved it. Manning threw some awful interceptions the last seven games. Maybe it is a combination of health, fatigue, and age, but it did seem like something was off with Manning. I thought he rebounded nicely in the Raider game in Week 17, and I thought most of his throws were on point. The Broncos can't just worry about establishing the run game in these playoffs. LET MANNING DO HIS THING!!! Let him run the hurry up, let him change plays at the line, and let him throw the ball early and often to get him in rhythm and get him to start fast. Don't just wait until 3rd and long to ask him to pick up first downs. Let him set up the running game by cutting teams apart with the passing game. If the Broncos let Manning do his thing, then I really believe he will play well. One more thing on Manning: EVERYONE is doubting him going into these playoffs. You don't think Manning is going to use that as motivation? There are only so many more chances he has at a Super Bowl, and Manning has to seize the moment once again and prove all of his critics wrong once again-this year there are just a lot more than usual.

7) Waiting All Year for Redemption: Let's be honest, the Broncos were simply waiting for the playoffs to start. After losing the Super Bowl last year, the regular season was a precursor for the playoffs and a chance to get back to the Super Bowl. It felt like all year that the Broncos just wanted to get the regular season over with and get to the playoffs. They knew they needed to take of business and win their division and put themselves into position for a run, but it just felt like they were holding back and saving something for the playoffs. They brought in veterans like Talib, Ward, and Ware just for this. This team has been in the playoffs the last four years, and they know what it is like to play in these big games. There are only so many more opportunities left with this group and for Peyton Manning. The window is closing quickly. The sting of last year's Super Bowl can be erased forever if they get it done this postseason. They know what is at stake, and they need to seize the opportunity. They have thought about all this the minute the Super Bowl ended last February. Now the playoffs are here and here is their chance.