The Denver Broncos concluded the 2023 NFL season with an 8-9 record, a result that left them outside the playoff picture for the eighth consecutive year. The season proved to be a rollercoaster ride for the Broncos, marked by periods of both promise and disappointment.
An initial 1-5 start cast doubts on their competitiveness, but a remarkable turnaround fueled by 16 forced turnovers in five games saw them claw back to a 6-5 record. However, inconsistency plagued their efforts, and a late-season slump resulted in a 2-3 finish, ultimately sealing their fate.
The 2023 season was a tale of two extremes for the Broncos. Soaring highs, like their dominant double-digit victory over their arch-rivals, the Kansas City Chiefs, and a hard-fought road win against the Buffalo Bills, offered glimpses of their potential. Yet, these moments were overshadowed by crushing lows, most notably the demoralizing 50-point loss to the Miami Dolphins, a game in which their defense surrendered over 700 yards of total offense.
Denver Broncos: A Franchise at a Crossroads
Despite the statistical anomaly of the Dolphins game, the Broncos’ defensive struggles were a recurring theme throughout the season. Finishing 29th in yards allowed and 27th in points allowed painted a clear picture of their defensive shortcomings.
However, it would be a disservice to label the 2023 season as an outright failure. The seeds of a promising future, particularly from 2025 onwards, were sown. The Broncos find themselves in a precarious position, a byproduct of past decisions that continue to impact their present. Nevertheless, they possess the foundational pieces to be a formidable opponent on any given Sunday.
Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson throws a pass during the game.
The question remains: how far can this team go in 2024? Can they overcome the obstacles hindering their progress and re-establish themselves as a legitimate playoff contender? Let’s delve into a comprehensive breakdown of the Denver Broncos, examining their offseason moves, key additions, and potential breakout stars as they navigate the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
Offseason Moves: A Balancing Act of Cap Constraints and Strategic Acquisitions
The Denver Broncos entered the 2024 offseason facing a significant challenge: navigating the free agency period with the highest dead cap hit in the league. For those unfamiliar with the intricacies of NFL salary cap rules, “dead cap” refers to the portion of a player’s contract that still counts against a team’s salary cap even after the player is no longer on the roster. This financial burden, a staggering $67.8 million, represents approximately 26.5% of the team’s salary cap allocated to players who are no longer donning the orange and blue.
The most glaring example of this dead cap conundrum is the $53 million allocated to former quarterback Russell Wilson. This hefty sum, a consequence of his lucrative contract, cast a long shadow over the Broncos’ offseason maneuvers.
Further exacerbating their financial limitations were the $7.1 million attributed to Randy Gregory and the $3.75 million assigned to former safety Justin Simmons. These figures, readily available on Spotrac.com, highlight the financial constraints the Broncos faced as they sought to reshape their roster.
Notable Departures: Addressing Key Losses and the Quest for Adequate Replacements
The Broncos’ most significant loss in free agency was undoubtedly center Lloyd Cushenberry III. Cushenberry, who signed a lucrative four-year, $50 million contract with the Tennessee Titans, left a gaping hole in the heart of their offensive line.
Replacing a reliable center is akin to finding a new starting quarterback. While the difference in performance between Cushenberry and his presumed successor, Luke Wattenberg, may not be as stark as the disparity between, say, Peyton Manning in his prime and Paxton Lynch, the importance of a competent center cannot be overstated.
Good centers are invaluable assets, often serving as the anchors of successful offensive lines. Their presence is paramount to ensuring smooth offensive operations, and their absence can have ripple effects throughout the entire unit.
Lloyd Cushenberry III #62 of the Denver Broncos walks off the field after a game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium on September 25, 2022 in Paradise, Nevada.
Cushenberry’s departure was particularly difficult to swallow given his impressive 2023 campaign, a contract year in which he showcased his full potential after experiencing some growing pains earlier in his career. The challenge for the Broncos lies in finding a suitable replacement capable of replicating, or at least mitigating the loss of, Cushenberry’s production.
Another key departure that sent ripples through the Broncos’ locker room was the release of longtime linebacker Josey Jewell. A consistent performer throughout his tenure in Denver, Jewell epitomized the grit and determination that Broncos fans have come to expect from their team.
Playing on a team that has struggled to find consistent success, Jewell’s contributions often went unnoticed on the national stage. However, his impact was undeniable. A high-IQ player with a knack for reading offensive schemes and a tireless work ethic, Jewell’s absence leaves a void in the Broncos’ defensive identity.
The Broncos also bid farewell to a franchise stalwart, safety Justin Simmons, who was released this offseason. A four-time All-Pro and multiple-time Pro Bowler, Simmons embodied leadership and consistently ranked among the league’s elite safeties. His departure, while understandable from a financial perspective, marks the end of an era in Denver.
New Additions: Infusing the Roster with Talent and Potential
Despite their limited cap space, the Broncos made a concerted effort to bolster their roster with targeted acquisitions. The addition of wide receiver Josh Reynolds, who enjoyed a productive season with the Detroit Lions in 2023, provides a much-needed veteran presence to their receiving corps.
Reynolds’ ability to move the chains, evident in his 32 first downs on just 40 receptions, makes him a reliable target, particularly in crucial situations. His experience and steady hands offer a safety blanket for young quarterback Russell Wilson as he embarks on his rookie campaign.
The Broncos addressed their need for reinforcements in the secondary by signing safety Brandon Jones, formerly of the Miami Dolphins. A third-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, Jones brings a combination of youth and potential to Denver’s defense. At just 26 years old, Jones has the opportunity to solidify himself as a mainstay in the Broncos’ secondary for years to come.
Dissecting the Denver Broncos Offense: Reasons for Optimism and Lingering Concerns
The prevailing sentiment surrounding the Denver Broncos’ offense heading into the 2024 season is one of cautious optimism. The prevailing narrative seems to revolve around the notion that while they may not set the league ablaze, they possess enough talent to be competitive. However, there’s reason to believe this offense is capable of exceeding expectations.
At the forefront of this optimism is the arrival of rookie quarterback Russell Wilson. Having emerged victorious from a quarterback competition that included veteran Jared Goff and the enigmatic Zach Wilson, Bonick represents a beacon of hope for a franchise desperately seeking stability at the game’s most important position.
Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson (3) looks on during the first half of a preseason NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Friday, Aug. 18, 2023, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
The pairing of Bonick with seasoned head coach Sean Payton has generated considerable excitement within the Broncos’ fanbase. Payton’s track record of developing quarterbacks, coupled with his offensive ingenuity, bodes well for Bonick’s development. The fact that Bonick was Payton’s handpicked choice instills further confidence in his potential.
A Deeper Dive into the Denver Broncos Defense: Strengths, Weaknesses, and Areas of Improvement
The Denver Broncos’ defense, while statistically underwhelming in 2023, possesses the potential to be a much-improved unit in the upcoming season. Their performance last year was marred by inconsistency, but there were glimmers of hope, particularly in the latter half of the season.
One of the most glaring statistical outliers was their Week 3 debacle against the Miami Dolphins, a game in which they surrendered a franchise-worst 70 points and over 700 yards of total offense. However, if you remove that anomaly from the equation, a different picture begins to emerge.
In their final 12 games of the 2023 season, the Broncos’ defense allowed 400 or more yards just once, demonstrating a significant improvement in their ability to contain opposing offenses. Furthermore, they held their opponents to 30 or fewer points in all but one of those games, a testament to their defensive resilience.
Strengths: A Formidable Pass Rush and the Reigning Defensive Player of the Year
The Broncos’ pass rush is arguably their biggest strength on defense. Led by a trio of disruptive edge rushers in Nick Bonito, Jonathan Cooper, and Zack Allen, they can generate consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Their ability to collapse the pocket and disrupt passing plays will be crucial to their success in 2024.
Final Predictions: Embracing the Uncertainty and the Potential of a New Era in Denver
As the Denver Broncos embark on their 2024 campaign, they do so with a sense of renewed hope and a healthy dose of uncertainty. The weight of their past failures, particularly their playoff drought, looms large, but there’s a palpable feeling that a corner has been turned.
The arrival of Russell Wilson as their new franchise quarterback, coupled with the offensive acumen of Sean Payton, has injected a much-needed dose of optimism into the Mile High City. However, the question remains: can they translate this potential into tangible results on the field?
Predicting the Broncos’ win-loss record at this juncture is a fool’s errand. Too many variables are at play, and their success hinges on a multitude of factors, many of which are beyond their control. However, it wouldn’t be surprising to see them make significant strides and potentially even compete for a playoff spot.
One thing is certain: the Denver Broncos are a team on the rise. They possess a talented roster, a capable coaching staff, and a renewed sense of purpose. Whether they can overcome the obstacles that have plagued them in recent years remains to be seen, but one thing is for sure: the 2024 season promises to be an exciting chapter in the storied history of the Denver Broncos.
