Alex Hoysradt, Staff Writer
The Denver Broncos are one of the most talented teams in football. Going into the 2013-2014 season, Denver was a favorite to win the Super Bowl and so far have lived up to the hype. Their offense scored at a ridiculous pace through the first two games; averaging 45 points a game (1st in NFL), 462 total yards a game (2nd), and 376 pass yards a game (3rd). This is an offense loaded with weapons, primarily in the passing game, with Wes Welker, Demaryius Thomas, Eric Decker, Julius Thomas and Peyton Manning. Manning looks even better than last year and has already shown he is far removed from the multiple neck surgeries he underwent two years ago.
While Denver’s offense has been the driving force of the team, it does not come without questions. The Broncos running game is in the bottom half of the league. Montee Ball, one of Denver’s draft picks, has not had a good year running for 38 yards on 20 attempts. Ronnie Hillman, the starter in Week 1, has had fumbling issues. The back carrying the load is 3rd stringer Knowshon Moreno, who the Broncos almost gave up on. The offensive line is also a concern. Starting center Dan Koppen is out with a torn ACL and recently Denver’s best lineman, Ryan Clady has been placed on Injured Reserve. The offensive line has only allowed three sacks so far, but for the long haul of the season this line may be the Achilles heel of the team.
The offense will get most of the glory, deservedly so, but Denver’s defense has played well enough so far even in the absence of some of its best players, Von Miller (suspended) and Champ Bailey. This defense ranks in the bottom half in points per game and pass yards allowed, but they are second in rushing yards allowed and fourth in turnovers. Through two games, they have picked the ball off six times. The Broncos are one of the top teams in the NFL and could very well bring home the Lombardi Trophy. We’ll see how the season plays out.
Leave a Reply