[Preview 2020] Denver Broncos: Finally attack? | Touchdown Actu (NFL Actu)

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After a more than sluggish start to the 2019 campaign, the Denver Broncos, led by their new head coach Vic Fangio, found a certain rhythm at the end of the season by winning four of their last five games. This year, Fangio and his men will want to start again on the same dynamic, this time helping themselves to their attack, feverish for far too long.

It must be said that since the retirement of Peyton Manning at the end of the 2015 season, the franchise is struggling to find new life offensively. Seven different quarterbacks have started a game for Team Colorado without ever winning. But last season, in a few outings, rookie Drew Lock showed he could be the future. After a decidedly offensive offseason, especially during the draft, is the Broncos’ attack ready to let go? In a very tough division, Denver will need it to exist.

Last season: 7 wins – 9 losses

Offseason movements

With the emergence of Drew Lock, general manager John Elway decided to cut short the Joe Flacco experience after just one season. The former MVP of the Super Bowl thanked, it is Jeff Driskel who should take the role of understudy. With the departures of McGovern and Leary, it is the heart of the offensive line that had to be renewed. Graham Glasgow will be the new holder at the guard post, while LSU rookie Lloyd Cushenberry could already be the holder in the center. Ja’wuan James (already absent in 2019) has withdrawn from the season due to the risks associated with the coronavirus. To replace him the Broncos have signed the experienced Demar Dotson, former holder with the Buccaneers.

In an effort to advance an attack in the league’s least productive quintet, Vic Fangio handed the attacking reins to former Giants head coach Pat Shurmur. In the offensive backfield, to support Philip Lindsay, the Broncos went to a division rival. Former Charger Melvin Gordon could bring his finishing skills to the goal line (36 touchdowns in the last 4 seasons). But the main attraction came from the draft with the selection of the phenomenon from Alabama Jerry Jeudy. His association with productive Courtland Sutton as well as fellow rookie KJ Hamler should delight his quarterback and supporters.

In defense, the Broncos let Chris Harris Jr. go and replaced him with AJ Bouye, acquired against a 4th round draft. Fangio could help the 29-year-old cornerback return to his 2017 level, which earned him a selection in the second-team All Pro. On the defensive line, Denver had a very nice shot with Jurrell Casey, obtained against against only a 7th round draft. His contribution against the run and to put pressure on the opposing pitcher will be an asset of choice for the defense. With the returns of Justin Simmons (tagged) and Shelby Harris, Fangio retains two important elements of his defensive system and ensures continuity.

Notable arrivals: Jeff Driskel (QB), Melvin Gordon (RB), Nick Vannett (TE), Demar Dotson (OT), Graham Glasgow (OL), Jurrell Casey (DT), A.J. Bouye (CB), Sam Martin (P)
Re-signatures : Justin Simmons (S), Shelby Harris (DT)
Draft : Jerry Jeudy (WR), K.J. Hamler (WR), Michael Ojemudia (CB), Lloyd Cushenberry (C), McTelvin Agim (DL), Albert Okwuegbunam (TE)
Notable losses: Joe Flacco (QB), Theo Riddick (RB), Ronald Leary (G), Connor McGovern (C), Derek Wolfe (DL), Chris Harris Jr (CB)
They are giving up the season because of COVID-19: Kyle Peko (DT), Ja’Wuan James (RT)

Le(s) point(s) fort(s)

Which team wouldn’t dream of having Von Miller? Better, which team would not dream of associating it with Bradley Chubb? The two friends look like a scarecrow on the front curtain. In 2018 the pair had compiled 26.5 sacks. Last year, Chubb missed most of the season with a knee injury, and Von Miller has been very lonely in the pass rush at times. His sacks statistics were affected (8 sacks), but the multiple All Pro was still among the players putting the opposing quarterback under the most pressure. The reformation of the duo will be one of the main weapons of Vic Fangio’s defense this season. Adding Jurell Casey to the heart of the line should also put more pressure on the opposing offensive line, freeing up additional space for Miller and Chubb. In a division where Patrick Mahomes is rife, their presence could be beneficial.

If the pair of pass rushers is dominant, the pair of safeties is not left out. Justin Simmons and Kareem Jackson have established themselves as one of the league’s top duos. For their first season of association, the two players accumulated 6 interceptions and 25 defended passes, leading their team to the doors of the top 10 of the defenses against the pass. For the second year of their association, and the second year under Vic Fangio, defensive mastermind, the two safeties should be premier anti-aircraft insurance for Denver. Simmons, operating under the tag franchise, has previously announced that he is focused on his game and his team’s performance rather than his contract. There is no doubt, however, that he will do everything to show his leaders that he deserves a lucrative extension.

Special teams can sometimes tip a game. A kick start, a field goal, these phases of the game are of significant importance. And in this game, the Broncos are pretty well equipped. Third in the standings of the returlers, and eighth in the number of past field goals, the squads led by Todd McMahon ensure their share of the work.

The weak spots)

If the offensive line was just entering the 1st half of the ranking of sacks conceded in 2019, being ranked 16th with 41 authorized sacks, tackles do not offer all the guarantees. Ja’wuan James’ withdrawal for the season was offset by the arrival of Dotson, but the former Buccaneer has never been among the best in his role. And at almost 35, it seems more destined to decline rather than progress. He should compete for the starting position with Elijah Wilkinson, who started 12 games in 2019. In contrast, Garrett Bowles, former 1st round of the 2017 draft, has been quite irregular since his arrival in the NFL. Not flawless in pass protection (7 sacks allowed in 2019), the player is also singled out for his conceded faults, 17 last season according to Pro Football Focus, thus too often plaguing offensive drives. The left tackle himself admitted that his level of play was “unacceptable”. His 5th year option having been declined by the Broncos, the player will be a free agent at the end of the 2020 season. It is therefore essential for him to finally show his qualities and that he can effectively protect Drew Lock on his blind side. .

Chris Harris Jr. gone, the Broncos will lack certainty at the cornerback position. The arrival of AJ Bouye, supposed to compensate for this departure, will first and foremost require the former Jaguar to return to its 2017 level to justify its n ° 1 cornerback position. In decline over the past two years, the player does not lack talent. With Vic Fangio as a coach, hopes are high. Behind him, things are more blurry. Bryce Callahan, recruited in 2019, has yet to wear the Broncos jersey in the regular season. Injured all last season, he will above all have to regain the level that was his in 2018 in Chicago under the orders of… Fangio. But the player could be mainly used in the slot, leaving open and uncertain the situation opposite Bouye. Davontae Harris and Isaac Yiadom still have everything to prove and still have to progress to have the starting status. The preferential option could then go to Michael Ojemudia, drafted in the 3rd round last April. A lot of youth but few guarantees.

X factor (s)

In just five matches in 2019, and without being particularly flamboyant, Drew Lock (5 games, 7 TDs, 3 int) has raised confidence and hope in Colorado. The young pitcher hinted at encouraging qualities for the rest of his career. John Elway, a connoisseur of the position, said his quarterback had the opportunity to be successful in the league. And the least we can say is that the general manager wanted to give Lock the means to express his full potential. The Broncos’ top two draft picks saw the selection of two receivers. Adding in the efficient Sutton and 2019 Noah Fant first round, the quartet of targets looks great on paper. Lock now has the weapons to speak out and restore the Denver attack to its nobility.

His ability to take the game in hand and his room for improvement will determine the ambitions of the team this season. If he confirms quickly, the Broncos will be a serious party disturbance in a very tough division. In a franchise that has seen great quarterbacks, expectations are high for the player in the job, and the legacy could be heavy for the former Missouri.

To free Drew Lock from undue pressure, the Broncos will need effective running play. If the city child Philip Lindsay continued to perform in 2019 with a second season over 1000 yards, the addition of Melvin Gordon should come to flesh out a squad in the second half of the table in terms of statistics. To relieve their pitcher, the Colorado runners will have an important score to play in Pat Shurmur’s offense.

The player to watch: Jerry Jeudy

Selected in the 1st round of the 2020 draft, Jerry Jeudy is presented as a phenomenon. With 2742 yards and 26 touchdowns scored in just over two and a half seasons in college, he traumatized all the defenders he came across. Born playmaker, his addition in a barely attacking passing game could be a game-changer. Its quality tracks and its changes of direction make it a constant danger. Aligned with Pro Bowler Courtland Sutton, Jeudy will not have all the weight of the aerial game on his shoulders. And in such a context, it quickly risks becoming untenable and very effective.

Victim like all rookies of a shortened offseason because of the pandemic, the former Alabama was unable to work his connection with his launcher as much as he could have. The chemistry between the two will therefore take maybe a few matches before being created.

Calendar

Titans, @Steelers, Buccaneers, @Jets, @Patriots, Dolphins, Chiefs, Bye, @Falcons, @Raiders, Chargers, Saints, @Chiefs, @Panthers, Bills, @Chargers, Raiders

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In summary

The franchise has not tasted the playoffs since the title season in 2015-16, but with the arrival of Fangio, the team seems to be progressing again. With a quality defensive squad, offseason efforts have been focused on offense in order to best surround Drew Lock. But in one of the most competitive divisions in the league, where the Chiefs seem untouchable, it won’t be easy for the Broncos.

If the mayonnaise picks up on offense, Denver could become a scratchy team in AFC West and more broadly in their conference. But these young talents might need a season together to harden and adjust. One more year to be a credible contender for the finals.

The prognosis: 8 wins – 8 losses

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