Denver Broncos OC Adam Gase Drawing Interest From Browns, Vikings
By Andrew Dill
Oct 13, 2013; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos offensive coordinator Adam Gase during the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
According to ESPN.com, Broncos OC Adam Gase is drawing interest from two teams so far, the Cleveland Browns and Minnesota Vikings. This is Gase’s first-year as the offensive coordinator for the Denver Broncos after serving as the quarterbacks coach. The Broncos have set some impressive records to say the least. They finished the regular season with a 13-3 record while clinching home field throughout the playoffs. Denver would also score 606 points, setting the single-season scoring record as Peyton Manning threw for a record 55 touchdowns and for 5,477 passing yards; both single-season records. Knowshon Moreno would break-out under Adam Gase’s offense, finishing the season with 1,038 rushing yards and 10 rushing touchdowns. Gase will have a chance, given permission, to interview with team officials this week due to Denver’s bye.
With the Browns recently firing Rob Chudzinski, there is no wonder Gase is on their radar. Cleveland is in search of some offense, and Gase could be their guy. Cleveland did however rank 11th in the NFL in passing yards per game at 252.5, but the new management reportedly didn’t like the idea of Brandon Weeden as their quarterback moving forward. Brian Hoyer looked like a solid quarterback for the team, earning two of the teams four wins, but went down in the win against the Bills with a torn left ACL. The Browns were tied for 7th in the NFL for most interceptions at 20. They might need some help on the offensive line as well, as they allowed the third-most sacks in the league with 49.
The Minnesota Vikings on the other hand recently fired their head coach as well, Leslie Fraizer. Minnesota had a year to forget, finishing dead least in the NFC North after making the playoffs the season before. Minnesota would have their own quarterback struggles as well, as Christian Ponder failed to live up to his first-round selection. Ponder would play in nine games and dealt with concussion symptoms, throwing 7 touchdowns with 9 interceptions. He was gun-shy to say the least, taking 27 sacks on the season. Minnesota turned over to Matt Cassel after the signing of Josh Freeman backfired on them. Cassel played well, throwing for 1,807 yards while adding 11 touchdowns and 9 interceptions. Minnesota will most likely have their eyes on a quarterback this upcoming draft.
Denver Broncos defensive-coordinator Jack Del Rio has also been linked to the Minnesota Vikings. His defense ranks 8th in the NFL in rush yard allowed per game at 101.6. Denver did finish in the middle of the pack in the NFL in sacks with 41.0 as Von Miller missed the fix six-games due to his suspension. Del Rio’s secondary was a disaster to say the least with the injuries to Champ Bailey and Rahim Moore. They allowed the 27th most passing yards per game with 254.4.