A Number of Issues Addressed as John Elway Wraps up the Denver Broncos Season

Denver Broncos Vice-President and General Manager, John Elway met with the media on Tuesday to discuss the decision to part ways with John Fox and what’s next for the future of the organization.

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There are a number of points I want to hit on from the press conference but there is one overriding take away. Elway is about winning Super Bowls and anything short of that is a failure, and he will do whatever it takes to get that done.

With that said, there were a number of things that Elway said that were telling and interesting.

Different visions: Elway was very honest when he said that he and Fox “disagreed on how to get to the next level.” He did not go into detail but clearly Elway was not happy with the team’s preparation and approach in big games.

Not peaking at the right time: When asked what was missing, Elway pointed to the idea that the Broncos are not playing well at the right time. It’s great to get off to fast starts as the Broncos have done in the past two seasons, but they have not played well down the stretch and that has carried over into the playoffs. The Seattle Seahawks were 6-4 and people were writing them off and they have sense won 7 straight games, and have been dominant. That’s what Elway wants, a team that is peaking in December and January.

Like minds: Elway clearly wants a coach who sees the game the way he sees it and someone who will match his competitive fire. This is not a shot a Fox but he was and is a more relaxed coach, and that’s not Elway. He wants a coach who “aches to win championships”, and that will be a key point when the interviews begin.

Expect Peyton Manning back: This is obviously a pure guess but based on what Elway said on Tuesday, I believe Manning will be back. Elway said he will give Manning 4-5 weeks to relax and take time away but he also said that he will consult with Manning on the coaching search. A lot can change but at this point, I would look for Manning to return in 2015.

Kicking and screaming: Those were the words Elway used to describe how he wants to see the Broncos go out, if they have to go out. He clearly was not happy with the intensity or lack of intensity that was exhibited on Sunday afternoon. The Broncos, for whatever reason, were not ready to play on Sunday and Elway clearly put that on Fox. The most telling quote was when Elway said, “I’m disappointed we did not play with more fire.”

This is not a rebuild: Contrary to some national reports, Elway clearly believes that the Broncos are good enough to win right now. He talked about how much talent is on the roster and that this team is ready to win now. As long as Elway is running the franchise, the goal will always be the same and that’s to win championships.

Those are just a few of the high points of Elway’s end of the season press conference and while it was a disappointing end, fans should take comfort in the idea that Elway is as upset and angry as you are.

There are many other teams who would look at 12-4 and a fourth straight division title as a good season, and it was a good season. Elway, though, has no interest in good. He wants great and that should make every Broncos fan feel a little better today.