Denver Broncos: 3 Observations for the New Year
Are the Broncos rebuilding?
That’s a tough question. There is talent on this roster, to be sure. Von Miller remains one of the best and most-feared pass rushers in the game. Even in seemingly down seasons, Miller provides his brand of disruption, finishing tied for fourth in the NFL with 14.5 sacks for the 2018 season. More than that, Miller now has an heir to pass his mantle to in Bradley Chubb.
More from Mile High Maniac
- Denver Nuggets Steal Ducks Darling Bol Bol in Second Round
- Denver Nuggets: Season Grades for the 2018-19 Players
- The 2019-2020 Broncos Depth At Tight End Could Be A Huge Strength To This Offense
- Broncos Position Battles to Watch as Preseason Approaches
- Denver Nuggets: Reflections on an Incredible Season
With former Broncos and Dallas Cowboys great DeMarcus Ware in the Denver coaching fold, Chubb improved every week, thrusting his name into defensive rookie-of-the-year conversations by the time the season was done and Chubb held the Broncos rookie sack record. The Astronaut fell just 1.5 sacks short of the NFL rookie record held by Jevon Kearse. Pretty lofty stuff for a guy that hasn’t really even scratched his ceiling.
On the offensive side, everyone’s favorite surprise for the season was Phillip Lindsay. The Denver native and University of Colorado alum burst on the scene from his first practice and didn’t look back until a wrist injury shut him down before the Broncos final game.
The was skepticism throughout Lindsay’s rookie campaign, most of it surrounding his size and the prospect of making it through the grind of an NFL season. Lindsay has mostly dispelled those notions with tough running and ironman resistance to injury. Though he finished the season on the injured list, a wrist injury isn’t nearly as daunting as, say, a knee. He will recover and be ready for the next campaign. That’s a relief for Denver fans that need someone on the offensive side to hang hopes on.
After Chubb and Lindsay, there’s a couple of possibilities in Courtland Sutton and DaeSean Hamilton. Royce Freeman showed flashes as a rookie but was overshadowed by Lindsay. Denver is set at fullback, kicker, punter and long-snapper. Andy Janovich being the gem of that group. Word early Wednesday is that Vic Fangio, the Bears defensive coordinator is the choice for the head coaching vacancy, looks like a return to defensive dominance is the play. Sensible considering the lack of a viable quarterback in the current landscape. If they can coax Gary Kubiak into the OC role, they may be able to replicate the 2015 run.
On the other hand: