Originally Posted by JohnnyHammersticks:
Here's the original article citing Denver's roster as the 32nd ranked NFL roster (friendly reminder, there are only 32 teams in the NFL - meaning the Donks roster is DFL - DEAD FREAKING LAST): :-)
32. DENVER BRONCOS
Biggest strength in 2023: Offensive Line
Other than at center, which is up in the air after Lloyd Cushenberry III’s departure, the Broncos have a very well-rounded offensive line. Quinn Meinerz was a breakout star last season, posting an 83.7 grade that ranked third among all guards. Garett Bolles and Mike McGlinchey form one of the more solid tackle duos in the league, which will be huge for rookie quarterback Bo Nix.
Center is the biggest question mark, as the Broncos don’t feature anyone with significant NFL experience on the roster. The current expectation is that 2022 fifth-rounder Luke Wattenberg will take over that role, but he has only 129 career snaps to his name, and those came primarily at guard. Alex Forsyth, Sam Mustipher or Calvin Throckmorton could also be candidates to take over the role.
Biggest weakness in 2023: Defense
Outside of Patrick Surtain II, this defense lacks playmakers at every level. The unit was responsible for a 70-point debacle against the Dolphins in 2023 that made them the laughingstock of the league. Things improved dramatically throughout the season, as defensive coordinator Vance Joseph managed to do damage control and reorganize the defense in a more favorable manner, but there are still a lot of holes that weren’t fixed.
While the defense shouldn’t be as bad as it was last season, don’t expect any miracles in 2024.
X-factor for 2024: QB Bo Nix
The Broncos received some flak for selecting Bo Nix with the 12th overall selection, but there may not have been a better player-team draft fit. Sean Payton’s West Coast offense fits perfectly with Nix’s propensity for quick timing routes that Drew Brees used to work to perfection. As far as scheme goes, Nix is in as good a position to succeed early in his career as any of the class’ six first-round quarterbacks.
Rookie to watch: WR Troy Franklin
Another example of the Broncos working to make sure Bo Nix’s transition to the NFL is as smooth as possible, the team selected his top receiver at Oregon in Troy Franklin in the fourth round. Franklin and Nix were as good a one-two punch as there was in college football, and with how thin the Broncos’ receiving room looks after the Jerry Jeudy trade, Franklin should have an opportunity to compete early.
Over/Under 5.5 win total: Under
While Bo Nix seems to be set up nicely for success, Denver’s style of offense will struggle to keep up if the defense digs them into a hole. This offense isn’t built to play from behind. Unless several members across the defense step up in a big way, the team will struggle to make much noise in what is expected to once again be a strong AFC.
Projected starting lineup for 2024
OFFENSE DEFENSE
QB Bo Nix (93.0*) DI Malcolm Roach (72.9)
RB Javonte Williams (63.3) DI Zach Allen (71.9)
RB Samaje Perine (71.3) Edge Baron Browning (74.5)
WR Courtland Sutton (75.6) Edge Jonathon Cooper (65.2)
WR Josh Reynolds (70.1) Edge Nik Bonitto (64.0)
WR Marvin Mims Jr. (63.1) LB Alex Singleton (61.2)
TE Adam Trautman (53.2) LB Cody Barton (53.9)
LT Garett Bolles (75.9) CB Pat Surtain II (69.0)
LG Ben Powers (61.5) CB Ja'Quan McMillian (68.4)
C Luke Wattenberg (57.9) CB Levi Wallace (57.9)
RG Quinn Meinerz (83.7) S Brandon Jones (75.4)
RT Mike McGlinchey (67.5)
Translation - Donk fans are some of the most delusional dipshits in the NFL. [Reply]
Even if Denver were to draft their "elite" quarterback of the future, how would they compete in the gauntlet that is the AFC?
If I were a fan, just pretend the next decade doesn't exist and preoccupy your life with other more important things. [Reply]
Originally Posted by Chieftain:
Even if Denver were to draft their "elite" quarterback of the future, how would they compete in the gauntlet that is the AFC?
If I were a fan, just pretend the next decade doesn't exist and preoccupy your life with other more important things.
Should be easy. They've had plenty of practice this past decade. :-) [Reply]
Originally Posted by Pasta Little Brioni:
Imagine having no hope for two decades because of Mahomes :-) dude may never retire :-) he will be relentless to exceed Brady on EVERYTHING
Give them their due, they WILL have hope.
Hell, as bad as we were, we had hope during the Elway era. It just makes it that much worse during the seasonal fade as the hopes & dreams die. [Reply]
Originally Posted by Pasta Little Brioni:
Imagine having no hope for two decades because of Mahomes :-) dude may never retire :-) he will be relentless to exceed Brady on EVERYTHING
Originally Posted by Mike in SW-MO:
Give them their due, they WILL have hope.
Hell, as bad as we were, we had hope during the Elway era. It just makes it that much worse during the seasonal fade as the hopes & dreams die.
It's true. When you're down this bad you'll believe in anything. Just look at the optimism for Percocet Payton and Bo Nix. Reeeaaally grasping at straws, they are. [Reply]
