When you talk about the Denver Broncos one thing comes to mind, the QB. However, there are several other questions that the Broncos have going into training camp as well. The offensive line, defense and running game all come to mind. We will examine some of these questions below.
These questions will go from least to most important.
- Can the running game improve?
In 2016, the running game for the Denver Broncos hit a wall around week 6. This was the point at which starting RB CJ Anderson went down with a season-ending knee injury. Rookie Devontae Booker was unable to carry the load.
Therefore, the Broncos went out and drafted RB De’Angelo Henderson out of Coastal Carolina. They hope by adding another back, there will be some depth and not so many issues. When you only average 3.6 yards per carry and rank 28th in the league, nothing is a bad choice.
- Who will win the QB battle?
Going into the 2017 season the battle for starting QB is to be an open competition. However, many around the league feel that Trevor Siemian will once again be the starter. This would be the smart move. With the top 10 defense that is on the other side of the ball, playing the 3-year veteran would be most advantageous.
Nevertheless, Denver threw a monkey wrench into the whole situation. They drafted Chad Kelly, QB out of Mississippi. There was a lot of talk about this kid being one of the top QBs in the 2017 NFL Draft. That was until he tore his ACL and meniscus in November of 2016. Denver now has three young QBs in its mix.
- How much has the offensive line improved?
The offensive line for the Denver Broncos was one of the most talked about in the league in 2016. Not because they were good. It was because of how bad they were. The Broncos spent big money at the two most important offensive line positions in 2016. The signed tackles Donald Stephenson and Russell Okung to protect the QB. That did not work out so well. The Broncos benched Stephenson at one point during last season and Okung is now with the Los Angeles Chargers.
To solve the issue General Manager, John Elway made some moves. He signed G Ronald Leary from the Dallas Cowboys and drafted tackle Garett Bolles in the first round. The Denver Broncos expect both to be day one starters. This should solidify the issues on the offensive line.
The Denver Broncos play in what is now a tough AFC West. There will be no laying down from their division opponents. They are going to find the answers to these questions early in training camp. If they are still asking them during the season, the season could be a long one.