NFL Offseason Power Rankings: No. 30 Denver Broncos in Disarray, Sean Payton Faces Uphill Battle
Overview:
The Denver Broncos, reeling from the failed Russell Wilson experiment, have found themselves with a severely weakened roster. Sean Payton, despite his high salary and pedigree, has not managed to turn the team around.
Payton’s Challenging Position:
Sean Payton, lured from his hiatus with a lucrative deal, inherited a problematic situation. The Broncos paid a hefty price in draft picks to secure his services and compensate the New Orleans Saints. Given the circumstances, the outcome was foreseeable: Payton could not revive Wilson’s form. The Broncos’ attempt to modify Wilson’s contract mid-season was unprofessional and highlighted internal strife. Ultimately, Denver cut Wilson, incurring an unprecedented $85 million dead cap hit, significantly hindering their financial flexibility.
Roster and Rebuild:
The Broncos’ roster, already compromised by previous trades, had little room for improvement in free agency, frustrating Payton. Despite the NFL’s tendency for swift rebuilds, Denver’s situation seems dire, likely impacting the team for years. The recent Super Bowl victory in 2015 now feels like a distant memory, with the team struggling to find a competent quarterback since Peyton Manning’s retirement.
New Quarterback Hope:
The Broncos drafted Bo Nix with the 12th overall pick, hoping he will outperform the long list of failed quarterbacks since Manning. While experts doubt Nix’s potential, the Broncos were adamant he was their desired pick. With limited surrounding talent, Nix faces a tough challenge. The team’s sparse highlights include Patrick Surtain II and Courtland Sutton, but overall, it’s a roster not poised for immediate success.
Offseason Movements and Outlook:
Denver’s offseason was constrained by cap issues, leading to minimal impactful signings and some notable losses like Lloyd Cushenberry and Justin Simmons. They took a gamble on Zach Wilson, adding to their quarterback options but not solving core issues. The Broncos’ draft was criticized, particularly the selection of Nix, deemed a reach by analysts.
That Josh Allen pass up still hurting the broncos . When we had Shaq Barrett and Von lol
— Chris Harris (@ChrisHarrisJr) January 15, 2024
Betting Odds and Predictions:
The Broncos’ win total is set at 5.5 by BetMGM, reflecting the bleak outlook for the season. Fantasy football projections also signal challenges, especially with a muddled backfield lacking a clear standout player. The defense, a significant weakness last season, must show substantial improvement for any hope of success.
Missed Opportunities:
The Broncos’ past decisions, such as passing on Kyle Shanahan and Josh Allen, loom large. These missteps highlight what could have been, as both have thrived elsewhere, leaving Denver to ponder their missed chances.
Best- and Worst-Case Scenarios:
Optimistically, Payton might extract the best from a young roster, with Nix and others showing promise. However, a poor season is likely, given the team’s deficiencies. The worst-case scenario involves a dreadful performance, potentially landing the first pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Prediction:
While Payton’s expertise should prevent the Broncos from complete collapse, the outlook is grim. A bad season seems inevitable, and the Broncos may find themselves considering yet another quarterback in the near future.
Leave a Reply