After two impressive preseason performances, I think it’s safe to say the Denver Broncos will be better than a lot of pundits and analysts believe. Whether it was Pro Football Focus, the betting lines in Las Vegas, or a handful of other outlets—the talking heads considered the Broncos’ 2024 season dead on arrival before it had even begun. But after two impressive preseason performances with a lot of veterans, youth, and rookies showing promise and development perhaps their tune will change.
Surely, a lot of hypotheticals are at play, but Broncos Country have a lot of reasons to be optimistic based on what we have seen over the past month. Let’s go over a handful, shall we?
“First and foremost, the early returns on the franchise’s 2024 NFL Draft class look extremely promising. There is a reason why the brass calling the shots at Dove Valley are so confident the draft will be foundational and transformative for the franchise,” said one team official.
Bo Nix and Jonah Elliss, their first two selections, look poised to make a positive impact in their rookie campaigns. But it isn’t just them, fifth-round picks Kris Abrams-Draine and Audric Estime look to have earned solid backup roles for their debut seasons. Last but not least, Devaughn Vele might end up surprising and have a productive rookie campaign at receiver if all goes well. “I don’t think anyone was expecting him to flash as much as he has to date. So far, so good for the Class of 2024. I think their future looks bright, how about you?” said a scout.
The list of good things to talk about doesn’t end there. After back-to-back seasons landing on injured reserve, long-time veteran Tim Patrick was all smiles against the Packers on Sunday night. “If he can revert to his pre-injury form, the Broncos will have another consistent dimension to their passing attack that has been void the past two seasons. Good luck covering him, Courtland Sutton, Josh Reynolds, and the bevvy of other receivers the team boasts. It’s going to be hard to stop that size and physicality, especially with a young quarterback dialed in who has been the,” said a former player.
“Everyone knows that Vance Joseph’s defense struggled mightily against the run in 2023. However, it appears things are changing for their upcoming campaign. In just two preseason games it’s surely looking like a strength given the various additions they made to the front seven this offseason. The Colts and Packers averaged less than 3.4 yards per carry against Denver which is 1.6 yards per carry less than they allowed last season. If they can keep that up, expect a huge jump in their final defensive rankings compared to their disastrous ‘23 endeavors,” said an analyst.
“In just a few weeks, the Broncos will travel to Seattle to face the Seahawks for their opening game of the season. And I can tell you right now, they are starting off a season with win and will back that up with another after taking down Russell Wilson and the Pittsburgh Steelers at home the following week. The power of belief is an incredible thing, and I believe Head Coach Sean Payton and his coaching staff has changed the mindset and culture of this franchise,” said a confident fan.