Trevor Siemian According to the latest odds, the Denver Broncos are not expected to contend for a Super Bowl this season. Given the team’s recent history—marked by six different coaches over eight years, seven consecutive losing records, and a humiliating 50-point defeat—any sign of progress in 2024 would be a welcome relief.
The Broncos seem poised for a fresh start. They’ve acquired a new, first-round quarterback, secured their top player with a long-term contract, and have seen Russell Wilson move 1,500 miles away to Pittsburgh. Yet, there’s a cautious optimism that the same old disappointments won’t recur.
To gauge the team’s potential, we’ve posed five key questions for the Broncos as they kick off their season this Sunday against Seattle. If these questions are answered positively by the end of the year, it could signify a promising future for the franchise. If not, it might be time to consider yet another coaching change.
Is Bo Nix the Broncos’ Franchise Quarterback?
Since Peyton Manning retired after the 2015 season, the Broncos have struggled to find a reliable quarterback. They’ve experimented with a range of players, from Trevor Siemian to Joe Flacco, and even tried a receiver, Kendall Hinton, under center. The latest hope is Bo Nix, whom the Broncos selected 12th overall in the 2024 NFL Draft. Nix, coming from the University of Oregon, has so far lived up to expectations. During the preseason, he earned an impressive Pro Football Focus grade of 80.4, which would place him just behind Seattle’s Geno Smith among 2024 quarterbacks.
While preseason performances don’t guarantee future success, Nix’s ability to make smart, quick throws and avoid sacks suggests he could be the intelligent game manager the Broncos need. However, the real test will be whether he can connect with the team’s playmakers, especially after the offseason trade of Jerry Jeudy. Rookie Marvin Mims Jr. and fellow newcomer Troy Franklin, known for their speed, will be crucial in determining if Nix can fill the significant void left by John Elway.
Will the Broncos’ Defense Remain a Weak Link?
Last season, Denver’s defense was subpar, ranking 27th in the league for points allowed, including a shocking 70-point game against the Miami Dolphins. With predictions forecasting the Broncos to allow a staggering 423 points this year—only the Arizona Cardinals are expected to perform worse—the defense seems unlikely to improve dramatically. Although the team has added safety Brandon Jones and defensive linemen John Franklin-Myers and Malcolm Roach, these acquisitions are not game-changers. Defensive coordinator Vance Joseph’s strategy involves a shift to a “one-gap driven” approach, which is hoped to enhance the defense but may not be enough to fix the issues.
Are 2021 Draft Picks Worth the Investment?
The Broncos recently extended cornerback Patrick Surtain II’s contract, making him the highest-paid defensive back in the NFL, and also signed guard Quinn Meinerz to a lucrative deal. Both players are standouts from the 2021 NFL Draft, which also brought in running back Javonte Williams and pass rushers Baron Browning and Jonathon Cooper. The question now is whether the Broncos will extend contracts to Williams, Browning, and Cooper, all in the final year of their rookie deals. Each has shown promise—Browning with his 9.5 sacks, Cooper as last year’s sack leader, and Williams as the starting running back. Their future contracts will be a key indicator of the draft’s long-term success.
Which Rookie Will Make a Significant Impact in 2024?
Despite emerging talent like Browning and Cooper, Denver’s pass rush struggled last season, with no player surpassing 10 sacks since 2018. Jonah Elliss, a third-round pick from the University of Utah, has impressed with 12 sacks in 2023 and strong preseason performances. Although he may not start immediately, Elliss could play a vital role in boosting the Broncos’ pass rush and making an impact against tough AFC West rivals.
How Will Russell Wilson Perform in Pittsburgh?
Finally, there’s the matter of Russell Wilson, who was traded to the Steelers. Denver’s investment in Wilson has been scrutinized, especially given the team’s struggles and the $39 million they will pay him this season while he plays elsewhere. Wilson’s performance in Pittsburgh will be telling. If he thrives under coach Mike Tomlin and leads the Steelers to success, it may highlight that the Broncos’ issues were more internal than external. Conversely, if Wilson falters, it might suggest that Denver’s problems are deeper and that the ongoing rebuild could still be searching for its footing.