July 25th 2024.
If I were to tell you that the success of the Broncos this season rests solely on the shoulders of Vance Joseph, what would you say? Well, let me tell you, it's not exactly a smooth ride. As funny as it may sound, the tires on this team might just go flat a few blocks into Foxfield. But hear me out, there's some logic behind this madness.
Let's start with the quarterback situation. We've got Sparky Stidham, Zach Wilson, and a first-round rookie to choose from. Not exactly an ideal scenario, is it? And with a volatile offense and a coach like Sean Payton, who can go from calm to furious in the blink of an eye, things could get messy. Buckle up, it's going to be a wild ride.
Speaking of Payton, he recently praised the team's ability to take the ball away. And while that's definitely a good thing, it can also mask some underlying issues. Payton acknowledged that the team needs to improve in certain areas, such as stopping the run and running the ball. These are the basics, the foundation of any successful team. And if the Broncos want to be a top team, they need to excel at the basics first.
But let's not forget about the elephant in the room: Vance Joseph. In his second year as the defensive coordinator, Joseph has a lot to prove. The Broncos gave up over 25 points in seven of their 17 games last season, which is not a great statistic. And while the team did have some impressive takeaways, it's not a sustainable or repeatable strategy. So, it's clear that the defense needs some work.
One thing that could work in the team's favor is the coaching staff. With the addition of Jim Leonhard, a former Broncos defensive back and Wisconsin DC/coach, the coaching staff is looking stronger than ever. And if things start to go south, Payton has a backup plan in place. But let's not forget, Joseph can only work with the players he has. And with the departure of key players like Justin Simmons and Josey Jewell, the defense might struggle.
Simmons and Jewell were important pieces of the puzzle, and their absence will definitely be felt. But let's not underestimate the impact of familiarity and continuity. This is Joseph's second stint as a defensive coordinator, and history has shown that he performs better in his second year. And looking at the schedule, the Broncos won't be facing any top-10 offenses until Week 9, giving Joseph and the defense time to find their footing.
And let's not forget about the rookies. While there is a lot of pressure on them, they also have the luxury of relying on a strong defense. In the past, rookies like C.J. Stroud, Brock Purdy, and Mac Jones have all had successful debut seasons because their defenses were able to carry some of the weight. So, it's important for the Broncos to have a strong defense to support their rookie quarterbacks.
At the end of the day, it's all about the basics. Running the ball, stopping the run, and having a solid defense. And with the right pieces in place, the Broncos have the potential to be a top team this season. But as always, only time will tell. So, let's sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride. And who knows, maybe it won't be as bumpy as we thought.
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