3 Reasons Broncos Country Can Dare to Hope For a Return to Prosperity
The past few seasons have been a bruising exhibition of sports struggles for ardent followers of the Denver Broncos. Fans have been force-fed a tasteless diet of anemic offense, ineffectual leadership from the sideline, and heartbreaking, self-inflicted defeat.
The Broncos faithful has had to endure the nerve-wracking spectacle of a revolving door of underwhelming quarterbacks who seemingly couldn't score more than 20 points in a game if their lives depended on it. The past seven years have been a grim period in the franchise's history, but now, there are genuine reasons to be optimistic about a return to prosperity.
In fact, I see three reasons for well-founded confidence within Broncos Country. Let's break them down.
1. Sean Payton's Meticulous Competence
The first glimmer of hope comes from the new head coach. Unlike his predecessors, Payton brings an illustrious resume that immediately commands respect in the locker room.
A Super Bowl-winning head coach who led the New Orleans Saints for 15 years, Payton is a master strategist with a proven knack for tailoring his offensive approach to amplify his players' strengths. His meticulous attention to detail, unwavering expectations, and ability to hold players accountable have been sorely missing at the Centura Health Training Center.
These traits make Payton a beacon of hope that he can reignite the once formidable offensive power of the Broncos.
2. Vance Joseph's Impact
Many initially viewed the appointment of Joseph as the new defensive coordinator as controversial, but now many see the value of the hire. Familiar to Broncos Country, Joseph returns with an aggressive 3-4 defensive approach that promises to breathe life into a defense that has underwhelmed in key game situations.
The strength of this defensive renaissance, however, lies in the secondary. With cornerback Patrick Surtain II and safety Justin Simmons, the Broncos possess an All-Pro defensive backbone capable of neutralizing the best offenses in the NFL.
Joseph's defense can only be as good as the pressure his front seven can apply, and that's where the acquisition of edge rusher Frank Clark comes in. Clark is more than familiar with the high-flying offense of his former team, the Kansas City Chiefs, who happen to be the Broncos' biggest divisional rivals.
Clark's addition to the roster solidifies the Broncos' defense and provides a strategic edge against the Chiefs' high-octane offense.
3. The Payton Effect on Russell Wilson
Under Payton's tutelage, Wilson is set to operate within a meticulously designed offensive structure that fully harnesses his skills. With Payton's experience in managing high-profile quarterbacks, there's a renewed excitement around Wilson's potential.
The veteran QB is renowned for creating plays out of seemingly hopeless situations, but under Payton, he'll have the luxury of playing within an organized offense teeming with talent. The revamped offensive line and an emphasis on running the ball promise to lay a solid foundation for a dynamic attack.
This renewed focus on the ground game will allow Wilson to exploit the play-action pass more effectively, a strategy in which he's always excelled. Payton's ability to implement these changes will offer Wilson the platform to reestablish himself as a formidable quarterback, and as his left tackle Garett Bolles recently said, make his doubters "eat crow."
The Takeaway
As the Broncos step into this new era, fans can dare to dream about a winning season. With Payton's meticulous offensive mind, Joseph's aggressive defense, and Wilson's playmaking ability under center, the pieces are in place for a notable improvement.
It may not be a Super Bowl-winning season, but a 9-8 record looks achievable and would represent a significant step in the right direction. As always in sports, time will be the judge, but for now, the winds of change are blowing in Denver, and Broncos Country has every reason to be hopeful for a brighter, winning future.
Follow Mile High Huddle on Twitter and Facebook.
Subscribe to Mile High Huddle on YouTube for daily Broncos live-stream podcasts!
