AFC West Preview: How Each Team Got Better And Worse So Far
Jan 12, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) against the San Diego Chargers during the 2013 AFC divisional playoff football game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Denver Broncos
NOTABLE LOSSES:
- Eric Decker
- Champ Bailey
- Wesley Woodyard
- Zane Beadles
- Knowshon Moreno
- Dominique Rodgers-Cromarte
NOTABLE SIGNINGS:
- DeMarcus Ware
- Aquib Talib
- Emannuel Sanders
- T.J. Ward
Denver is fresh off of a butt whoopin’ in the Super Bowl and is starving to build a defense strong enough to get Peyton Manning his second ring. John Elway went out and spent big on key free agents, we’ll just have to see how it all works out.
HOW THEY GOT BETTER:
Are you kidding me? They added one of the greatest pass rushers of all time in DeMarcus Ware and finally got very strong over the top in their defense with T.J. Ward and Aquib Talib. Their loss of Eric Decker was forgot about once they were able to steal Sanders away from KC and all of a sudden, Denver wins free agency! If Ware can stay healthy and Von Miller bounces back well from his torn ACL, watch out, the Broncos will have a scary good defense to match an already scary offense.
HOW THEY GOT WORSE:
Losing Zane Beadles to free agency hurts, no matter what they say. He and Ryan Clady had been the anchors of their offensive line over the past few seasons and losing a quality starter like him isn’t a good thing. Manning was tossed like a rag doll during the super bowl, exposing a very glaring weakness in an almost impenetrable offense. Manning needs protection if they’re going to stay on course. Speaking of protection, the loss of Knowshon Moreno might have its setbacks as well. Moreno was stout in pass protection for Manning last season. He also came on strong down the stretch running and catching the ball. We’ll see how second year man, Monte Ball handles the load in 2014.
WHAT’S THEIR FIRST MOVE IN THE DRAFT:
Denver is looking to revamp their front seven, whether that be defensive end, outside linebacker, or middle linebacker, the Broncos need anything and everything they can get from that group. They pick number 31 overall and at the bottom of all the following rounds, so for them it’s about finding the best value.