Putting the Broncos 0-3 start in perspective is the key
Sep 25, 2019, 6:29 AM | Updated: 6:31 am
The Broncos 0-3 start can be disastrous. Or encouraging. I know, I know. How?
It comes down to how did you thought this season would go.
If you were someone who believed the sins of Vance Joseph and crew were responsible for 5-11 and 6-10 and that Vic Fangio, Mike Munchak and Company would automatically lift the Broncos to nine or 10 wins, then the 0-3 start is a kick to the gut.
If you were in the camp I belong to that coaching wasn’t responsible for the last two seasons, that it was a decline in talent and depth, then the 0-3 start can still lead to a satisfying season.
I felt this was a 7-9 or 8-8 team before the season began. I believe this is a team that will give an honest effort to try to make the playoffs, but secretly believes it is a team that is rebuilding (sorry, naughty word), ahem, transitioning for the future.
I believe an 8-8 finish would lead John Elway and his staff to slap high fives behind the scenes. I believe an 8-8 finish would signal to them (and a lot of Broncos Country) that the arrow is pointing up.
I didn’t see the Broncos being 0-3, but I didn’t see much better than 1-2. So the first three games are pretty much what I expected, save for the underperforming defense. Lack of talent isn’t an issue there. It certainly doesn’t explain zero turnovers and no sacks through the first three games. That is the result of guys like Von Miller underachieving and a lack of discipline, which is on the players and a lack of preseason preparation; that is on Fangio.
I figured the offense would be a work in progress and it has been. I continue to be cautiously optimistic about what Joe Flacco could do here this year and beyond. I see development in guys like Courtland Sutton, Philip Lindsay and Royce Freeman. I see the obvious talent in a Dalton Risener. I can acknowledge the potential of Noah Fant. I appreciate the veteran professionalism of Emmanuel Sanders.
There is still plenty of season left and an opportunity for it to be a satisfying one for Broncos fans. The next three games are all winnable. Jacksonville is 1-2. The disappointing Chargers are 1-2, and while that game is in L.A., that is always a veritable home game for the Broncos. Then comes a mediocre Tennessee team to Mile High.
Win all three of them and the Broncos are not only back on track, but in this down year for the AFC, they would be right in the playoff hunt. Right now 10 of the 16 AFC teams are at 1-2 or 0-3.
I’m not here to raise anyone’s hopes to unrealistic levels. This isn’t going to be like Peyton Manning’s first year, where the Broncos started 3-3 and then ripped off 10-straight wins. This is going to be a work in progress. There will be setbacks, but there should also be signs of hope for the future. If you can be one of those fans that can find the enjoyment in that, then enjoy the ride.
If you are still someone who believes anything less than ten wins and a playoff berth is a huge disappointment, then I fear this is going to be a long and depressing year for you.
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