32 in 31: Denver Broncos

Another year of 32 in 31. Sports News on Tap takes the month of August to preview the National Football League. We spend every day of the month looking at a new team and how they will fare in 2013.

Denver Broncos had a typical Peyton Manning year. They have a great regular season and fall short in the playoffs. This is not a knock to Manning, rather he just seems to not be the same quarterback in the playoffs. This is a 'Do or Die' year for the Broncos. Manning is not getting any younger at age 37 and his window is likely closing quicker than other quarterbacks in the NFL. They play in a weak AFC West, but there will be a lot of challenges for the upcoming season.

OFFENSE
The Broncos made sure Manning would have more weapons this season as they signed Wes Welker. This could be football porn with the way Manning uses his slot receivers. Welker should have a direct impact on the Broncos offense creating major problems for opposing defense running around in the slot.  The other thing that should be exciting for Bronco fans is Demaryius Thomas and Eric Decker could take their games to another level as they mature as pro athletes.

After adding Welker, the Broncos went to the draft and picked Montee Ball from Wisconsin. This is an interesting pick for the Broncos specifically because Ball reminds me of former Bronco Willis McGehee in terms of the way he runs the football but he is no a pass catcher.  At Wisconsin, Ball had one season where he had a big year catching the football with 24 receptions and 306 yards with six touchdowns.  While catching the ball is usually not the most important thing for a running back, not every quarterback in front of them is a Manning.

The biggest concern for the Broncos is their shaky interior line. They lost Dan Koppen for the season in training camp with an ACL injury meaning there is not a center who knows how to deal with Manning. He is a different bird with all of his audibles and it could really effect this team during the season. Manny Ramirez, no not that one, is going to be the first man up to the challenge. This could be an unnoticed problem for the Broncos this year.

DEFENSE
This defense took a hit when Elvis Dumervil went to their new rival Baltimore this offseason and then it is possible they will be losing their superstar linebacker Von Miller for six games for violating the substance-abuse policy. Miller is said to appeal meaning he might only lose four games, but even if the suspension is reduced, the Broncos defense will be completely lost without Miller.  He is an absolute game-changer whether it be rushing the quarterback or making a play in pass coverage. Now Shuan Phillips coming from San Diego might lighten the load on losing Miller, but the weakside linebacker looks like a complete wasteland.

I would also worry about the cornerback position this season. Adding Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie will help, but I am not sure Champ Bailey will be the same player as he has been in years past. Bailey looked exposed in the playoff loss to Baltimore and it is really hard for me to fathom he will be a better player next season. Now Bailey is one of the best ever and it could have been just a bad stretch for him, but as we have seen with cornerbacks, if they lose it, they really lose it.  

SPECIAL TEAMS
One of the best in the the league with Matt Prater even if he has a ridiculous tattoo and Britton Colquitt. Both players can dictate a game for the Broncos. They also made one of the best free-agent signing mid-season acquiring Trinton Holiday to return kicks and punts.  

KEY ADDITIONS
WR Wes Welker, LB Stewart Bradley, LB Shaun Phillips, CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, OG Louis Vasquez - We have touched on most of these players already but one we did not is Vasquez. He could be a very important part to the Broncos interior line staying together.

KEY SUBTRACTIONS
LB Elvis Dumervil, DT Justin Bannan, LB Keith Brooking, WR Brandon Stokley, LB DJ Williams

BRONCOS DRAFT PICKS
DT Slyvester Williams, RB Montee Ball, CB Kayvon Webster, DE Quanterus Smith, WR Tavarres King, OT/OG Vinston Painter, QB Zac Dysert - Apparently, folks did not love the King pick but I could see him being a game-changer late in the season. Great deep threat at Georgia.

GAME TO WATCH
Sunday October 27 vs. Washington 3:25 pm - Mike Shananhan returns to Mile High for the first time since leaving Denver. Also you have Robert Griffin III vs. Manning, it will be a fun game.

WIN TOTAL
10-11 - Honestly, if they have Miller out for multiple games, this team might be struggling in the beginning part of the season and their schedule does not do them any favors.  With Miller possibly out, this team is a complete unknown.

Charlie.