Good morning, Broncos Country. Today is schedule release day. We already have a few rumors about it, but the official particulars will be revealed this evening at 8:00 PM (EST). Soon, the anticipation will be over, and we can see pontificate on exactly how tough it will be for Denver to retain their AFC West crown.
We already know Broncos have a formidable slate of opponents. They will face off against five division champions from last season, as well as several other playoff contenders. The odds
of Denver achieving another 14-win season are unlikely, especially when you consider the incredible mark of 11 games won by one score or less.
Even so, Denver certainly improved their roster and made quality additions to their coaching staff over the course of the offseason. Yet that can be said for a lot of other teams as well. It’ll be a tough battle for Denver to earn back-to-back division titles, which brings me to my topic of discussion today for Horse Tracks.
In an article authored by NFL Senior Writer Kevin Patra, the Broncos were ranked the fourth most vulnerable division champion from last season. The Pittsburgh Steelers, Carolina Panthers, and Chicago Bears earned his top three spots as the most vulnerable. To my surprise, he had the Jacksonville Jaguars as the least vulnerable of any division winner from last season.
With respect to Denver’s ranking, Patra cited Denver’s lack of consistency on offense, depth issues, and the history of teams lead by their defenses regressing as primary reasons. Additionally, the prospect of a healthy Mahomes and Kansas City Chiefs with a weaker schedule (comparatively) having the potential to unseat the Broncos as leaders of the division factored it.
I don’t believe Patra’s line of thinking is unreasonable. However, I do expect the Broncos to be much more efficient on offense this season, with their defense still being one of the best in the NFL. Regardless, repeating as division champs will be an arduous task—but one the Broncos are certainly capable of doing.
What do you think, Broncos Country? Do you agree with Patra’s assessment or feel they are less vulnerable to losing the AFC West than he assumes? Sound off in the comments section and let me know.
As always, thank you for reading. Here is today’s slate of articles for Horse Tracks.
