Denver Broncos Season Preview

NFL Spin Zone’s goal is to be your one-stop destination for all things NFL. With the season quickly approaching, we will be bringing you some Q&A’s with editors around the Fansided Network to give you an idea of how each team should fare in the upcoming season.

Up next is the Denver Broncos. Kim Constantinesco, site editor from PredominantlyOrange.com,  took some time out of her schedule to answer a few questions and give us an informed look at what to expect from the Denver Broncos this season.

Spin Zone: What are your realistic expectations for your team this season?

Predominantly Orange: The Broncos have a lot of new faces both on the coaching staff and on the roster. It takes time to build chemistry, but John Fox is a great man for the job considering he took the 1-15 Panthers to the Super Bowl in two years. I expect the defense to be vastly improved and to I expect the offense to have more balance with an improved running game.

NFLSZ: Who are a few players that need to perform this season or their futures with the Broncos will be in jeopardy?

PO: It’s safe to say that no one is safe from being cut from the team. John Fox is all business and if one of his players aren’t performing up to snuff, he will release/trade him. In Fox’s eyes, solid running backs are important, so whoever isn’t performing well will be forced to pack his bags. Knowshon Moreno is in an intense spotlight after being a first round draft pick in ’09 and battling injuries. This has to be his breakout season.

NFLSZ: What players are poised for a breakout year?

PO: Look for DE Robert Ayers to have a big year. Teams will be focusing on picking up Elvis Dumervil and No. 2 overall pick Von Miller, so Ayers should be able to get a lot of pressure on the QB. Second-year WR Eric Decker performed well at the end of last season, and he worked a lot with Kyle Orton in the off season which has showed in camp. Their chemistry should carry over to the regular season. Finally, Knowshon Moreno has cut weight and worked hard in the off season. If any year is going to be his breakout year, it’s this year. He’s also got offensive lineman Ryan Clady at full strength and a great big rookie lineman in Orlando Franklin to clear things out for him.

NFLSZ: What is Denver’s biggest strength heading into the season?

PO: The Broncos biggest strength is their passing game. Kyle Orton is looking strong and has been easily moving the ball down the field in preseason and in camp. He has a great set of receivers, and some promising tight ends. The key here is converting in the redzone instead of settling for field goals like last season.

NFLSZ: What worries you most about the team?

PO: The run defense was such a major issue for the Broncos last year. The team didn’t draft anyone for the defensive line. They brought in veteran Ty Warren in the off season, but he’s out most of the year if not all of it with a torn triceps muscle. If we don’t have strength upfront, it doesn’t matter how good the linebackers and secondary are.

NFLSZ: Where do you see Denver finishing in the AFC West?

PO: The Broncos will likely finish second in the AFC West behind the San Diego Chargers.

NFLSZ: What are some storylines to follow with your team this year?

PO: Of course, there’s the QB storyline. That’s like a daily soap opera these days. Orton was named the starter for week one, but it should be interesting to see how the team uses Tebow in the offense. I think they will throw him in when they are close to the goal line and in third-and-short situations.

NFLSZ: Predict the Broncos’ record.

PO: 8-8. That would be a four game improvement from last season, but likely won’t get them into the playoffs.

NFLSZ:  How will the shortened offseason effect your team this year?

PO: Whenever a team gets a new coaching staff and thus a new playbook, the more time the better. The Broncos are at a little bit of a disadvantage since they are learning a new system entirely. It helps that the team has a lot of veterans on the roster to speed up the learning process, but it will still take time for chemistry to build between the players and the coaching staff.

NFLSZ: What can fans expect from Predominantly Orange this upcoming season?

PO: Fans can expect live game day coverage, polls, weekly game previews and game recaps. They can also expect exclusive interviews with players and coaches. Predominantly Orange has a staff of six writers, so there will be plenty of news and views.

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