The Denver Broncos had a roller coaster season in 2011. They started with Kyle Orton as the quarterback of the team, but he got the team off to a disappointing 1-4 start. During their bye week in week 6 they announced that fan favorite and college football hero Tim Tebow would be the starter. He won the first game 18-15 against the Miami Dolphins in overtime. Tebow lost the following game to the Detroit Lions but won the next 6 games in a row.
This brought about Tim Tebow as Tim, despite his offensive and throwing struggles kept willing his team to victory in spectacular fashion. He had taken a 1-4 team and lifted them to 8-5 and made them a lock for a playoff spot. The Broncos lost their last 3 games to finish 8-8.
In the first round of the playoffs Tim Tebow led the Broncos to an incredible, maybe legendary playoff winner over perenniel power Pittsburgh Steelers and two time Superbowl Champion quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. They went into overtime tied, and on the first offensive play of extra time Tim Tebow threw an 80 yard touchdown pass to Demaryius Thomas to win the game.
In the AFC Divisional Round they went up against eventual AFC Champion New England Patriots. The Broncos were obviously overmatched in this game losing 45-10 to finish the season.
2011 Record: 8-8
Key Additions:
- QB Peyton Manning
- WR Brandon Stokley
- LB Keith Brooking
- WR Andre Caldwell
- FB Chris Gronkowski
- S Jim Leonhard
Key Losses:
- QB Tim Tebow
- QB Kyle Orton
- S Brian Dawkins
- DT Brodrick Bunkley
Offense: The offense clearly got better adding a 4 time MVP in quarterback Peyton Manning, but his presence should allow the WR’s to have a better year and renewed enthusiasm.
Defense: The Broncos defense didn’t get enough credit for last year’s success but Von Miller was a center piece at linebacker but they’re looking to move past losing S Brian Dawkins to retirement and a new defensive coordinator in Jack Del Rio.
Coaching: John Fox had an offense in mind with Kyle Orton, changed his offensive scheme when Tim Tebow took over, but he can now implement a traditional NFL offense with Manning at the helm. He doesn’t have any excuses if this team does not perform better than last year.
Breakout Player: Demaryius Thomas
2012 Prediction: 10-6
Overview: This team is essentially a different team than last year’s. They brought in 4 time NFL MVP quarterback Peyton Manning, and they look to solidify their offense. They benefit from being in a weak division with the Chargers, Chiefs, and Raiders. Of course their are question marks about Peyton’s health and his durability. But assuming he stays healthy they should easily be a favorite to win the divisional crown.
Young linebacker Von Miller was a critical part of last year’s thriving defense, and entering his second season he’ll get better. The defense is what allowed them to really be so successful last year and that shouldn’t be an issue again this year despite losing DT Brodrick Bunkley.
Peyton Manning helming this offense should take some pressure of the defense and allow them to succeed.