The Denver Broncos can continue their winning ways, even with newly-acquired quarterback Mark Sanchez.
The Broncos were spurned by the heir apparent to Peyton Manning when Brock Osweiler signed with the Houston Texans.
In response, the Broncos acquired Mark Sanchez from the Eagles in return for a conditional draft pick. Now, there is talk about multiple moves coming at the quarterback position, with the Broncos linked to discussions regarding Colin Kaepernick and Ryan Fitzpatrick.
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There is no need, however, as Sanchez can win with this Broncos’ team.
Many, including Jets’ fans, like to forget that Sanchez was at the helm when the team went to two straight AFC title games. Now, did he light the world on fire over those two seasons? No, take a look: 474-of-871, 54.4 completion percentage, 5,735 yards, 29 touchdowns and 33 interceptions.
Those numbers won’t blow anyone away by any means. But, to see the true Sanchez over those two seasons (2009-10), look in more detail. Look at how Sanchez performed when the chips were down and his ability to excel in a big spot becomes crystal clear.
Over his first two seasons with the Jets, playoffs included, Sanchez led seven game-winning drives according to Pro Football Reference. Peyton Manning led eight over his first two seasons. Joe Montana led four such drives. Sanchez showed a maturity early in his career that was beyond his years. His ability to step up when the Jets needed him the most showed the world a player that every chance to achieve an excellent career.
Sanchez’s play in the playoffs is some of the best work the franchise has ever seen: 95-of-157, 60.5 completion percentage, 1,155 yards, nine touchdowns and three interceptions.
These numbers led the team to four road playoff victories over two seasons, a number not often equaled. His three touchdown performance against the New England Patriots in the 2010 AFC Divisional Playoffs at Foxborough spearheaded a 28-21 upset of the favored Pats. His touchdown toss to Santonio Holmes in the corner of the end zone was arguably the most memorable play of the game.
In the right situation, Sanchez can play.
Now look at the situation Sanchez is walking into with the Broncos. In 2015, the Broncos sported the number one defense in the league. Super Bowl 50 MVP Von Miller (11.5) and outside linebacker DeMarcus Ware (7.5) combined for 19 of the team’s NFL-leading 52 sacks. That duo can seemingly get to the quarterback at will. Denver was also a run-first team as running backs Ronnie Hillman (863) and C.J. Anderson (720) both totaled 700-plus yards on the ground.
Does this sound familiar? In 2009, the Jets were the number-one defensive team in the league and boasted the NFL’s number-one rushing attack. In 2010, the Jets were number four on the league in rushing, and third in defense. Over those two seasons, Calvin Pace was the Jets’ leading sack artist, but he never posted more than eight sacks in either season. The Jets relied on a scheme to get to the quarterback that distributed the sack totals throughout the roster.
Remember, it never took outstanding quarterback play to win with this current Broncos’ team. Last year, Manning threw nine touchdowns and 17 interceptions in his nine regular-season starts and the team went 7-2 in those contests. Osweiler threw for 10 scores and was picked off six times in his seven starts. Surely, Sanchez could muster better numbers than that.
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Fear not, Broncos’ fans. With the current setup, Sanchez can get the job done.
I didn’t say “make you forget Peyton Manning.” I said get the job done.