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Following a disappointing end to the 2014 season, it was a question as to whether or not Peyton Manning would return for another year with the Denver Broncos. Now just weeks away from training camp, Manning is ready to take on what will be a challenging 2015 season.
Second to the San Francisco 49ers, the Broncos have had one of the worst-luck offseasons in the NFL. Losing starting left tackle Ryan Clady will hurt the Broncos greatly, as it would hinder any other team as well. What makes the situation worse is that Denver was already in the process of retooling the offensive line.
Without Clady, only one returning starter will be on the offensive line in 2015: Louis Vasquez. Aside from the quarterback, left tackle is the most important position on offense — especially with a 39-year-old quarterback. Protecting Manning, who’s never been all that mobile, is key if the Broncos want to make a playoff run; it’s just uncertain if they’ll be able to do so.
A questionable offensive line combined with an aging quarterback could cause the Broncos to be in for a down year in 2015, and possibly missing the playoffs, as well.
If the Broncos want to win, it’s going to take a strong running game to protect Manning from throwing the ball 40 times per game. Fortunately, Denver has two capable running backs in C.J. Anderson and Montee Ball. It won’t be easy running behind an offensive line that’s never played a season together, but with Anderson’s shifty running and Ball’s power running style, they should have success.
When the Broncos do drop back and pass, it’ll likely be short-to-intermediate routes on three- and five-step drops for Manning. Without Clady protecting his blindside, Manning will need to get the ball out quick, something he’s done throughout his career. Getting yards after the catch will be important for Denver’s wide receivers.
If the Broncos want to make the playoffs yet again, it will take maximum effort and performance from their skill positions to make up for the retooled offensive line. If Vasquez and company can’t protect Manning, constant hits to the quarterback will take a toll over the course of the 16-game season. Not to mention the San Diego Chargers and Oakland Raiders improved greatly through the draft and could challenge the Broncos in the AFC West.
