The 2024 NFL season will write a pivotal chapter in the history of the storied Denver Broncos franchise as they turn the page on veteran leadership and place their future in the hands of rookie Quarterback Bo Nix. After a tumultuous few seasons and the departure of Russell Wilson, the franchise has shifted its focus to building a young core, spearheaded by Nix, and placing trust in the capable coaching of Sean Payton.
Offseason Acquisition and Impact On Broncos Roster
Key Players to Support a Rookie Quarterback
The Broncos made a few significant moves in free agency to provide support for their rookie quarterback. Perhaps the biggest move is one they did not make. With at least one tempting offer from the San Francisco 49ers to trade WR Courtland Sutton, the Denver Broncos determined it would be better to keep the veteran wider receiver. Sutton recently restructured his contract to make cap room for elite CB Patrick Surtain II, who was the highest-paid CB in NFL history for about 48 hours. The moves to keep these veterans will be significant in the success of the Broncos in 2024.
Draft Class Contributions
Bo Nix wasn’t just any draft pick—he was the quarterback the Broncos chose to build their future around. His college career, marked by poise, leadership, accuracy, and the ability to process information quickly, made him an ideal fit for Sean Payton and his complex offense. In addition to Nix, Denver added promising young talent in WR Devaugh Vele (seventh round), RB Audric Estime (fifth round), and a player who is already having an impact, third round pick OLB Jonah Ellis.
Adjustments For A Rookie-Led Offense
With a rookie quarterback at the helm, the Broncos coaching staff would, in most years, need to adjust the offense and play calling to adapt to the rookie. That is not how Sean Payton and Offensive Coordinator Joe Lombardi are approaching this season. Perhaps the biggest draw that Payton sees in Nix is his ability to process the offense and understand how opposing defenses are attacking.
Offensive Potential With Bo Nix At Quarterback
Bo Nix’s Transition to the NFL
Bo Nix brings both promise and uncertainty to the Broncos’ offense. Known for his accuracy and poise, Nix’s ability to get the ball to play makers quickly will be critical to the Broncos’ success. However, as with any rookie, there will be growing pains. Avoiding turnovers will be crucial to Nix’s development throughout the season. A successful rookie campaign for Nix would likely involve steady improvement, managing games effectively, and showing glimpses of franchise potential.
Supporting Cast: Skill Players and Key Contributors
Nix will rely heavily on his supporting cast to ease his transition. The Broncos have invested in a wide receiver corps that features both young (Troy Franklin, DeVaugh Vele, Marvin Mims Jr.)and seasoned veterans (Courtland Sutton and Josh Reynolds). The running back group, led by Javonte Williams, who is in a pivotal year following a difficult campaign in 2023 as he recovered from a devastating knee injury the year prior, and three young running backs with talent and much to prove.
They will need to improve on their performance in 2023 if the Broncos desire to take pressure off the rookie Nix. The tight ends room is an intriguing mystery. Will Greg Dulcich finally be healthy enough to contribute? Will Lucas Krull continue his solid play that was on display in camp and the preseason or will the steady blocking ability of Adam Trautman be the modus operandi of the Broncos offense?
Offensive Line and Protection For Nix
Perhaps the most critical aspect of Nix’s development will be the offensive line. The Broncos have invested heavily in improving this unit over the last two seasons, recognizing that keeping Nix upright is essential for his confidence and growth. The line will also be tasked with improving on a sub-par running game from a year ago.
The offensive line is one of the strong points of the team but a question remains at the center position. Will Luke Wattenberg step into the shoes that Lloyd Cushenberry left as he exited in free agency in the offseason? If the offensive line can live up to the investment, the Broncos will have a chance for success in 2024.
Defensive Strengths and Areas to Improve
Pass Rush Dominance: Key to Defensive Success
While much of the attention is on Nix and the offense, the Broncos defense remains a critical factor in their success. The pass rush, led by returning players like Baron Browning, is going to have to find a way to make an impact. Generating pressure on opposing quarterbacks will be essential, especially in light of the offense’s potential struggles with a rookie quarterback. If the Broncos front, with free agent pickup, John Franklin-Myers, Zach Allen, and D.J. Jones can create consistent havoc in the backfield, they’ll be able to keep games close and take some pressure off Nix.
Secondary Playmakers: Elite Or Needing Help?
The Broncos’ secondary, headlined by Surtain II, has the potential to be one of the league’s better units. Surtain, already an elite player at the position, will be tasked with shutting down some of the top receivers in the AFC West. However, depth concerns linger, particularly at safety and the cornerback position opposite Surtain. Riley Moss, the other CB, will need to improve this year to allow Surtain to make more plays and continue to prove himself an elite CB.
There is concern at the safety position. The Broncos let long time leaders, and the well-respected, Justin Simmons and Kareem Jackson walk in free agency. They brought in free agent Brando Jones to replace Simmons but he and the newly minted strong safety, P.J. Locke, have big shoes to fill in 2024.
Run Defense: Can It Hold Up?
Stopping the run was a major concern for the Broncos last season, and it remains a concern until proven otherwise. While the team has made some additions (Franklin-Myers and Zach Allen) to shore up the defensive line, there are still questions about whether the run defense can hold up. The Broncos’ ability to improve in this area will be vital to their success this season.
Key Matchups and Season Outlook
AFC West Showdowns: Tests For Nix
The AFC West remains one of the toughest divisions in football, and Nix will face stiff competition in his rookie season. Games against division rivals like the Kansas City Chiefs, Los Angeles Chargers, and Las Vegas Raiders will provide some of the toughest tests for Nix. Facing elite pass rushers like Chris Jones and Joey Bosa will challenge the rookie’s ability to handle pressure and make quick decisions.
Non-Divisional Matchups: Toughest Opponents
The Broncos’ schedule also features several challenging non-divisional matchups. Games against teams like going to Baltimore to face Lamar Jackson and facing Joe Burrow and the rising Cincinnati Bengals at home in December, will provide measuring sticks for the team’s progress.
Playoff Hopes and Long-Term Outlook
The Broncos’ playoff chances in 2024 largely depend on how quickly Nix adapts to the NFL and how well the defense can support him. While a playoff berth might be ambitious in a rebuilding year, the focus should be on steady progress. If Nix can show signs of being a franchise quarterback and the defense can hold its’ own, the Broncos will be well-positioned for future success.
This is a year where the Broncos determine if they have the franchise quarterback they have been searching for since “The Sheriff,” Peyton Manning, rode off into the sunset following his victory in Super Bowl 50. If they have found that in Nix, and they are above .500, it will be an extremely successful season for the men in Orange.
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