The Broncos haven’t yet proven they’re ready to contend in the playoffs.
Considering what we witnessed over the weekend, it’s possible that the Denver Broncos’ exclusion from the postseason was a good thing. The Broncos were the hottest team in the league at one point, but the way things were going, they wouldn’t have made the playoffs. Taking that action might have resulted in a Wild Card blowout, similar to what some teams did on Saturday.
Although it’s been far too long, I enjoy it when the Broncos get to the postseason. I want them to be able to create some noise when they compete in the tournament again!
I also enjoy driving my old Jeep Wrangler TJ with the top down and thinking about life and sports! The outcome of those weeklong trips is as follows.
Get comfortable, as we embark on a journey through my mind.
NFL quarterbacks nowadays must perform under duress, particularly during the postseason. Defense coordinators know how to apply pressure frequently and early, and their defenders are excellent. The best quarterbacks are accustomed to seeing unusual blitzes and know how to counterattack. That usually comes in the form of hot reads and figuring out where defenses are taking chances and becoming vulnerable.
Though he will never be regarded as a great player by fans or analysts, Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff was outstanding during the Wild Card Round. On Sunday, he guided his team to its first postseason victory since 1991 as the Lions defeated the Los Angeles Rams 24-23. Goff accomplished that by playing flawlessly (21-for-21) when not under duress.
The Broncos offensive line has received a lot of attention, but film analysis and new data indicate that they are a stronger unit than some fans realize. Most of the O-Line should return in 2024, in my opinion, though there may be a shift at center if Lloyd Cushenberry leaves in free agency
The Broncos, in Sean Payton’s offense, must play on time and with rhythm, regardless of who is starting at center. While making plays under duress is admirable, a quarterback must be as perfect as possible when there is no pressure. Goff played like that on Sunday, and the Lions are moving on to the Divisional Round largely because of his performance.
Jordan Love’s raw ability was obvious when I watched him during the 2020 Senior Bowl practice week. I had a first-round grade on the young quarterback from Utah State because I liked him on film, but I really wanted to watch him play against the best college football players, and that’s exactly what happened in Mobile this year.
That year’s interesting thing was that Love was there with guys like Jalen Hurts and Justin Herbert. Love demonstrated his natural abilities during the practice week, showcasing his physical prowess (arm strength, mobility). He did not, however, appear to be as proficient as Herbert in terms of pass placement and receiver leadership. In passing drills, Love did not appear to be as proficient as Hurts in reading the entire field. Put simply, Love appeared unpolished, and whichever team chose him would have to exercise patience.
Superstar Aaron Rodgers was still the starting quarterback for the Green Bay Packers that year, but Love was selected in the first round. The team was going to develop Love in the same way that they had developed Rodgers for a few seasons behind Brett Favre years prior. The Packers knew it was time for Love to fulfill his potential after waiting for his turn when Rodgers (finally) moved on in 2023. Love grew more experienced and more beautiful as 2023 went on. The Packers’ playoff appearance and victory in the Wild Card Round were the fruits of their perseverance.
There is a route where patience can pay off if the Broncos choose a quarterback in the first round of the 2024 NFL draft. Getting a quarterbacking experience as soon as possible is a good idea, but it all depends on how prepared the rookie player is for it. The Packers’ patience has now paid off, even though love was not realized.
