I've started 2 simple polls of late, and though not too scientific, they help me explain my position on the steps The Broncos should take in order to put us back on the track of being a successful long term team.
Although waaaaay too early to count on reliably, of 18 folks who responded, the average response points to a 5 and 11 season, or thereabouts. If even close to being accurate, that equates to some fairly high draft picks (rounds 1-3 for sure). Based on the last few seasons, 5 and 11 meant anywhere from #5 to #8 overall. If so, given there will likely be at least 2 QBs going early, we should be in great position to find our franchise LT! After all, Oline was our #1 fix, per my other poll of late.
And as we approach the trade deadline, timing is of the essence, because we need to look for good deals that might be had, to not only maximize on assets, but to acquire as much draft capital we can, to re-energize this roster, with youth and talent.
But this is where we hit a serious bump in the road......even if we feel confident in the path that will help us become champs again soon, it will not come to fruition if the folks in charge do not see the same plan, if they do not assess strengths/weaknesses objectively, if they can not evaluate talent and which talent would fit best in a Bronco's jersey, if they can not make deals to better this organization...AND IF THAT BE THE CASE, then we have a much bigger problem. Because the rubber never truly meets the road, if a good plan does not have vision/legs.
Therefore we need a new GM (even with keeping Elway as an Exec), which was the 2nd most important "fix" in the poll I posted. And we need a quality one at that, (chosen as objectively as can be) and in a timely manner....to be completely prepared for the offseason, when teams are deeply involved with rosters, including FA and The Draft. This GM must be freed to reshape as necessary. To make deals. To finalize on any personnel maneuvers, including coaches and players.
For me, most of us see the issues and needs of this team similarly. But it's time that a new leader take over, and run with it. This may be the #2 fix (in the poll), but if it does not happen, it will be the #1 problem. Years are being wasted.
OK....if we can commit to a new, highly qualified GM, here's the primary steps I see, in order to build a solid short and long term plan for success:
1) Maximize any trade deadline opportunities, (which is only a week away). Draft capital!!!
2) Bench Flacco asa Lock is ready. Design around him - a rookie, and the weak Oline. Coaches are paid to understand that requirement. Use the run game, add blocking support utilizing RBs/TEs, keep things simple in the pass game, keep Ds honest with long ball threat/screens/draws/other). Lock will gain critical experience to be utilized going forward, and with an offseason to digest.
3) If Lock looks like he will not be "the guy", adjust offseason personnel plan, to finally find our next franchise QB. It may even require usage of our first pick (and more).
4) Build the Oline, hopefully starting with our #1 pick...possibly a another draft pick as well, and/or FA.
5) Start the 2020 season confident that we have the right GM, coaches, QB and Oline for the future. Add players as necessary, including quality ILB, WR and Dback(s).
6) Be a long term winner (again)!!
I can see a bright future, but it requires action, and action soon! But if a plan such as this is followed, I believe!!!
Although waaaaay too early to count on reliably, of 18 folks who responded, the average response points to a 5 and 11 season, or thereabouts. If even close to being accurate, that equates to some fairly high draft picks (rounds 1-3 for sure). Based on the last few seasons, 5 and 11 meant anywhere from #5 to #8 overall. If so, given there will likely be at least 2 QBs going early, we should be in great position to find our franchise LT! After all, Oline was our #1 fix, per my other poll of late.
And as we approach the trade deadline, timing is of the essence, because we need to look for good deals that might be had, to not only maximize on assets, but to acquire as much draft capital we can, to re-energize this roster, with youth and talent.
But this is where we hit a serious bump in the road......even if we feel confident in the path that will help us become champs again soon, it will not come to fruition if the folks in charge do not see the same plan, if they do not assess strengths/weaknesses objectively, if they can not evaluate talent and which talent would fit best in a Bronco's jersey, if they can not make deals to better this organization...AND IF THAT BE THE CASE, then we have a much bigger problem. Because the rubber never truly meets the road, if a good plan does not have vision/legs.
Therefore we need a new GM (even with keeping Elway as an Exec), which was the 2nd most important "fix" in the poll I posted. And we need a quality one at that, (chosen as objectively as can be) and in a timely manner....to be completely prepared for the offseason, when teams are deeply involved with rosters, including FA and The Draft. This GM must be freed to reshape as necessary. To make deals. To finalize on any personnel maneuvers, including coaches and players.
For me, most of us see the issues and needs of this team similarly. But it's time that a new leader take over, and run with it. This may be the #2 fix (in the poll), but if it does not happen, it will be the #1 problem. Years are being wasted.
OK....if we can commit to a new, highly qualified GM, here's the primary steps I see, in order to build a solid short and long term plan for success:
1) Maximize any trade deadline opportunities, (which is only a week away). Draft capital!!!
2) Bench Flacco asa Lock is ready. Design around him - a rookie, and the weak Oline. Coaches are paid to understand that requirement. Use the run game, add blocking support utilizing RBs/TEs, keep things simple in the pass game, keep Ds honest with long ball threat/screens/draws/other). Lock will gain critical experience to be utilized going forward, and with an offseason to digest.
3) If Lock looks like he will not be "the guy", adjust offseason personnel plan, to finally find our next franchise QB. It may even require usage of our first pick (and more).
4) Build the Oline, hopefully starting with our #1 pick...possibly a another draft pick as well, and/or FA.
5) Start the 2020 season confident that we have the right GM, coaches, QB and Oline for the future. Add players as necessary, including quality ILB, WR and Dback(s).
6) Be a long term winner (again)!!
I can see a bright future, but it requires action, and action soon! But if a plan such as this is followed, I believe!!!
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