Unraveling the Decisions Behind the Denver Broncos’ Recent Struggles
Assembling the pieces of an NFL franchise's success or failure is an intricate task, requiring precision, foresight, and a bit of luck. For the Denver Broncos, the road to their recent struggles is paved with critical decisions, particularly those made by John Elway during his tenure as general manager.
The Quarterback Quandary
Since Peyton Manning’s retirement following the 2015 season, the Broncos have grappled with instability at the quarterback position, cycling through 13 different starting quarterbacks. This instability has been a significant factor in the team's failure to make the playoffs since their Super Bowl victory in the 2015 season. Elway's tenure includes a plethora of decisions aimed at solidifying the quarterback role, yet they often fell short.
One of the most scrutinized decisions was in the 2018 NFL draft. With the fifth overall pick, Elway bypassed quarterback Josh Allen and opted instead for Bradley Chubb, a pass rusher from NC State. At the time, Elway had high hopes vested in Case Keenum, which influenced his decision to pass on Allen.
Reflecting on this choice, Elway remarked, "Last year I played [golf] with him and I'm wondering, 'How long is it going to take him to realize that I passed on him and took Bradley Chubb instead?' And it took him two and a half holes. And I loved him. But it just didn't work out. He was my type. That was probably my biggest mistake of my GM days, was not taking Josh."
The Drafting Decisions
Elway's history with drafting quarterbacks began with Paxton Lynch in 2016. Despite the initial optimism, Lynch started only four games before his eventual release in 2018, representing a significant misstep in Elway's quarterback strategy. The selection of Bradley Chubb in 2018 further compounded these challenges. While Chubb displayed promise, health issues plagued his tenure in Denver, ultimately leading to his trade to the Miami Dolphins.
Josh Allen, on the other hand, has flourished with the Buffalo Bills, becoming one of the league's premier quarterbacks. His success starkly contrasts with the instability and turnover experienced by the Broncos at the quarterback position, highlighting what many perceive as a missed opportunity for Denver.
Elway’s Tenure and Its Highs and Lows
John Elway rejoined the Broncos in 2011 as the director of player personnel and was named executive vice president of football operations in 2012. During his early years, Elway brought significant success to the franchise. His record as general manager stood at an impressive 64-26 in his first five seasons, capped by a Super Bowl victory. However, the latter half of his tenure was less fruitful. The team's record dipped to 32-48 in his final five seasons, reflecting the struggles and missteps that defined this period.
Elway's departure from his role following the 2020 season marked the end of an era full of remarkable highs and notable lows. His tenure provides a mixed legacy - one of exceptional early success balanced by recent struggles, largely stemming from the crucial decisions around the quarterback position.
Impacts and Reflections
The Broncos' recent challenges highlight the impact of critical draft decisions and the intricacies involved in building a successful team. Elway’s cautious yet ultimately flawed approach left a significant imprint on the franchise, shaping its trajectory in the post-Manning era.
As the Broncos continue to search for stability and success, the lessons from Elway’s time as general manager serve as a pivotal reference point. The decisions, particularly those revolving around key positions like quarterback, underscore the delicate balance required to achieve lasting success in the NFL.