Denver Broncos Offseason Progress Report

After loading up on talent, do the Broncos have enough to compete for the Big Game?

Broncos QB Bo Nix

Overview

2024 Record: 10-7

General Manager: George Paton

Head Coach: Sean Payton

Starting Quarterback: Bo Nix

Key Extensions:

DL DJ Jones (3 years, $39 million, $26 million guaranteed), DL Zach Allen (4 years, $102 million, $69.5 million guaranteed), WR Courtland Sutton (4 years, $92 million, $41 million guaranteed)

Key Additions:

S Talanoa Hufanga, LB Dre Greenlaw, TE Evan Engram, DB Jahdae Barron, RB RJ Harvey, WR Pat Bryant, EDGE Sai’vion Jones

Key Departures:

LB Cody Barton, RB Javonte Williams

Offense

Offensive Coordinator: Joe Lombardi (Sean Payton calls plays)

2024 Ranks:

EPA/play: 14th Success Rate: 18th PPG: 10th (25ppg)

Projected Starting Offense (11 personnel):

QB Bo Nix

RB RJ Harvey

WR Courtland Sutton

WR Marvin Mims Jr.

WR Troy Franklin

TE Evan Engram

LT Garett Bolles

LG Ben Powers

C Luke Wattenberg

RG Quinn Meinerz

RT Mike McGlinchey

Offense Notes:

Bo Nix’s transition from Oregon to the NFL started a bit slow, but once he caught up to the speed of the game, Denver looked stout. From Week 11 onward, the Broncos scored less than 30 points on only three occasions, and Nix looked the part.

With investments into Sean Payton’s favorite positions this offseason, the Broncos offense should be even more potent. Nix taking a step and gelling with the young skill players could have this group in the Top 10 of most statistics this upcoming season. RJ Harvey, in particular, is an interesting addition to this offense. The Broncos clearly targeted him in the draft; Payton likely is salivating at the idea of unleashing him this season.

Defense

Defensive Coordinator: Vance Joseph

2024 Ranks:

EPA/play: 1st Success Rate: 1st PPG: 3rd (18.3ppg allowed)

Projected Starting Defense (Base 3-4):

DE Zach Allen

DT DJ Jones

DE John Franklin-Myers

OLB Jonathon Cooper

OLB Nik Bonitto

LB Dre Greenlaw

LB Alex Singleton

CB Patrick Surtain II

CB Riley Moss

S Brandon Jones

S Talanoa Hufanga

Defense Notes:

On the other hand, the Broncos defense was electric. First in most efficiency metrics, the Broncos were able to consistently shut down opposing offenses. All of their defensive efforts culminated in Patrick Surtain II winning the Defensive Player of the Year Award, the first defensive back to do so since Stephon Gilmore in 2019.

It’s hard to imagine this group being better, but that might be the reality next season. Talented players like Talanoa Hufanga, Dre Greenlaw, and Jahdae Barron were added to an already deep defensive unit. As long as this group doesn’t have a 2024 Detroit Lions amount of injury misfortune, the Broncos defense should still be at the top.

Outlook

Overall, I think this is a team that is poised to take a major step. I’m not the biggest believer in Bo Nix, but it’s hard to deny his acclimation to the league has been relatively smooth. If we see growth from what we got last year, it could be dangerous.

Now look at the additions this group brought in. New starters at running back and tight end should give Sean Payton the ability to use a section of the playbook he had closed off last season. New starters on defense can shore up the few holes this unit had last season. Is this group too big to fail?

I’m leaning toward yes. With the Chiefs seemingly showing their warts last season, and the stark improvements Denver made, it isn’t a stretch to say that this team could make a deep run. The Broncos should be eyeing the AFC West crown this season - anything less feels like an underwhelming outcome.

Expectation/Goal for 2025: Compete for AFC West, Playoff Run

2025 Schedule

\(\begin{array}{c c} \textbf{GameWeek} & \textbf{Opponent} \\ \hline \text{Week 1} & \text{vs. Tennessee, 4:05pm} \\ \text{Week 2} & \text{@ Indianapolis, 4:05pm} \\ \text{Week 3} & \text{@ Los Angeles Chargers, 4:05pm} \\ \textbf{Week 4} & \textbf{vs. Cincinnati, MNF, 8:15pm} \\ \text{Week 5} & \text{@ Philadelphia, 1pm} \\ \text{Week 6} & \text{@ New York Jets, 9:30am*} \\ \text{Week 7} & \text{vs. New York Giants, 4:05pm} \\ \text{Week 8} & \text{vs. Dallas Cowboys, 4:25pm} \\ \text{Week 9} & \text{@ Houston, 1pm} \\ \textbf{Week 10} & \textbf{vs. Las Vegas, TNF, 8:15pm} \\ \text{Week 11} & \text{vs. Kansas City, 4:25pm} \\ \text{Week 12} & \text{-- BYE WEEK --} \\ \textbf{Week 13} & \textbf{@ Washington, SNF, 8:20pm} \\ \text{Week 14} & \text{@ Las Vegas, 4:05pm} \\ \text{Week 15} & \text{vs. Green Bay, 4:25pm} \\ \text{Week 16} & \text{vs. Jacksonville, 4:05pm} \\ \textbf{Week 17} & \textbf{@ Kansas City, TNF, 8:15pm} \\ \text{Week 18} & \text{vs. LA Chargers, TBD} \\ \end{array}\)

Primetime games are BOLDED, all times EDT/EST

*Week 6 game vs. New York Jets is in London*