Denver, CO
The path back to relevancy for the Denver Broncos might be a long one
Good morning, Broncos Country.
Over the past two weeks, the staff at Mile High Report covered the major position groups in our State of the Broncos series. We reflected on last season and pontificated about what the future may hold with respect to all of them.
And after going over each review one line of thought seems to be constant and resonates above all others—the Denver Broncos have a lot to do in order to reforge themselves into legitimate contenders.
Very few position groups have a surplus of quality talent. In my opinion, most all of them are in desperate need of a complete makeover and overhaul. Most importantly, the Broncos lack a franchise caliber player at the quarterback position. And as I’ve wrote over the season numerous times, if you don’t have a quarterback in this league—you really don’t have anything.
Lacking picks in their draft arsenal, a dubious cap situation, and the reality of the Broncos having to get rid of quality players just to be cap compliant—it’s hard to imagine Denver will be able to acquire enough talent this offseason to be a formidable contender in 2024. With that in mind, it’s reasonable not to expect a huge turnaround for the team next season or much improvement compared to this last season.
In fact, I think the Broncos’ path to relevancy is a multi-year endeavor. I give Sean Payton and his coaching staff a lot of credit to getting this team to eight wins last year. However, I’m not so certain they will be much better next year if some major improvements aren’t made. And the number one improvement to be made is quite obvious.
It’s no secret, the preferred selection for most folks across Broncos Country at #12 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft would be a quarterback. But will there be one Payton and his staff covet that is worth rolling the dice on? That remains to be seen.
I’ve went on record stating I’d be just fine with Michigan standout J.J. McCarthy if Denver isn’t able to secure Caleb Williams, Drake Maye or Jayden Daniels. Your mileage may vary, but I think he is a great fit for Payton’s offense and has the traits and football intelligence to make a big impression for evaluators in the Mile High City. On the flip side, I’m not a fan of using that selection on Bo Nix or Michael Penix Jr. In a trade down? Certainly. Perhaps the decisions makers in Dove Valley feel differently. Only time will tell.
If they don’t take a quarterback at #12, the best move they could make would be to trade back and acquire more draft picks to patch holes in a proverbial ship that is struggling to stay afloat. Getting back a second rounder would be tremendous, but that would require a large move back and a team falling in love with someone to move up that high.
Nevertheless, that happens every draft. So, the Broncos may get lucky and get a nice bounty of picks from a playoff caliber team who feels they are only a piece or two away from completing a championship caliber roster. That would be a dream come true.
The dichotomy at play here is George Paton’s philosophy, which is acquiring as many picks as possible versus Payton’s, which history has shown he isn’t afraid of being aggressive in the draft to get his guys. It will be interesting to see how that plays out and whose voice ends up being heard when the rubber meets the road.
As eager as we all are to see the Broncos be competitive again, eight years after their Super Bowl 50 victory, a little bit more patience might need to be exercised before that transpires. What do you think, Broncos Country? Can the Broncos make enough moves this offseason to propel themselves into legitimate competitors in 2024? Sound off in the comments section and let me know what you think!
As always—thanks for reading. Here is today’s offering of articles and media for Horse Tracks.
Broncos News & Tidbits
Mile High Morning: Peyton Manning, John Elway highlighted in Super Bowl LVIII program feature story on championship quarterbacks
In the official game program for Super Bowl LVIII, the Broncos’ two world championship-winning quarterbacks are recognized for their athletic and mental prowess under center.
Randy Gradishar waits for formal election to Hall of Fame
The linebacker from the Denver Broncos’ famed Orange Crush defense should hear his named announced Thursday during the NFL Honors program.
Douglas County distributes nearly $1M in Denver Broncos sale funds for youth causes
Douglas County leaders decided how to distribute nearly $1 million in funding, triggered by the Denver Broncos sale, with help from youth.
What kind of quarterback is Broncos HC Sean Payton looking for?
We all know Denver Broncos HC Sean Payton did not mesh with veteran QB Russell Wilson. So, what type of quarterback is he looking for?
Guest Column: Denver Bronco Player Explains Why Financial Literacy is Essential for Equality
Ryan Harris, Denver Broncos Super Bowl 50 Champion and Board Member of Economic Literacy Colorado, believes financial literacy is the key to equality.
NFL News & Tidbits
RB Index: Ranking all 72 starting running backs from the 2023 NFL season
Maurice Jones-Drew ranks all 72 starting running backs from the 2023 NFL season. How high does Rams RB Kyren Williams fly after a breakout Year 2? Does Lions rookie Jahmyr Gibbs crack the top 10?
Andy Reid had former Chiefs OC Eric Bieniemy talk to offense ahead of AFC Championship Game
Chiefs coach Andy Reid noted during Wednesday’s Super Bowl LVIII availability that he had Eric Bieniemy in to talk to the offense before the AFC Championship Game, and the former Chiefs OC’s voice clearly resonates with the club after one season away in W
Super Bowl LVIII: Brock Purdy has San Francisco 49ers sitting pretty at QB for near future
Brock Purdy’s meteoric rise didn’t just help put the 49ers on the path to Super Bowl LVIII — it also set them up beautifully for 2024. Jeffri Chadiha digs into San Francisco’s fortunate quarterback situation.
Tom Brady ‘surprised’ team did not hire Bill Belichick as head coach for 2024 season
Tom Brady recently said on his “Let’s Go” podcast that he is “surprised” that former Patriots head coach is not expected to be the head coach of a team this upcoming season.
Former Bills, Jets HC Rex Ryan interviews with Cowboys for defensive coordinator position
The Dallas Cowboys have interviewed Rex Ryan for their vacant defensive coordinator position, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported on Wednesday. Ryan was previously the head coach for the New York Jets and the Buffalo Bills, but has been out of the c
Richard Jackson
OBITUARY
Richard E. Jackson, affectionately called “Jackson”, was beloved by his family, friends and colleagues. He passed peacefully surrounded by his wife and children. He was receiving exceptional medical care at City Park Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center at the time of his death. A devout Catholic, he received his Last Rights from Fr. John Ludanha of Blessed Sacrament Church and School.
He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from Gannon University and a Master’s degree in Education from the George Washington University. For over 30 years, he was employed by the federal government, mostly as an analyst for the Social Security Administration (SSA). Other positions he held were: Beneficiary Services Specialist, Division of Medicare, Health Care Financing Administration; Public Affairs Specialist for SSA; and Management Analyst SSA Office of Management and Budget. After he retired, he was a consultant to the State of Colorado Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
Jackson was a devoted father, step-father and foster father. He would take over the kitchen and cook spaghetti and meatballs, a family favorite, and then transport children to gymnastics practice and friends’ houses. He had a remarkable sense of humor, bringing joy and laughter to his home. He adored his wife and would leave her weekly love notes in drawers around the house. Exercising at the Denver Athletic Club, taking walks with his wife, and reading the New York Times were three of his favorite activities. He was born in Westfield, New York. His parents were Canadian immigrants. He was the youngest of eight children.
He is survived by his wife, Joycee Kennedy; his children – Kimberly Jackson (Mike Estes), Dawn Jennings (Ed Jennings) and Kevin Jackson; his stepchildren – Cary Kennedy (Saurabh Mangalik) and Jody Kennedy (Christopher Thompson); his grandchildren – Elizabeth, Chase and Drew; his step grandchildren – Kadin, Kyra, Bryce and Sena; and his first wife Madonna Smyth.
Services will be held at Blessed Sacrament Church – the time and day to be announced.
Students from across the Denver metro are heading to the state Capitol to push for free after-school opportunities statewide.
The proposal would create a “My Colorado Card” program, giving students in sixth through 12th grades access to cultural, arts, recreational and extracurricular activities throughout the state.
For students like Itzael Garcia, Denver’s existing “My Denver Card” made a life-changing difference. He said having access to his local recreation center helped keep him safe.
“We had a couple stray bullets go through our living room window, we had people get shot in front of our house, different things like that,” Garcia said. “Over the summer, being able to go to the public pool, it provided a space for us to all come together. In a way, it acted as a protective factor.”
The My Denver Card provides youth ages 5 to 18 with free access to the zoo, museums and recreation centers. For some, like Garcia, it has served as a safe haven.
That impact is why students involved with the nonprofit FaithBridge helped craft legislation to expand a similar pilot program to communities outside Denver.
“We really just thought that inequity and really distinct opportunity deserts for students was really important for us to correct,” said Mai Travi a junior at Thomas Jefferson High School. Another student echoed that sentiment.
“We have a lot of students in the program that come from Aurora Public Schools, and they don’t have access to the same cultural facilities that we have living here; opportunities that really define our childhood experiences,” said Jack Baker, also a junior at Thomas Jefferson High School.
Vernon Jones, director of the nonprofit FaithBridge, said organizers are still working out logistics but hope to partner with counties across Colorado.
“This is a strategy to work for all of Colorado,” he said.
Denver school board member Marlene De La Rosa said the My Denver Card program has been impactful since its launch in 2013.
“For students that are on free and reduced lunch, the ‘My Denver Card’ can help scholarship some of their fees to participate in the youth sports at the recreation centers,” De La Rosa said.
Last year, 45,000 Denver youth had a card, accounting for 450,000 visits to recreation centers, outdoor pools and cultural facilities, she said.
“I think it is very beneficial,” De La Rosa said.
The Denver program is funded by city tax dollars approved by voters in 2012. The proposed statewide pilot would instead rely on donations and grants.
The bill has cleared its first committee but still needs approval from the full House and Senate.
Denver, CO
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