In the 30 days leading up to the start of Denver Broncos Training Camp 2016, we’re examining 30 big questions for the season. We’ll make a case for each answer; you’ll vote and tell Broncos Country what’s going to happen this year.
Shaky quarterback play hurt the Denver Broncos in multiple way during the 2015 championship campaign.
One of the main reasons people can call the 2015 Broncos’ defense one of the best ever is because they were able to dig the Broncos’ offense out of some big holes, holes that they put themselves into by turning the ball over. Denver turned the ball over 31 times, tied for third-worst in the National Football League.
It’s hard to wrap your mind around the fact that the Broncos had a minus-four turnover ratio yet still won the Super Bowl.
While the blame doesn’t fall solely on the quarterback, the play of Peyton Manning and Brock Osweiler certainly didn’t help. Together, they threw a combined 23 interceptions over the course of the regular season.
It’s no secret that the Broncos offense is going to look different, but how will that transfer over to the number of times they will turn the ball over?
Scenario 1: 25 or more
The offense is a total train wreck. Mark Sanchez, the projected starter, shows that he still throws untimely interceptions and that his 86:84 touchdown-to-interception ratio is not a fluke. With an increased workload, C.J. Anderson can’t hang onto the ball and joins Ronnie Hillman as another Broncos running back with possession issues. Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders can’t overcome lackluster QB play and their effort beings to show their frustration. The Broncos turn the ball over at least 25 times in 2016.
Scenario 2: 20 to 24
The increase in conservative plays called in head coach Gary Kubiak’s run-oriented offense helps the Broncos cut back on turnovers, but Sanchez still can’t find the magic touch and throws a number of untimely interceptions. More opportunities turns into more fumbles for C.J. Anderson and the rest of the Broncos’ running backs, and more fumbles occur in wake of the lack of interceptions. The Broncos turn the ball over between 20 and 24 times, an improvement but not great.
Scenario 3: 15 to 19
The offense begins to figure out what taking care of the ball can do for a football team. Kubiak’s game plan not only helps bring the number of interceptions down significantly, C.J. Anderson’s reputation of taking care of the football lives on in 2016. Sanders and Thomas gel in their third year together and do what they can to help cut back on the number of interceptions. The Broncos essentially cut their turnovers in half and only turn the ball over 15-19 times.
Scenario 4: 14 or less
Gary Kubiak’s play calling plus a quarterback who can truly play under center proves to be what the Broncos offense was missing. C.J. Anderson stays true to his name by taking care of the football, and Ronnie Hillman finally shakes the fumbles that have plagued him his entire career and lives up to be the player that John Elway believed he could be. Thomas and Sanders play like the Pro Bowl receivers they are and help an improved Sanchez flourish in his new role. The Broncos offense becomes one of the elite teams when it comes to taking care of the football and only turn the ball over nine times or less.
What does Broncos Country think? How any offensive drives will end in turnovers this year?
30 QUESTIONS: How many offensive drives will end in turnovers this year?
— Mile High Sports (@MileHighSports) July 14, 2016
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