The Denver Broncos offense is going toe to toe with the vaunted defense.
General manager George Paton made splashes on defense throughout the offseason. Local and national publications believe the Broncos will have one of the NFL’s top defenses in the league.
Offensively, the Broncos stood pat as the majority of their young players, and offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur, returned. Paton did add Teddy Bridgewater for a late-round selection and moved up in the second round to pick running back Javonte Williams. Both were good moves but did not exactly shake up the NFL.
If past was our only predictor of performance, the conclusion would be the defense would be dominant early in training camp.
Through three practices however, the offense has moved the ball consistently with a steady array of big plays thrown in.
After struggling for half of a decade, the team may have found an offense capable of putting enough points on the board to challenge their high-scoring AFC West foes.
Last season, the average offensive scoring output for AFC playoff teams was north of 27 points per game. For reference, the Broncos scored about 20 points per game last season.
Understanding it is still early, the offense has impressed so far in training camp.
From the first 3 days of camp, the offense looks like they have some rhythm with both QBs. Should give confidence this team the O will be able to hold up their end of the bargain. #BroncosCountry
— Dr. Nicholas Manning (@Dr_NManning) July 30, 2021
Something had to change for the Broncos offense
The team has focused much more on the run early in camp. Without much latitude to be physical in OTA’s or mini-camp, the team seems to be amping up the rushing attempts. Melvin Gordon looks in shape and additions Williams and Mike Boone have looked quick and shown good bursts.
The added physicality has given the offense a tougher attitude. All while the backs have been added to the passing game more often than last year, which should help the team get more easy completions.
Additionally, Drew Lock and Teddy Bridgewater have yet to throw an interception. Each player has shown to have moments, with some big plays thrown in. Both quarterbacks are pushing one another for the better.
If both quarterbacks can remain steady and capitalize when a big-play opportunity is in front of them this offense could impress.
🗣 GO LONG!@DrewLock23 ➡️ @Kj_hamler for six! 🙌 pic.twitter.com/iu5hZze4KA
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) July 30, 2021
Second-year receivers K.J. Hamler and Jerry Jeudy have flashed early and often in camp. Jeudy has been the team’s best player so far in camp. Their presence changes the dynamic of the entire offense.
Jeudy absolutely dusting Callahan on a quick throw from Lock. Guy looks ready… #BroncosCountry
— Dr. Nicholas Manning (@Dr_NManning) July 30, 2021
So what is different?
Cohesion, maturity, or does this team simply have too much talent offensively not to show life? The answer may sit somewhere in the middle. What is clear, is the team seems to be gaining momentum on offense and they will need it to get back into the postseason in 2021.