July, the month where we celebrate our country’s independence by grilling, drinking beer, quoting Bill Pullman as President Thomas Whitmore and, of course, fireworks. With training camp just around the corner and the championship window seemingly getting smaller for the Broncos, these five players need to provide the fireworks on the field. (See what we did there?)
1. Montee Ball
During Ball’s rookie campaign in 2013, he averaged 4.7 yards per carry, but had fewer carries than Knowshon Moreno, who got the bulk of the workload. Gary Kubiak will use multiple backs in this offense, and its been proven that with less carries Ball can be very efficient. Expect his yards per carry average – which was a paltry 3.1 yards last season – to get back in the same neighborhood as it was during his rookie season. Ball should also get more scoring opportunities near the goal line, as well, something big backs have enjoyed while running for Kubiak.
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2. Emmanuel Sanders
Even with the added attention to the running game, Peyton Manning will still have plenty of chances to keep his receivers happy. And with Demaryius Thomas’ absence from offseason workouts, look for the chemistry between Manning and Emmanuel Sanders to grow even more. Sanders had by far his best year as a pro last season, and in year-two with Manning he should be even better. If and when Thomas returns to the team, he’ll still command coverage from the best opposing cornerback – leaving Sanders to do his thing against more favorable matchups.
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3. Von Miller
Wade Phillips isn’t going to reinvent the wheel with his players. Von Miller is a pass rusher and Phillips will make sure the All-Pro linebacker is always going after the quarterback. Miller’s career high in sacks came in 2012 – a whopping 18.5 –and with a more aggressive game plan, he could be pushing for 20 sacks again this season.
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4. Chris Harris Jr.
Pro Football Focus loves them some Chris Harris, listing the Broncos corner as the 4th best player in the entire NFL in its offseason player rankings. Harris has recorded three interceptions in each of the past three seasons, but if he wants to be regarded as one of the best in the league by the masses, he’ll need to create more turnovers.
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5. Omar Bolden
Bolden is in prime position to make the roster as the team’s primary return man. During his final season at Arizona State, he averaged 29.2 yards per return. The Broncos haven’t had a big play returner since Trindon Holliday, and Bolden can be the man to provide the spark from the special teams unit. With plenty of capable defensive backs on the roster, he needs to be.
This story appeared in the July issue of Mile High Sports Magazine.