Even as Super Bowl champions, the Denver Broncos know they have their work cut out for them in an effort to repeat. The way the Broncos seem to be approaching this task is by creating a competitive environment.
In John Elway’s pre-draft press conference last week, the GM stressed how competition for the quarterback position will be a major factor this offseason.
“We talked about it from the very [beginning]. Earlier in the year I talked about the fact that we’re going to bring in and have somebody compete with Mark [Sanchez],” said Elway.
After listening to DeMarcus Ware and CJ Anderson speak after OTAs on Monday, it is apparent that competition will be present within every position.
Ware – a nine-time Pro Bowler and team captain his first two seasons with the Broncos – knows that he may have a more reduced role this season, but believes the depth and competition at outside linebacker will provide for just as much production.
“[Shane Ray and Shaq Barrett] have another whole year with me and Von [Miller] and all of us together. I think it’s going to be a better year than we had last year,” said Ware.
As an undrafted rookie, Anderson has always had to play with competition and pressure around him, and doesn’t expect this year to be any different.
“I didn’t do enough to get a high tender. I felt that. I’ve always put the pressure, I’ve always put the blame on myself, and never the organization or the business or how things go,” said Anderson.
In fact, Anderson welcomes the Broncos drafting a running back in the draft this weekend. “Bring them in. We’re happy. We’ve got room. Bring them in. It’s only going to make us better. We’ll make him better,” said Anderson. “Just bring them in.”
Along with the competitive atmosphere, the depth that the team possesses at many positions will be key to not missing a beat from last year.
“This whole year you’ve seen – like Vance [Walker] coming in for Malik [Jackson] and [Sylvester Williams] Sly and everybody switching on the defensive line,” said Ware. “You’ve got Todd [Davis] and [Corey] Nelson and all those guys coming in and playing and figuring out the pieces.”
But Ware knows internal competition on the field won’t be enough for a repeat; it’s the communication that takes place in the locker room, especially by the veteran leaders of the team that will make back-to-back championships a possibility.
“I feel like [Shane Ray and Shaq Barrett] are ready, but they also need that veteran leadership,” said Ware. “I know that it’s that part of my career where what I bring to the game is intangible things [like] leadership, motivating the guys and getting out there and playing when I can.”
While Ware was a captain and leader on the team last year, he knows that his leadership role will be increased this year.
“[Elway] knows I’m not here for money. I’m here to win championships. I’m here to go over and beyond and build a legacy for the Denver Broncos…and I’m glad I’m still able to be here playing,” said Ware.
Just as last week, it is clear that the absence of Peyton Manning is noticeable within the locker room and will take time to move on.
“The ‘Sheriff’ is not here,” said Ware. “That’s a hard pill to swallow. But you also have to think about this whole year that one guy doesn’t make a team… Everybody has to pick up the pieces and build that portrait of what we need for this year,” said Ware. Anderson added that it was “weird” not having Manning at Dove Valley.
For the Broncos to have a chance to repeat, their focus will need to be on daily improvement, not celebrating last years Lombardi Trophy. With two leaders on the team, Ware and Anderson, bringing a mindset of competition in April, the Broncos seem to be set on the right path.