A month after winning the Super Bowl the Denver Broncos had a complete overhaul on the offensive side of the ball. The Broncos’ victory in Super Bowl 50 was very characteristic of the entire season — a phenomenal defense that carried a poor offense.
John Elway knew that this recipe for success would not be able to be sustained, so he took major action. Now, in the last week of OTAs, more than half of the starting offense has been replaced, as the Broncos will have at least six new starters out of the possible 11.
On Wednesday, Demaryius Thomas said that these changes have been for the better. When asked how he felt about the offense after OTAs and mandatory minicamp, Thomas had very little doubt.
“Very confident [in the offense],” said Thomas. “We put in some new stuff. Obviously getting the reps in with all the different quarterbacks — but I don’t who will be that guy — but just to be here and get reps with the new offense and the new stuff we put in and getting more comfortable.”
While last year the offense was a hybrid of Gary Kubiak’s offense and Peyton Manning’s offense, having one season of experience in Kubiak’s system has still been very beneficial to the players.
“This is going to be our second year. The first year is tough because we were just throwing the ball, throwing the ball the first four years, and now that it’s our second year in [the offense] the guys have bought in to it,” said Thomas. “And we brought new guys in to fit the offense, so I look forward to it.”
There have been plenty of new players added for this offense since February. In free agency the Broncos added likely starters on the offensive line — Donald Stephenson and Russell Okung — and at tight end — Garrett Graham. Additionally, on the offensive line the Broncos plan to have two new starting guards — Ty Sambrailo and Max Garcia.
They also traded for quarterback Mark Sanchez, who is currently in a tight quarterback competition with Trevor Siemian. In the draft, the Broncos added fullback Andy Janovich, who will most likely receive a lot of playing time in this offense, and quarterback-of-the-future Paxton Lynch.
Although the competition at quarterback seems very necessary now, Thomas did admit that it is making it more difficult for the offense to gel. When he was asked if the uncertainty at quarterback was difficult, Thomas responded honestly.
“Kind of,” said Thomas. “I’m guessing — I don’t really know right now — but whoever it is [at quarterback has] been looking good. We’ve been going with every quarterback this OTA so everybody got their own ways and we going to make completions here and there … so we will see what goes on.”
Even though it is difficult not knowing who the quarterback is now, Thomas knows Kubiak will make the decision with enough time to allow the offense to find its connection.
“Coach [Kubiak] going to make a decision weeks leading up to the first preseason game, so we will have enough time to get that connection down,” said Thomas.
Until then, the Broncos players have six weeks where they can’t be at the facility (unless they are injured) or make any contact with coaches — otherwise known as time off. Thomas said he will stay in great shape during the break, something all Broncos fan needed to hear.
“I’ll get away for a little bit, but I’m going to be working out still. I’m going to make sure I come back in great shape. I’ll be here early,” said Thomas.
Sometimes change is for the better, and according to Thomas — the highest paid player on the offense — the changes this offseason have been for the better.