The Denver Broncos are 2-0 after beating the Indianapolis Colts 34-20 and it seems that Denver may be even better than a season ago.
There are many people who are still critical of Trevor Siemian. The second-year pro is still learning the ropes. However, you have to appreciate his command of the offense and poise. Siemian does not get rattled and has a great ability to stay in the moment. Siemian is also showing the ability to make difficult throws under pressure. Siemian is not Peyton Manning in his prime. But, he may be a better fit in time with this offense than Brock Osweiler.
As for the rest of the offense, the line looks much improved. One question is, can Denver’s core group up front can stay healthy? C.J. Anderson looks trim; it would not surprise if he had a career year. Denver’s depth at wide receiver is perhaps the best in team history. Demaryius Thomas looks like a different player this season, with different enthusiasm. The tight end position is the biggest question mark on the offensive end, especially with the injury to Virgil Green. The Broncos need to find somebody else to step up and provide depth at the position.
The defense needs to seriously be considered as one of the best in NFL history. The defensive line and secondary are better than any other team in the league. Denver’s relentless pass rush is creating havoc on some of the best quarterbacks in the league. The DeMarcus Ware injury hurts the Broncos from a leadership perspective. However, the truth is that Denver has enough good edge guys and will be fine. Also, Todd Davis has impressed and seems to have filled the vacancy at linebacker with the Danny Trevathan departure.
Special teams have been a work in the progress for the Broncos, which is expected when you have different guys in key roles. Denver is adjusting to having a new long snapper, holder, punter and returners. Special teams looked better in Week 2, and should continue to improve as the season goes on with more reps and familiarity.
These are all good things for Broncos fans. But, perhaps the best thing about this season is that Denver has faced two opponents so far that were extremely hungry to beat them and failed to do so. The Carolina Panthers wanted revenge from a Super Bowl loss and fell short. The Colts were embarrassed at home in Week 1 and did everything that they could do avoid starting 0-2 and failed to do so.
Denver has had a difficult schedule to begin things this season and have showed no signs of a Super Bowl hangover whatsoever. Perhaps this team just may be better than a season ago. One thing is for certain, the Broncos are just as hungry as they were last season.
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