The Rockies have traded Troy Tulowitzki. But it’s time to stopping pretending everyone cares about a team on pace to lose 90 games. Nothing changed with the Tulo trade; the Rockies are still going to finish last in the NL West. It’s time to move on, because the Denver Broncos officially lace up the cleats tomorrow. That’s right, football is back! The excitement’s so palpable you can practically cut it with a knife.
There are a number of reasons why this town is abuzz with Broncos fever already. Among them: The Broncos will be opening the doors to their new practice facility to the public; there is a new sheriff in town running this team; and frankly, there isn’t much else going on in the sports world in Denver. Nonetheless, the majority of the anticipation surrounding the Broncos centers mainly around the players on the field. Tomorrow, Denver fans get their first look at the Broncos charged with leading this team back to the playoffs and, if all goes according to plan, the Super Bowl.
There are five players in particular who’ll be the most exciting to watch this year.
Shane Ray
Ray is hands down the most exciting player the Denver Broncos have drafted since Von Miller, and he has the potential to be an even better player. After tumbling in the first round of the NFL draft because of a marijuana arrest, Ray is extremely happy to have landed with the Broncos. He is also ready to prove that that arrest won’t define him.
Wade Phillips has said he is determined to get Ray, Miller and DeMarcus Ware on the field at the same time. If that happens, look for Ray to be the biggest beneficiary. Ray has stopped short of declaring a sack goal but that doesn’t mean he isn’t expecting big things of himself. He’s already said he’s gunning for Defensive Rookie of the Year honors. Look for Ray to push for the team lead in sacks and assert himself as one of the most dominant defensive players on this team.
Emmanuel Sanders
Demaryius Thomas was the Broncos receiver in the headlines this offseason because of his contract situation but when Denver hits the field Friday he isn’t going to be the only one catching eyes.
Last season Sanders might have been the most entertaining player in orange and blue. He played with a ton of heart while putting up career numbers – 101 catches, 1,404 yards and nine touchdowns. Sanders endeared himself to Broncos Country with his breakout performance and effervescent personality. It’ll be extremely fun watching him build on last season’s success in a new offense that plays into his skill set.
C.J. Anderson
Since landing in Denver as an undrafted college free agent, Anderson has made the most out of the opportunities he’s been given. He saved the Broncos in Oakland last year with an amazing catch and run and proved to be a hammer and anvil against the Bills. The more Anderson is on the field the more it looks like his ceiling is limitless. In an offense designed for his talents, it’ll be fascinating to see if he can live up to the 1,000-yard rusher hype that’s been placed on him. He was only 151 yards shy of that mark in 2014 when he had just 17 rushing attempts through the first nine weeks of the season.
Chris Harris Jr.
Following the playoff loss to the Indianapolis Colts, Harris was visibly mad at the way he was used during the game. Harris made it known that he should have been the player to stop T.Y. Hilton. Coming into this season, he’ll be out to prove he can stop any receiver on any play. I’d hate to be the person to doubt him. Harris has made a career out of quieting his doubters while turning into one of the best cornerbacks in the league. Look for him to solidify that reputation this season.
Peyton Manning
This town is incredibly lucky to have watched Manning prove over the last three years that he is still one of the best quarterbacks to have ever played the game. This season will be no different.
Manning comes into the 2015 season with a chip on his shoulder. This season will be business as usual for Manning. After being forced to take a pay cut, No. 18 will be in an “I’ll show you” mood. Expect nothing less than the record-setting 2013 version of Manning during what could be his last season in the league.
With the start of training camp comes the excitement of Denver Broncos football. It’s what this town lives for and what drives us. There will be plenty of storylines this season that’ll give us reasons to cheer. But the most thrilling part of 2015 is going to be watching these five players and how they progress through the season.
The Denver Broncos are back, finally. Time to sit back and enjoy.
