With limited offseason work and several inexperienced starters, the Broncos’ offense might start slowly this season. To win games, Denver might have to lean on the defense, a unit with more experience and familiarity.
“With the veterans that have been here with another year of understanding Vic [Fangio’s] defense and what it’s about, obviously, we’re going to have to lean on the defense,” general manager John Elway said on July 28.
“We have veterans on the defensive side that we can rely on as we grow as an offense. That’s the hope. I’d love to see us come out and score 40 points against Tennessee on Monday night. I’m not saying that can’t happen, but with the youth that we have, it’s going to take some time.
“Hopefully we can play better defense with the veterans we have coming in and give us a chance. Ultimately, [the goal] is to win football games.”
Last year, the Broncos’ defense ranked 10th in points allowed. If they can improve on that ranking (perhaps ranking among the top-five squads), Denver’s defense will help the team stay in games and take some pressure off a young offense that will have some growing pains with second-year quarterback Drew Lock.
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