The Broncos are far from their standard of winning…how do they get back into form this season?

Every offseason, much like any football fan, I get excitedly optimistic.

“Maybe this is the year…”

But finishing that statement as a Broncos fan for decades has taken a bit of a turn as of late.

When I was way younger, I used to finish that sentence with, “…that we finally win a Super Bowl.”

Over time, that became, “…that we get to win another Super Bowl.”

But now it is, “…that we have a winning record.”

You heard that right…that’s the sound of Pat Bowlen rolling over in his grave.

That’s the problem with being a Broncos fan. We know what greatness looks like. We know what being a constant threat in the division is like. I’m tired of seeing quarterback competitions, platitudes, and coaches trying to hang onto their jobs instead of fighting to win a championship.

I don’t want to be too much of a downer, as let’s be honest…that preseason game was pretty darn encouraging. It always comes back to fundamentals, so let’s wrap it up by laying out some bullet points on what this team needs to do to get back to winning football games:

• Have a top-5 defense that every team dreads facing – it needs to function according to Fangio’s steering and this is the only thing that makes sense.
• Have a sound offense that can run the ball – getting lop-sided with the passing game is not a recipe for success no matter who starts at QB
• Limit turnovers on offense – if we have a great defense, punting isn’t always a bad option (look back at 2015 for an example of how this can play out)
• Use both formations and personnel to keep our opponents on their heels on offense – hopefully, we see more play-calling like last weekend because it was encouraging and showed innovation compared to last season’s offense

What about you, Broncos Country? What are the keys to this team ending the season with a winning record?

Broncos News:

Injury Report: Pat Surtain II exits practice early with ‘a little soreness’ in lower extremity
Several players, including starters Ronald Darby and Melvin Gordon III, returned to practice on Tuesday.

‘I just need reps’: LB Baron Browning returns to field, focused on preparing for eventual game action
“I’ve been out three months,” Browning said. “I’ve been pretty much watching everything from OTAs to fall camp. It really just feels good to be out there moving around.”

Why Steelers, Cardinals, and Broncos Defenses Could Improve in 2021 | Football Outsiders
Pittsburgh, Arizona, and Denver all made significant personnel changes in the secondary this offseason, and there’s reason to believe all three of those defenses will get better this fall.

Other NFL News:

NFL’s 30 best players over 30 entering 2021 season
Editors Ali Bhanpuri and Tom Blair assess the 30 best players over the age of 30 heading into the 2021 NFL season. How high did Tom Brady climb from last year’s list? Is anyone above Aaron Rodgers?

NFL player cuts tracker: Team-by-team roster moves
Prior to the 2021 NFL regular season, all 32 franchises must meet three roster-cut deadlines set by the league. Around The NFL tracks all of the releases in this team-by-team rundown.

Houston Texans QB Deshaun Watson, again not practicing, ‘does what we ask,’ coach David Culley says
Although he didn’t practice for a second straight day Tuesday, Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson is not injured and is doing “what we ask him to do,” coach David Culley said.

Seattle Seahawks sign Jamal Adams to 4-year extension with maximum value of $72 million
The Seahawks have signed Jamal Adams to a four-year extension that makes him the NFL’s highest-paid safety. The deal has a maximum value of $72 million and includes $38 million guaranteed.

Tim Tebow released by Jacksonville Jaguars, ending former QB’s NFL comeback attempt as tight end
Former college and NFL quarterback Tim Tebow was released by the Jaguars after trying a comeback as a tight end.

An early look at the 2022 NFL quarterback carousel – Sports Illustrated
Russell Wilson? Jared Goff? The Packers and Vikings? Several teams already have wandering eyes, and some players who seem happy now may be eager to find a new home next season.