5 Key Players Broncos Need Moving Forward

The Denver Broncos tied first in the AFC West at 5-2. The team has played well and roster is filled with stars that are known league wide. Super Bowl 50 MVP Von Miller is second in the league in sacks. The cornerback duo of Aqib Talib and Chris Harris Jr. are individually ranked in the top three in Pro Football Focus cornerback rankings. Wide receivers Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders need to be accounted at all times and possibly the best receiving duo in the NFL. The Broncos do not have a shortage of star players on the team, but it is other players on the roster that will be needed if they want to relive the success of last season.

1) Quarterback Trevor Siemian:

In the offseason, Peyton Manning retired, Brock Osweiler signed with the Houston Texans leaving the 2015 seventh round pick Trevor Siemian as the only quarterback who returned for the Broncos. Siemian earned the starting quarterback job beating out first round pick Paxton Lynch and veteran Mark Sanchez.

Siemian has thrown for eight touchdowns and only three interceptions. He knows his role on the team is to take care of the ball and manage the game. An average 6.88 yards per passing attempt is not impressive, but the Broncos are 5-2 in thanks to big part to Siemian. In a game earlier this season, Siemian has showed he can lead the team to a win if needed.

In week 4, Siemian threw for 312 yards and four touchdowns in a 29-17 win in his first road start against the Cincinnati Bengals. It is not expected for Siemian to put up those type numbers each week, but it is nice to know the quarterback is capable to perform when called on.

In the games Siemian has started, the Broncos are 5-1. He has played with poised all and is becoming a leader on the team as the season goes on. The Broncos are still led by the defense, but if the team wants to get back to the Super Bowl, Siemian play is pivotal to their success.

2) Running Back Devontae Booker:

C.J. Anderson is out for the regular season with a torn meniscus. Broncos leading rusher in 2015 running back Ronnie Hillman was cut before the start of the 2016 season, mainly because of rookie running back Devontae Booker. The stage is set for fourth round rookie out of Utah to set out to do.

“My message to Broncos fans is I want to be one of the best running backs to come out of Denver,” said Booker at the NFLPA Rookie Premiere event back in May. “I’m not there to carry pads. I’m there to take someone’s job.”

Booker did fumble on his first carry in the NFL, but he has improved since than. He has run for 244 yards and averages 4.8 yards per carry, ranking 12^th in the NFL. Booker’s best game came in week 7 against the Houston Texans, running for 83 yards on 17 attempts and one touchdown.

With Anderson out, the rookie is set to see an increase in workload. Booker is a physical back who runs with an attitude. His physicality is going to be needed to wear down defenses, especially with Anderson out.

3) Inside Linebacker Todd Davis:

With the departure of Danny Trevathan, Todd Davis was inserted into the starting lineup at inside linebacker next to Brandon Marshall. Davis came into the NFL undrafted out of Sacramento State as a special teams player with the New Orleans Saints. Now in his fourth year, third year with the Broncos, Davis has started each game this season at inside linebacker. Before this year, Davis only started four games total over his career.

Davis ranks third on the team in tackles with 34 total. He is a physical linebacker that moves well downhill and tackles with force. His struggles come in pass coverage when he is matched up one-on-one against opposing running backs and tight ends.

In the two losses this season against the Atlanta Falcons and San Diego Chargers, both teams picked on him in pass coverage. The Broncos play a lot of man-to-man defense, leaving their linebackers one-on-one with running backs and tight ends. Davis was the weak link as both teams chose to stay away from the Broncos secondary when passing.

He is not versatile like Trevathan was for the defense, but Davis is still a solid player in his own right. Davis will need to improve in pass coverage or he will continue to get attacked.

4) Defensive End Jared Crick:

Malik Jackson took the money and signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars and Vance Walker tore his ACL in training camp. Jared Crick signed to the Broncos this offseason on a two-year deal in what was suppose to be a backup role to Walker, but was moved into the starting lineup after Walker’s injury.

Crick does a great job at getting pressure with 9 quarterback hits on the season, but Crick needs to be more of a force in the run defense. Teams are attacking Crick’s side to stay away from the other defensive end Derek Wolfe.

The Broncos struggle at stopping the run ranking giving up 116 yards per game, ranking 22^nd in the league. It is much more than the 83 yards per game given up last season.

With second round pick defensive end Adam Gotsis still learning his way around the NFL, Crick needs to be a better force in the run as the Broncos lack depth behind him. If Crick can improve, teams will be forced to pass the ball where the Broncos rank first in passing defense and sacks.

5) Right Guard Michael Schofield:

In 2015, Michael Schofield started 13 games at right tackle after injuries to the offensive line. In those 13 starts, he struggled giving up 10 sacks last season. He showed horrible technique and did not posses the strength to hold the fort at tackle.

His worst game came in a matchup against the Oakland Raiders in December 2015. Schofield gave up four sacks to defensive end Khalil Mack and was doubted if he should even be in the NFL.

“He doesn’t belong in the NFL. He’s not a backup in the NFL at this point in time,” said former Broncos offensive guard Mark Schlereth on 104.3 The Fan.

Now in 2016, Schofield is seen as a Swiss army knife for the Broncos. He moved inside to right guard, but can also play either tackle positions if needed. Moving to guard is the best way to utilize his strengths and limits his weaknesses. Adding on more mass has helped Schofield go up against stronger defenders.

Schofield has gotten off to an impressive start in 2016, giving up only .5 sacks in seven starts. He is a versatile player that the Broncos can use at four of the five offensive line positions. Hopefully Schofield can keep up his good play and not go back to his 2015 habits.