DENVER BRONCOS

Broncos have “opportunity” to win a wild card spot in 2021

Jul 9, 2021, 2:19 PM | Updated: Jul 12, 2021, 7:38 am

The Denver Broncos are not to be “slept on” according to NFL Network’s Steve Wyche who said 2021 could see the team finally ending their five-year playoff drought.

Wyche told NFL Total Access that the Broncos’ defense has a chance to make the team elite and that he’s excited to watch them most this season.

“They finally got some pieces that fit, when you talk about strategy, Vic Fangio’s scheme and what he wants to do,” Wyche said. “Don’t think Vic Fangio know he’s not coming into the season with a little bit of pressure under his seat to win ball games.”

The Broncos went through the wringer last season with key players sitting out due to injury.

But with the likes of Miller, AJ Bouye, Mike Purcell and Courtland Sutton returning, alongside a very talented draft class, the team could make waves in 2021.

“They go and draft Patrick Surtain, the rangy cornerback from Alabama who will stick his nose up there and hit,” Wyche said. “And they’ve got Justin Simmons, the safety, one of the best players in the game, and also at nose tackle, they’re getting back Purcell, who was out most of last year with a foot injury. That is a big returning player because he really helped out their run defense.”

The Broncos, on paper, have the sixth easiest schedule in the NFL, tied with the Dolphins.

Denver’s opponents combined to go 127-143-2 last season, or a .471 winning percentage. This could make the Broncos’ life a lot easier, especially with a healthy roster.

“They’re in a division where teams can score points and light it up but I think the Broncos defense has an opportunity to give a team that a lot of people are sleeping on an opportunity to at least get into that Wild Card spot in the AFC West,” Wyche said.

Denver Broncos

Ashton Jeanty Broncos draft...

Will Petersen

Ashton Jeanty specifically mentions the Broncos as ‘talking to him the most’

"Really, the Denver Broncos, they was heavy on me," Ashton Jeanty said in a recent interview about teams that spoke with him at the NFL Combine

6 hours ago

Cam MIller, North Dakota State QB, visited with the Broncos...

Andrew Mason

For Broncos, isn’t it nice to have the quarterback riddle answered?

The best part of this year's pre-draft process for the Denver Broncos has been not having to worry about quarterback.

21 hours ago

Denver Broncos Power Rankings Courtland Sutton...

DenverSports.com Staff

Report: Sutton believes contract talks with Broncos are ‘working in right direction’

Courtland Sutton seems optimistic that he and the Broncos can work out a contract extension to settle his situation for the long term.

3 days ago

Shedeur Sanders...

Andrew Mason

Shedeur Sanders isn’t on Broncos’ radar — but he could impact their draft

Just because the Broncos aren't looking for a quarterback doesn't mean Shedeur Sanders' status might not affect their draft plans.

5 days ago

John Elway...

James Merilatt

Milestone No. 1: The Broncos finally get to hoist the Lombardi Trophy

After 37 years of waiting, including four seasons that ended in the ultimate disappointment, the Broncos were finally able to win the Super Bowl

5 days ago

(Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)...

James Merilatt

Milestone No. 2: Tebow Mania becomes the biggest story in sports

During a six-game winning streak that turned the 2-5 Broncos into a playoff contender, Tim Tebow became the biggest story in all of sports

6 days ago

Broncos have “opportunity” to win a wild card spot in 2021