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Broncos' offense powerful enough to lead team to Super Bowl glory again

Aaron Doster / USA TODAY Sports

Prior to the 2016 season, there were rampant concerns about how the Denver Broncos' offense would operate in the wake of Peyton Manning's retirement. After leading the Broncos to a 3-0 start, quarterback Trevor Siemian and Co. have shown they are more than capable of winning a second consecutive Super Bowl.

It could be derided as a case of champagne problems, but wide receivers Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders ripped into the offense for their relative lack of production, despite their unbeaten record. Thomas and Sanders took issue with their touches, while C.J. Anderson lamented the team's inability to finish drives, and every member of the veteran trio indirectly focused their ire towards Siemian. In turn, Siemian responded with a strong performance Sunday, going 23-of-35 for 312 yards, four touchdowns, and no interceptions in a robust 29-17 victory over the Bengals.

It's clear that Siemian needs to improve in many facets of the game, but he's exceeded expectations against two 2015 playoff teams, and an admittedly weak Colts defense.

The 24-year-old's release leaves plenty to be desired, often throwing knuckleballs on short-to-intermediate routes. However, his deep-ball accuracy was excellent against the Bengals, and though he'll never be a conventional leader in the mold of Manning, he's done more than enough to make his imprint on the Broncos.

Any discussion of the Broncos' Super Bowl aspirations would be remiss without mentioning their defense, that once again could be approaching historical greatness. Von Miller is the presumptive Defensive Player of the Year favorite through three weeks, while numerous players are making key contributions, with Shane Ray featuring as Sunday's hero with three sacks. The defense's ability to play a clever and incisive, yet bullying brand of football certainly makes the Broncos' offense's job easier, as they seek to hold onto the Lombardi Trophy.

Broncos general manager John Elway was delighted that he didn't offer Brock Osweiler a gargantuan deal in the offseason, and his instincts have been proven correct by Siemian and the rest of the passing game three weeks in. Anderson and Devontae Booker steadied the ground game, and the Broncos aren't the inept, listless group many believed they'd become after Manning retired.

By virtue of being defending champions, the Broncos will get their opponent's best effort every game, and they have passed with flying colors so far, in large part due to their offense. With Siemian in control, Sanders and Thomas giving defenses fits, and Anderson's steady, composed running style, the Broncos aren't going anywhere but back to the top.

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