5 questions facing the Broncos in training camp
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It's rare to see a team coming off a 12-4 season and a division title deal with major coaching changes, but that's exactly what the Denver Broncos experienced.
Head coach John Fox, offensive coordinator Adam Gase, and defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio are gone, giving way to Gary Kubiak, Rick Dennison, and Wade Phillips, respectively. Perhaps no one will be impacted more by the changes than Peyton Manning, who will attempt to pick up Kubiak's offense at age 39.
On the defensive side of the ball, Phillips will be moving the unit to a 3-4, and it remains to be seen how DeMarcus Ware, Von Miller, and company will adjust to the new scheme.
Here are five questions facing the Broncos heading into training camp.
How will Manning adapt to Kubiak's offense?
Even at 39, there's no question Manning has the skillset to flourish in any offense. That said, some features of Kubiak's system could prove challenging for the veteran quarterback.
To put it mildly, Manning is not the most mobile of signal-callers, and that's typically an important aspect of Kubiak's playbook. While you don't have to be Michael Vick in his prime, the coach does like to employ a lot of bootlegs and have his pivot move around the pocket. There will also likely be less shotgun than Manning has been used to in recent years.
Kubiak will also, no doubt, adjust to Manning's abilities. The new Broncos head coach understands he has one of the greatest quarterbacks ever at his disposal, and taking a stubborn stance with his system doesn't make sense.
It won't be easy, but expect a player with Manning's talents and a coach with Kubiak's wisdom to implement a system both are happy with.
Can Anderson continue to lead the backfield?
Montee Ball's injury opened the door for C.J. Anderson to make an impression last season, and he did just that.
The 24-year-old Anderson emerged with eight touchdowns on the ground and a 4.7 yards-per-carry average, without losing a fumble. His downhill style should also be a perfect fit for Kubiak's zone-blocking scheme.
Hillman is undersized, yet managed to overachieve when given an opportunity in 2014, while fumbles and injuries have put a damper on Ball's first two years in the league.
How will moving to a 3-4 impact the defense?
There's always a learning curve when a team switches to a 3-4 from a 4-3, and several prominent Broncos players will have to make adjustments.
Ware should be a major beneficiary of the switch after enjoying some of his most productive seasons in the same system under Phillips in Dallas. Having the ability to attack the quarterback off the edge more freely will aid both Ware and Miller. Meanwhile, rookie Shane Ray should see snaps in obvious pass-rushing situations to start.
Though the pass-rushers should have a bit more freedom, more pressure will fall on the linebackers and interior of the defensive line. Brandon Marshall will be counted on greatly in coverage, and the team will need Sylvester Williams to step up at nose tackle. Losing Terrance Knighton in free agency hurts with the move to a 3-4, as the tackle was excellent at occupying blockers and freeing up space for his teammates.
Will Cody Latimer emerge as a legitimate receiving threat?
Nobody was a more popular fantasy-football sleeper than Cody Latimer last season. However, those who took a chance on him weren't rewarded.
Things could change this year, though, as many feel Latimer is poised for a breakout campaign. The departures of Wes Welker and Julius Thomas opened up a spot in the passing attack as Manning's third option. Latimer figures to have the edge over Andre Caldwell in claiming that role, but it all depends on how far the second-year receiver has progressed.
Latimer admitted he struggled to grasp the offense in 2014, and training camp will be an excellent opportunity for him to impress Manning and prove he deserves more responsibility this year.
How will rookie Ty Sambrailo handle the left-tackle role?
If the quarterback position is the most important on the team, left tackle isn't far behind. The Broncos find themselves in a tough spot after Ryan Clady was lost for the season with a torn ACL, meaning rookie Ty Sambrailo will likely be forced into action to protect Manning's blind side.
The 2015 second-round pick has plenty of potential, but the Broncos are built to win right now and don't have time to wait. It wouldn't be shocking if this were Manning's final season, and he surely doesn't want to spend it on his back thanks to protection issues.