2015 NFL Preview: Is this the last stand for the Broncos?

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Denver Broncos

The Broncos' attempt to reach the Super Bowl in consecutive years was failed by an uncharacteristically sound defensive performance by the Indianapolis Colts. Head coach John Fox was promptly fired upon the Broncos' early exit, and some began to question whether Peyton Manning entered a state of decline.

Expectations are mile-high in Denver and another year without a Super Bowl victory was considered a grand failure.

Highlight of 2014

Manning became the all-time career passing touchdown leader, breaking Brett Favre's record against the San Francisco 49ers. Manning found Demaryius Thomas for an eight-yard score, briefly bringing the contest to a halt.

Preseason Power Ranking - #5

Last season's disappointing finish has the Broncos flying somewhat under the radar heading into 2015. If Manning can stay healthy, this team still has more than enough talent to get him one more ring before he calls it a career. More...

2015 Season Outlook

Schedule | Roster

Head Coach: Gary Kubiak
Off. Coordinator: Rick Dennison
Def. Coordinator: Wade Phillips

Gary Kubiak will implement a new style of offense for the Broncos, and Manning will be less likely to operate out of the shotgun formation as he did in years' past. Wade Phillips implemented his trademark 3-4 base defense, that ought to elevate Von Miller and DeMarcus Ware to the height of their abilities. The Broncos' window of opportunity to win a Super Bowl could be running out with Manning getting older and patience as running thin as the mountainous air in Colorado.

Key Additions

• LB Shane Ray (1st round)
• TE Owen Daniels
• C Gino Gradkowski
• DE Antonio Smith
• Evan Mathis

Key Departures

• TE Julius Thomas
• DT Terrance Knighton
• S Rahim Moore
• LB Nate Irving
• G Orlando Franklin

The Broncos will try to replace Julius Thomas with a reliable safety valve in Owen Daniels, who could replicate the Pro Bowlers' output as a function of the offense. Shane Ray is an ideal fit for the Broncos' new 3-4 scheme, and could be used at linebacker or defensive end. Although in a vacuum, Rahim Moore's move to Houston would be deflating, the Broncos did a great job of re-stocking the secondary organically.

Bold Predictions

Shane Ray will lead the team in sacks. Von Miller has led the Broncos in sacks in three of his four seasons, and DeMarcus Ware contributed 10 in his first season with the team. Ray has set his sights on being the league's top defensive rookie this year, though, and will back up that claim by finishing as the Broncos' sack leader. - Caitlyn Holroyd

James Casey will lead the Broncos' tight ends in touchdowns. Owen Daniels followed head coach Gary Kubiak over from Baltimore in the offseason and Virgil Green has been touted as a player who can take on more of a role in the passing game. However, Casey will be the one who will emerge as the team's sneaky red-zone weapon. Casey will be a reliable target for Peyton Manning, lining up all over the formation and finishing the year with a half a dozen touchdowns or more. - Justin Boone

Aqib Talib will lead the NFL in interceptions. Aqib Talib gains the majority of attention in the secondary, but will be the beneficiary of playing alongside shutdown corner Chris Harris. Harris will lock down the team's top receiver, and Talib's opportunistic style of play will serve him well as he'll be targeted far more often in 2015. - Arun Srinivasan