Training camp began this week for many teams, including the defending champion Denver Broncos. With the league’s top defense from a year ago still intact, it is the offense that seems to be under attack despite a plethora of talent. The quarterback position is under the most scrutiny. There is concern by many members of the media, with some even saying that the team won’t have a winning season. Despite the so-called experts’ doubts, Mark Sanchez can lead the Broncos to the playoffs.
Mark Sanchez Can Lead the Broncos to the Playoffs
Since arriving in Denver in the spring, Sanchez has embraced his role as the new leader of this offense. Almost immediately he began throwing with the receiving corps and bonding with his offensive linemen, a task that has earned the instant respect of his teammates. His attitude has been positive and professional, and with his valuable game experience, he provides the Broncos with their best chance at winning the AFC West title for the sixth straight year.
Though much maligned for his carelessness with the ball, especially in the red zone, it can be said that Sanchez has not had this type of talent around him in the league. Denver offers arguably the best receiving duo in the NFL with Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders. Combine that with what is sure to be a much-improved running attack behind C.J. Anderson, Ronnie Hillman, and rookie Devontae Booker, Sanchez has the playmakers around him, the likes not seen since his days at USC.
Miscast in Philadelphia
Sanchez never fully settled into Chip Kelly’s offensive scheme while with the Philadelphia Eagles, only starting 13 games in the last two seasons. It was his completion percentage that impressed the most, rising to over 64 percent compared to around 58 percent while he captained the New York Jets. His most successful seasons by far were the 2010 and 2011 seasons, where he led the Jets to consecutive playoff appearances. In those years he had better skill players around him. This allowed the former Trojan to showcase his abilities. He threw for more than 3,200 yards in each of those seasons, including tossing 26 touchdowns in 2011. With this Denver squad, he is sure to regain that form and lead them to the playoffs.
He is a genuine competitor and a team player as well. He is out there daily, improving his understanding of the offense, while helping to educate the younger quarterbacks on the roster. The ego is nonexistent, which bodes well in the locker room for a team full of talent and leaders.
Although it may be the defense that once again carries this team, with the stars around him, Mark Sanchez can lead the Broncos to the playoffs.
