With the two consecutive losses, injuries, and players who have not been living up to their hype, the Denver Broncos need a new leader for stability. The Broncos got off to a hot start this season by winning their first three games. Now, after losing two games in a row and clearly missing real stability, their chances of making the playoffs have dramatically dropped in the strongly competitive AFC West.
The Denver Broncos Need a New Team Leader To Provide Stability in 2021
The players who were touted as some of the best by sports media outlets have struggled to prove them right. With that said, some players have been quiet stalwarts these first five weeks. It is time to look beyond the orange and blue lenses and accept the reality that some guys are not the leaders they were supposed to be, while some are silently trying to carry the team.
Denver Is Missing True Team Leadership
Public opinion would paint Von Miller and Justin Simmons as leaders. However, while they are respected and loved, it is hard to picture them on the field spurring on their teammates. They do what they are best at, and pep-talking the guys is not it. The Broncos simply need a new and more vocal leader.
When he first arrived, Teddy Bridgewater was the ever-professional, steady presence that the team looked up to. The team has taken a shine to him, but he has shown he is not invincible, suffering two major losses. And as a one-year filler, it just doesn’t seem right that he glide in and take charge. He knows it and the team knows it.
Kyle Fuller Has Been Average
The former Chicago Bears defensive back Kyle Fuller was brought in last spring by general manager George Paton, to bring life to an exhausted secondary. The $9.5 million contract does not seem to be paying dividends, with opposing offenses making life rough for Fuller in Weeks 1,2, and 5. Fuller gave up the longest scoring play allowed this season by the Broncos, and rookie cornerback Patrick Surtain II had to step in to cover Pittsburgh Steelers Diontae Johnson.
Fuller’s coverage has been average, but it might not necessarily be all his fault either. Sports Illustrated’s Luke Patterson has suggested that opposing teams seem to be “game-planning” for him to relinquish big plays early. Maybe Vic Fangio and Ed Donatell need to scheme a little better on defense. And Fuller has recorded 15 tackles this season, which is still promising. But as an All-Pro and two-time Pro Bowler, he just has not been performing up to expectations. Against the Pittsburgh Steelers, he recorded just one tackle and zero passes defended, and gave up that big play.
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Dre’Mont Jones Has Been Quietly Consistent
The defensive line’s production as a whole has been questionable, but Dre’Mont Jones is one of the most consistent players on the defense. He was selected in the third round of the 2019 NFL draft and has become one of Denver’s better investments. To the observant ones, Jones is altruistic and frenetic as a defender. That is what you want in a defensive back. He is usually one of the first players off the snap on the line of scrimmage.
Patterson describes Jones as similar to Derek Wolfe during the Broncos championship days. He and Malik Jackson would fight double teams to free up Von Miller and DeMarcus Ware, whose pass rush attack would snuff out opposing quarterbacks. Jones was strong against the Steelers; his large frame was an ample reason for the opposing offensive line to double-team him. He recorded two tackles and one assist. Jones is disciplined and clearly not a quitter. He continues to give it 100 percent no matter the trajectory of the game.
The Broncos can still claw their way back into playoff contention. But to do so, not only do they have to be excellent in every aspect of their game, they need true leadership on the team.
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