The Denver Broncos are lingering as a potentially tougher out than expected in the West, and they’ll be helped by a healthy offense coming together.
When it comes to the AFC West, there are two pillars—the Kansas City Chiefs and Los Angeles Chargers—to which analysts and fans pay attention. The other half of the division is largely forgotten.
The Oakland Raiders and Denver Broncos have occupied the AFC West’s basement over the last few years as the Chiefs and Chargers have called dibs on all the postseason spots available. Heading into another year, most are agreeing that the current power structure will likely remain in place for at least another, especially as long as Patrick Mahomes and Philip Rivers are the quarterbacks involved in K.C. and L.A., respectively.
However, the Broncos have good reason to believe in themselves as a potential underdog, especially if their offense can come together in any productive way, since the defense has already proven itself to be championship caliber. On Thursday, the team received good news as they move toward that offensive goal.
Both running back Phillip Lindsay and wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders are doing well in their rehabilitation and both players are expected to be ready and waiting for Week 1 of the NFL season. Lindsay took handoffs today with the Broncos, one of the first teams back in training camp, according to James Palmer of NFL Network. Lindsay insisted he was 100 percent in recent days after suffering a wrist injury late last season.
Sanders is working his way back from an Achilles injury suffered last year, and word is that he will be slowly brought back, per Elway. However, the timeline is clearly short enough that he could even play much of the preseason.
Emmanuel Sanders didn’t participate in team periods, but looked good in what they had him do. He did say he could do team periods if he were allowed. Also look for Sanders to be full go in practices in 2-3 weeks. pic.twitter.com/vFeBBvr5XI
— James Palmer (@JamesPalmerTV) July 18, 2019
Given that Lindsay is the team’s most dynamic running back and Sanders is top of the pecking order at wide receiver, the health of both players coming into this season is going to be key for the Broncos success. To maintain pace with the high-octane offenses found elsewhere within the division, Joe Flacco or Drew Lock (whoever wins the starting quarterback job) will rely heavily on both players to keep opposing defenses at bay. Specifically at wideout, the Broncos are thin after Courtland Sutton, so having Emmanuel opposite him from day one is vital.
The Chiefs and Chargers should be the favorites in the division. They’ve earned that right. But the Broncos have good reason to believe they can compete with anyone if they can get the offense clicking given the pass rushing prowess of that defense (and the presence of Chris Harris in the secondary). Watching just how effective both Lindsay and Sanders look late in the preseason will be something to see in Denver.