This is the End?

I had already started working on this post back in December. Now that the scenario at hand has become a reality, what's next? 


After spending big money in the offseason to improve the defense, Denver was hoping to pick up where they left off last season: one win away from being Super Bowl champions. Obviously, with a 38, almost 39 year old quarterback, it's Super Bowl or bust for the Broncos. What team's goal isn't winning the Super Bowl? 

Since Denver had the top ranked offense last season, GM John Elway focused primarily on defense this offseason. Singing TJ Ward (aka achilles killer), Demarcus Ware (a sack master), and Aqib Talib, their defense got a major boost. Was it enough? Evidently not. They say defense wins championships, which I firmly believe, and I think Seattle proved that last February. 

Take a look at the Broncos' roster: they're stacked. In fact, just going by the roster alone, most would probably rank both Denver's offense and defense in their respective top 10s. With their recent struggles in mind, especially in the month of December, you can't help but wonder what happened. You could blame their regression on Peyton and his obvious personal struggles, because his health issues bothered him more than anyone in the Broncos' organization wanted to admit. You could play the injury card since Julius Thomas had been banged up since their loss to the Rams, and RB Ronnie Hillman hasn't played since early November. You can talk bad about Jack Del Rio and his 'inability to coach a defense at a professional level'. Or, you could point the finger at the good ole' head coach. Granted, I haven't liked John Fox since his days in Carolina so I'm pretty biased. 

Going back the loaded roster topic, if the Broncos don't win the Super Bowl this season, if I'm John Elway or a Broncos fan (which thankfully I am neither), I'm reevaluating my team's head coaching position. *update, the Broncos lost to the Colts about 20 minutes ago, so they are officially DONE this season*

Every Broncos game this season, NFL fans had to hear about "what John Elway did in the offseason"; if what he did and who he brought in was so great, you hope that you have a coach who can use them effectively, and win, especially come playoffs time. 

Since Denver fell short of their ultimate goal, you have to think that maybe it's time to move on from John Fox. And no, Rex Ryan isn't coming to Denver, he wouldn't be a good fit, anyway, and Jack Del Rio isn't the answer to your prayers. 

As always, go Patriots.