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You know it’s the offseason offseason when you start playing games like, “Who is the most irreplaceable Bronco?” to fill air time and pages.
But that’s the time of year we are in - the doldrums of football. Plus it’s fun anyway.
So indulge Eric Goodman the way Les Shapiro did on The Afternoon Drive and decide your most irreplaceable player on the Denver Broncos.
I’ll give you a few seconds - and you can’t choose Von Miller because he’s mine.
Oh, OK...you can choose him too.
Although Goodman didn’t allow Miller as a choice in his rules, my rules say I can pick No. 58 because he is the heart and soul of this entire team, never mind this team’s defense.
Nobody is more of a game-changer at his position than Von Miller - a relentless pass rusher, tackler, pass defender...he does it all and he does it with style. Take him off this team and the Broncos’ elite defense is still very good but without its je ne sais quoi.
Poll
Which Denver Bronco is irreplaceable?
This poll is closed
-
3%
Trevor Siemian
(41 votes) -
0%
Paxton Lynch
(11 votes) -
4%
Matt Paradis
(56 votes) -
43%
Von Miller (docllv’s answer)
(555 votes) -
3%
Derek Wolfe (Eric Goodman’s answer)
(47 votes) -
8%
Aqib Talib (not Michael Crabtree’s answer)
(106 votes) -
29%
John Elway
(371 votes) -
6%
"Shasta" (other)
(77 votes)
Goodman also played the “if you could wave a magic wand, what would you magically improve for the Broncos on offense and defense?”
“If I could wave that magic wand that offensive line would be better because everything - everything! - starts with offensive line, and then there’s a domino effect,” Shapiro said, noting that if the O-line is good, then you’re protecting the quarterback in the passing game and creating holes in the running game. And then you’re scoring points and giving the defense some rest. “And it’s a really good defense, so if they’re rested, they can pin their ears back and go after the other offense. It’s all connected, and all starts with the offensive line.”
The answers weren’t particularly revelationary between the two broadcasters but the discussion about which position on the O-line was somewhat intriguing.
Shapiro would use his magic wand to make sure rookie Garett Bolles is “a steady, solid left tackle” while Goodman would ensure a healthy Menelik Watson as right tackle.
We always talk about the importance of a left tackle with a right-handed quarterback (which both Trevor Siemian and Paxton Lynch are), but the best pass rushers in the game often line up on the right side, and with a shotgun formation, the “blindside” isn’t as blind.
Now that veteran Ron Leary is going to right guard, this wish for a healthy Watson could be valid to help push back against the likes of Khalil Mack, Joey Bosa, etc.
Of course, if I’m waving a magic wand, I’m covering that entire offensive line - and its backups - with my wish.
For the defense, there’s not too much to improve, but some magic dust over the nose tackle wouldn’t hurt.
Like Shapiro pointed out, the Broncos need “not only a guy who can stuff the run but a guy who can push and collapse the pocket.”
A little wand wave over Domata Peko and Zach Kerr - and even Tyrique Jarrett for good measure - would certainly do this team some good.
I might add a little sprinkle over the inside linebackers to help cover those tricky pass-catching running backs and tight ends as well - two positions that torched the Broncos’ defense more than necessary last season.
So now it’s your turn, where are you waving your magic wand to improve this team for the 2017-18 season?
Poll
Which player and/or position needs some magic fairy dust this season?
This poll is closed
-
5%
Trevor Siemian
(40 votes) -
13%
Paxton Lynch
(101 votes) -
5%
Jamaal Charles
(40 votes) -
1%
Jeff Heuerman
(8 votes) -
53%
O-line
(403 votes) -
1%
D-line
(14 votes) -
15%
"Whorfin" (all of the above)
(115 votes) -
0%
"Shasta" (other)
(3 votes) -
3%
"Saguaro Bronco" (I’m done with these polls until football really starts)
(29 votes)