Courtland Sutton amazed with Broncos’ new offensive scheme

Good morning, Broncos Country.

After an impressive rookie campaign, Denver Broncos second-year receiver Courtland Sutton is aiming to take his game to another level for the 2019 season. There’s no question Sutton has the potential to become a top-tier wide receiver in the National Football League, but it will take more than just his diligence and preparation to ascend to that level.

A new quarterback will be leading the offense in 2019 — Joe Flacco. Whether or not he’s the long-term solution for the franchise at the position remains to be seen, but he certainly has the ability to push the ball down the field vertically. That should bode well for Sutton, who has a penchant for eye-popping grabs deep in defensive territory. That in itself should help bolster the team’s offense, considering deep throws were a constant struggle with Case Keenum last season.

In addition to a new quarterback the Broncos are sporting a first-year offensive coordinator in Rich Scangarello, who will be bringing the knowledge and schematics of Kyle Shanahan’s offense to the Mile High City. It’s a development that has fans excited about the unit’s potential next season, but players on the roster, in particular Sutton are amazed at what the new scheme has to offer.

“It’s amazing. It’s an offense that to the naked eye might seem basic, but to us in it, we understand why we do certain plays. Every play has a reason. Every play has something that goes with it,” stated Sutton.

“He has a great offense and a great system that he runs. He’s had success at a lot of places. Being able to be in his offense, I’m really excited because not only our receivers, but our tight ends and our running backs are going to see some success.”

In addition to Sutton being excited about the Broncos’ new offense, he is equally elated to be tutored by wide receivers coach Zach Azzanni, who was one of the few position coaches the Broncos retained this past offseason. Sutton knows that in addition to being able to take on the physical rigors of the game, you also have to be mentally prepared for the challenges that await him — something that Azzanni has mentioned routinely.

“He’s such a teacher and that’s one thing that I really enjoy. I had a teacher in college as well, [SMU Wide Receivers] Coach Justin Stepp was the same way. I really appreciate that from Coach Azzanni. He doesn’t let us slack off in our technique,” Sutton remarked.

“He doesn’t let us slack off in learning the game and growing mentally—not only physically because everyone is physically gifted in the NFL. At some point it becomes mental, and you have to be able to play the game really fast mentally. He is one coach that has been harping on me about the mental side of the game.”

If Sutton is excited about the potential of the Broncos’ offense in 2019, all of Broncos Country should be as well. There will undoubtedly be a lot of wrinkles that need to be ironed out throughout the year, but Scangarello’s scheme has the potential to be the wild card facet of the franchise that might help propel them back to the top of the AFC West. We can only hope.

As always, thank you for reading and here is today’s offering of Horse Tracks.

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