ENGLEWOOD, Colo. – A mixture of feelings filled the Denver Broncos’ locker room as the team reflected on a season that ended with both hope and disappointment following their rout in Buffalo, despite ending a lengthy playoff hiatus. All-Pro right guard Quinn Meinerz articulated the sentiment, stating, “This year was good but not good enough,” while preparing for an offseason that was later than typical but earlier than desired.
The Broncos concluded the season with a 10-8 record, having finally secured a quarterback in Bo Nix. Nix’s performance led the team to its first playoff appearance since the 2015 season, where he made history as the first rookie quarterback to start a playoff game in franchise history. Although the Broncos initially took a 7-0 lead thanks to Nix’s 43-yard touchdown pass to Troy Franklin, their weaknesses in the ground game, alongside a lack of effective tight ends and support for star receiver Courtland Sutton, were glaring during a 31-7 defeat.
Left tackle Garett Bolles summed up the experience, saying, “We got smacked right in our faces,” emphasizing that the team would use this humbling setback to propel them forward into the next season. The Broncos set a franchise record with 63 sacks during the season but struggled defensively against the Bills, managing only two sacks while allowing 210 rushing yards, with James Cook leading the way with an impressive 120 yards. Coach Sean Payton noted the necessity of performing better in home games, particularly against the Kansas City Chiefs, who have dominated the AFC West with nine consecutive division titles and are on the verge of a third Super Bowl victory in a row.
Despite their playoff loss, Bolles remained optimistic as he recalled close games throughout the season. He reflected on the Broncos’ ability to contend with the Chiefs, recalling a missed opportunity earlier in the season, where a blocked field goal led to a narrow loss of 16-14 in Week 10. Bolles believes that if the team can improve their roster with more playmakers, they can challenge for the division title. The Broncos succeeded against the Chiefs in their final matchup of the season, winning 38-0, clinched by Nix’s impressive performance which subsequently secured their first playoff spot since 2015.
Nix’s accomplishments this season are further highlighted by his perseverance through injury; he played with a transverse process fracture in his spine that occurred against the Raiders. He received treatment and managed to bounce back in time for crucial games, exemplifying his resilience and toughness, as praised by his teammates. Bolles noted Nix’s mature approach to the game, declaring, “The dude’s phenomenal,” and expressed admiration for his composed leadership on the field. Nix emerged as one of the standout rookie quarterbacks and nearly set a rookie record with 29 touchdown passes.
Despite contending with an NFL record of $89 million in dead cap space this past season, including a staggering $53 million from the release of former quarterback Russell Wilson, the Broncos made it to the playoffs. Wilson’s cap hit is slated to decrease to $32 million in 2025, which will clear up substantial salary cap space for the Broncos, estimated at nearly $50 million this upcoming spring.
On the roster front, the Broncos celebrated five players being named AP All-Pros, marking the highest number since 1996. Among those recognized were cornerback Patrick Surtain, likely a frontrunner for the league’s Defensive Player of the Year award, punt returner Marvin Mims Jr., and Quinn Meinerz, all of whom earned first-team All-Pro honors. Edge rusher Nik Bonitto and defensive tackle Zach Allen were named to the second team, both marking career highs in sacks.
The Broncos also showcased an impressive offensive line, bolstered by Bolles, Ben Powers, Luke Wattenberg, Meinerz, and Mike McGlinchey, proving to be one of the league’s best. The team invested heavily in their line over the past year, as Bolles and Meinerz recently signed contract extensions after the additions of Powers and McGlinchey in free agency.
As the franchise moves into the off-season, defensive coordinator Vance Joseph, who previously served as head coach from 2017-2018, is anticipated to interview for head coaching roles with the Jets and Raiders. Linebacker Alex Singleton expressed respect for Joseph’s coaching abilities, indicating that he deserves another shot at being a head coach. However, Singleton hopes Joseph remains in Denver.
For the Broncos to successfully compete with the Chiefs and reclaim their position in the AFC West, upgrades will be necessary at key positions, including tight end and wide receiver, among several others.
