Assembling the pieces of an NFL franchise’s success or failure is a complex and often scrutinized endeavor. The Denver Broncos, a team with a storied history and ardent fan base, have faced significant challenges in recent years. A pivotal figure in this narrative is John Elway, a Hall of Fame quarterback who transitioned to a prominent front-office role.
Struggles and Decisions
John Elway’s tenure as the general manager for the Denver Broncos is marked by both triumphs and tribulations. Elway, who joined the Broncos in 2011 as the director of player personnel and was named executive vice president of football operations in 2012, initially found remarkable success. His record as general manager was an impressive 64-26 in his first five seasons. However, the following years were more challenging, as his record dipped to 32-48 in his final five seasons before stepping away from his role following the 2020 season.
One of the most scrutinized decisions during Elway’s time was his choice in the 2018 NFL draft. With the fifth overall pick, he selected Bradley Chubb, a pass rusher from NC State, passing on quarterback Josh Allen. At the time, Elway had high hopes vested in Case Keenum, who he believed could provide stability at the pivotal quarterback position.
The Quarterback Conundrum
Denver’s challenges at the quarterback position have been glaring since Peyton Manning’s retirement following the 2015 season. The team has cycled through 13 different starting quarterbacks, leading to a prolonged period of instability. This instability has been a significant reason for the Broncos not making the playoffs since their Super Bowl win in the 2015 season.
Prior to the Josh Allen decision, Elway had drafted Paxton Lynch in 2016. However, Lynch’s tenure was short-lived, as he started only four games before his eventual release in 2018. These quarterback woes have haunted the franchise, contributing to their struggles over the past several seasons.
Missed Opportunities
Reflecting on his decision to pass on Josh Allen, Elway candidly admitted, “Last year I played [golf] with him and I'm wondering, 'How long is it going to take him to realize that I passed on him and took Bradley Chubb instead?' And it took him two and a half holes. And I loved him. But it just didn't work out. He was my type. That was probably my biggest mistake of my GM days, was not taking Josh." Josh Allen has flourished with the Buffalo Bills, showcasing the potential that eluded the Broncos when drafted.
Bradley Chubb’s Journey
As for Bradley Chubb, his tenure in Denver was marred by health issues. Despite showing flashes of his potential, injuries limited his impact on the field. Ultimately, Chubb was traded to the Miami Dolphins, where he seeks to revive his once-promising career.
The decisions made under Elway’s leadership continue to shape the Broncos’ fortunes. While his initial years brought significant success and a Super Bowl victory, the latter part of his tenure highlighted the challenges and complexities of maintaining a competitive team in the NFL. As the franchise moves forward, the lessons learned during this era will undoubtedly play a role in shaping its future strategies.