The intricacies that determine the success or failure of an NFL franchise can be elusive and layered, often becoming topics of rigorous debate among fans and analysts alike. For the Denver Broncos, a series of decisions under the stewardship of John Elway have shaped the team's fortunes in the post-Peyton Manning era.
The Highs and Lows of Elway’s Tenure
John Elway rejoined the Broncos in 2011, taking on the role of director of player personnel. A year later, he was named executive vice president of football operations, guiding the franchise with an impressive 64-26 record in his first five seasons, including a Super Bowl victory in the 2015 season. However, his last five seasons saw a marked decline, culminating in a 32-48 record and considerable instability at the quarterback position.
Draft Day Decisions
Arguably, one of the most scrutinized decisions of Elway's tenure came during the 2018 NFL Draft. With the fifth overall pick, Elway chose Bradley Chubb, a promising pass rusher from NC State, over quarterback Josh Allen. At that time, Elway had high hopes for Case Keenum and possibly believed that Chubb's defensive prowess would fortify the Broncos’ defense.
However, Chubb faced numerous health challenges during his time with Denver and was eventually traded to the Miami Dolphins. Meanwhile, Josh Allen has flourished with the Buffalo Bills, evolving into one of the league's premier quarterbacks. Reflecting on that decision, Elway once shared, “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.”
A Quarterback Carousel
The quarterback position has been a revolving door for the Broncos since Peyton Manning's retirement following the triumphant 2015 season. This instability is a significant factor behind Denver not making the playoffs since their Super Bowl win. Elway's earlier decision to draft Paxton Lynch in 2016 proved futile, as Lynch started only four games before his subsequent release in 2018.
Over the years, Denver has cycled through 13 different starting quarterbacks, a testament to the struggles the franchise has faced in finding a reliable successor to Manning. This lingering issue has been a critical area of concern and a frequent talking point amongst the Denver fanbase and NFL analysts.
Legacy and Departure
After a storied career, both on the field and in the front office, John Elway stepped away from his role following the 2020 season. His tenure is a mixed bag; while he enjoyed early success and even brought a Super Bowl title back to Denver, the latter years were marred by questionable draft decisions and a lack of stability at the most crucial position in football.
Elway's admission of his biggest regret as GM, “not taking Josh [Allen],” underscores the critical importance of decision-making in the NFL. Assembling a successful NFL team is akin to solving a complex puzzle, and even seasoned vets like Elway are not immune to missteps.
As the Broncos continue to navigate their path forward, the enduring impact of Elway’s choices will undoubtedly shape their future endeavors and strategies, particularly in the quarterback sphere.