Arizona Cardinals: 2015 NFL Preseason Power Rankings
By Scott Allen
June 9, 2015; Englewood, CO, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) prepares to pass during the start of mini camp activities at the Broncos training facility. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
2014 season record: 12-4
Top additions: TE Owen Daniels, DT Vance Walker, LB Shane Ray
Top departures: TE Julius Thomas, WR Wes Welker, G Manny Ramirez
2015 projection: 9-7, 3rd AFC West, miss playoffs
I started the Broncos out at number six on the power rankings but I honestly don’t think this is where they finish up. They start here because they haven’t proven the demise I see starting this season. Quarterback Peyton Manning was almost traded in the offseason. To hear that speaks volumes. The Broncos are worried about him.
They lost too many pieces on offense to be the potent offense we got to know the past couple of seasons. You could see in Denver’s playoff game against the Colts last season that Manning just doesn’t have the consistent arm strength any more. Wes Welker and Julius Thomas are gone. They’ll still win their share of games, I just don’t see them being the dominant force they once were. I think they miss the playoffs this season.