Assembling the pieces of an NFL franchise's success or failure is a task steeped in complexity and constant scrutiny. For the Denver Broncos, the years following their Super Bowl win in the 2015 season have been marked by instability and second-guessing, particularly regarding their choices at the quarterback position.
John Elway, the Hall of Fame quarterback turned front-office executive, found himself at the center of these decisions. Elway, who rejoined the Broncos in 2011 as the director of player personnel and was named executive vice president of football operations in 2012, had a mixed tenure managing the team. His first five seasons were marked by a remarkable 64-26 record. However, the subsequent five seasons saw a decline, with a record of 32-48, culminating in his stepping away from his role after the 2020 season.
Draft Day Decisions
One of the most scrutinized decisions in Elway’s tenure came during the 2018 NFL Draft. Faced with the fifth overall pick, Elway passed on the opportunity to draft quarterback Josh Allen, a now-flourishing talent with the Buffalo Bills. Instead, Elway chose to draft Bradley Chubb, a pass rusher from NC State. At the time, Elway had placed significant trust in then-quarterback Case Keenum, which influenced his decision to focus on bolstering Denver’s defense.
“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,” Elway reflected. The decision has since been a point of reflection and perhaps regret, especially given Allen's success in Buffalo.
The Quarterback Carousel
Since Peyton Manning's retirement at the end of the 2015 season, the Broncos have experienced a revolving door at the quarterback position. Denver has cycled through 13 different starting quarterbacks, a stark indication of the instability and inconsistency that has plagued the franchise. One notable gamble was the selection of Paxton Lynch in the 2016 NFL Draft. However, Lynch’s stint with the Broncos was short-lived, starting only four games before his release in 2018.
This continuous turnover at the quarterback position has been a significant factor in the Broncos' inability to return to the playoffs since their Super Bowl triumph. The decision to pass on Josh Allen was particularly highlighted by the subsequent performance of Bradley Chubb, who although showed promise, struggled with health issues. Chubb's tenure in Denver ended with his trade to the Miami Dolphins.
Post-Elway Era
As Elway stepped down after the 2020 season, the Broncos were left to realign and rebuild once more. The Elway era, marked by early successes and later challenges, reflects the volatile nature of NFL management. While his initial years showcased strong leadership and keen decision-making, the later years underscored the difficulty of maintaining consistent success in the league.
In hindsight, many of Elway's decisions, including the one involving Josh Allen and Bradley Chubb, continue to be points of debate and analysis. These pivotal moments not only shaped his legacy but also had lasting impacts on the trajectory of the Denver Broncos. As the team looks to forge a new path forward, the lessons from the Elway era will undoubtedly serve as both cautionary tales and guiding references.