Broncos coach Gary Kubiak remains the only coach to boast offenses with the league’s leading passer, rusher and receiver. He forged his NFL identity by exploiting mismatches through play action and misdirection.
This season he showed flexibility, constricting the offense’s playbook to avoid compromising a historically great defense. It worked, if not for a few anxious moments as the Broncos managed 197 yards against the Carolina Panthers, the fewest for a Super Bowl champion.
“We can win in all kinds of ways,” Kubiak told general manager John Elway on the podium after the game.
The challenge becomes the sequel. Talent burns like rocket fuel in sports, and the Broncos face difficult choices making the puzzle pieces fit. For starters, remember this about Elway. He has chopped wood as an executive, putting together a front office whose hardwork restored the Broncos glory. He values the draft, eyeing teams like the Baltimore Ravens as models.
The Broncos will pick and choose their spots in free agency, last spring more typical than the previous spending spree that landed outside linebacker DeMarcus Ware, cornerback Aqib Talib, strong safety T.J. Ward and receiver Emmanuel Sanders.
The offseason arrives quickly for the Super Bowl champion. A look at the most pressing roster issues:
Quarterback
If Peyton Manning, as expected, retires, the pursuit of Brock Osweiler narrows in focus. Elway will give Manning time to decide, but there is a deadline since the 39-year-old’s contract guarantees on March 9. It’s not likely Osweiler’s camp would negotiate much until clarity emerges with Manning’s future. Osweiler features an unpredictable contract. It’s hard to see him getting fewer than three seasons, and I am sure he will ask for more. The Nick Foles contract — a two-year, $24.5-million deal with $13.79 million guaranteed — won’t suffice, but reveals a jumping off point. The question is this: if the Los Angeles Rams or Houston Texans or any other quarterback-starved team throws out a huge number will the Broncos walk away? They have a history of showing discipline. Osweiler remains the early favorite to return, but other free agent and trade possibilities on the market include: Robert Griffin III, Colin Kaepernick, Chase Daniel and Drew Stanton.
Malik Jackson and Danny Trevathan
Jackson and Trevathan represent two of Elway’s best draft choices, insanely productive late-round picks. Jackson will command top dollar with plenty of suitors, quite possibly the Raiders who have millions to spend. Trevathan, who expects to attract interest from the Chicago Bears, is a mobile, tackling machine. If he finds a robust market, the Broncos might turn to promising young linebacker Todd Davis.
The rest of the pack
Defensive back Omar Bolden is a fantastic punt returner, and provides depth in the secondary. Safety David Bruton is a tough guy, a true leader. It’s premature, but I can see both finding more money elsewhere. Ronnie Hillman faded in the playoffs, though the recent tepid market for running backs means it’s too early to close doors on Hillman returning. The Broncos need to address offensive line needs in the draft, and tackle Ryan Clady remains in play after telling me last week that he’s open to restructuring his contract.
Good teams face teeth-grinding decisions. As Kubiak said, there are all types of ways to win. It begins in the offseason by choosing which wrinkles to iron out.
Troy E. Renck: trenck@denverpost.com or @troyrenck
