It's common knowledge that the Denver Broncos suffered one of the most lopsided Super Bowl defeats in recent memory, if not all time. But one lone question remains... How do they, as an unsuccessful perennial Super Bowl favorite, return from such a slaughter that led to linebacker Shaun Phillips texting his son "Sorry I let you down" Phillips's son's response may have been just touching enough to go viral, receive national media attention, and maybe take just a tiny bit of heat off Peyton Manning and the Broncos' shoulders. Manning is not getting any younger and even more so than last year, the physiological need for the Broncos to win now is paramount.
Last year's fun record setting offense and playful calls of "Omaha" or "Hurry, Hurry" couldn't get it done. Despite having three elite targets on offense and perhaps the most pristine quarterback of all time, the Broncos couldn't get it done. Percy Harvin handed cornerback Champ Bailey a cold hard reminder on how the years have caught up to him. As a matter of fact, Bailey get burned over and over again in the Super Bowl, it could've had its own video montage, complete with Toby Keith's "I Wasn't as Good as I Once Was." Denver has responded to their horrific defeat by changing their identity completely. Well-loved reality star, receiver Eric Decker, was permitted to go play elsewhere. The gritty, receptions machine Emmanuel Sanders was brought in to replace him. Champ Bailey amicably left the organization on good terms and was replaced by tough guy "in your face" Aqib Talib, who will now be tasked to become the shutdown corner for the Broncos like he was for New England a year ago.
Von Miller was not in typical form last season. Despite having status as one of the nation's best pass rushers, a 4-game suspension and injury kept him out of action for a majority of the season. Miller also has learned to cope with being double or even triple-teamed on every play, but the new look Broncos have sought out a remedy to that situation.
Standout linebacker/ defensive end Demarcus Ware has joined the Denver Broncos, and struck fear into the entire AFC. Miller and Ware should be able to work well together. Miller, a relatively immature young man, should be able to learn from the older Ware. Some doubt the effectiveness of Ware, citing his injury-plagued season last year and growing age, but Denver seems to be the perfect spot for Ware to have a resurgent season.
Former Cleveland Brown T.J. Ward also joins the Broncos defense, adding some intimidation from the secondary. Ward has the rapport of being a hard-hitter and pragmatic playmaker, and has really matured and come into his own over recent years. Ward will be a key addition to the revamped Denver Broncos.
The big question is how does Peyton Manning and his record setting offense respond to getting metaphorically "punched in the mouth?" How does Coach John Fox respond to the lashings he took last year on America's grandest stage?
With training camp just around the corner, the new look Broncos may just surprise the NFL with their new look. Only time will tell.