On a Team With Mile High Ceilings

If we lived in a world where success in college was directly equivalent to success in the NFL, the Broncos would have already guaranteed themselves a few Super Bowl rings. Sadly though, there are no guarantees in the NFL, especially when drafting. In the wake of the draft, Tim Tebow has begun his transition to the NFL, and Demaryius Thomas is recovering from an injury.

In the wake of his first season as a Denver Bronco, Knowshon Moreno is trying to break the rookie wall and become one of the best backs in NFL history. With all the story lines, with all the speculation, and with all the drama, people have lost sight of what is being created right now.

Josh McDaniels is trying to create a “trifecta”.

A trifecta, for those of you who don’t know is a star Quarterback, star Wide Receiver, and star Running Back. Trifectas are rare, but when one is found, they usually will win a Super Bowl. They come about once a decade. There was the 49ers of the ’80s. They had Joe Montana, Jerry Rice, and Roger Craig. In the 90’s, there was Cowboys, with Troy Aikman, Emmit Smith and Michael Irvin. In the 2000’s there was Peyton Manning, Marvin Harrison and Edgerrin James.

It is clear that the Broncos want this kind of a team and Josh McDaniels has spent the last two years trying to assemble it. Trying to get this team is a tough task, and most coaches can’t do so. McDaniels though, isn’t most coaches. He has made that clear to Broncos fans.

That is why in two years, he has drafted Tim Tebow, Demaryius Thomas and Knowshon Moreno. Moreno has shown flashes of brilliance, and could be a star for years to come. Tim Tebow is arguably the most hyped player in NFL history. Demaryius Thomas is considered to be one of the most raw physical prospects ever to come out of college, and if he refines his play, he could be special.

The “ceiling” or potential for this team is high. If all these prospects pan out like McDaniels wants them to, the Broncos may be the best team of this new decade. But getting to that level, there is definitely risk involved. The Raiders recently went the trifecta route. Jamarcus Russell, Darren McFadden, and Darius Heyward-Bey. Three huge busts. But their potential was high.

McDaniels is in the same situation. High potential, high bust rate. This could be a legendary success, or it could be an epic failure.

The Broncos are a team with mile high ceilings. They have huge heights to reach to, but even farther to fall.