The Denver Broncos won the Super Bowl last season, but lost plenty of talent in free agency. Expectations are still high, but the Broncos need a few players to step up if they're going to make it back to the playoffs.
Each year, teams expect players to step up and play key roles. Sometimes, the player in question makes the leap from backup to role player, or even to starter. Sometimes, a player goes from role player to key starter or borderline star. So which players are the Broncos counting on this year to step up? We've put together four of those players below.
QB Mark Sanchez
The Broncos took Paxton Lynch in the first round, but it's Sanchez who should be the starter. Lynch needs time to learn and the Broncos need Sanchez to step up and help the offense. The Broncos won the Super Bowl last year despite some horrid play at QB, but the defense lost several key pieces and will need more from the offense. Denver needs Sanchez to manage the game avoid turnovers.
RB C.J. Anderson
The Broncos paid Anderson like a franchise back and it's time for him to take the starting job and keep it. While Ronnie Hillman (and maybe Devontae Booker) will get carries, Anderson needs to get the bulk of them. That wasn't the case last season, but Anderson was the better back late in the year. The Broncos, especially with questions at QB, need Anderson to help carry the offense.
DE Jared Crick
Malik Jackson is gone and Crick will take his starting spot. Crick is a former fourth round pick, although he's far from impact DE. With a bevy of talented pass rushers, the Broncos simply need Crick to tie up the offensive line. He wasn't that great in Houston and he won't be as good as Jackson was, but the Broncos need Crick to be a serviceable starter.
ILB Todd Davis
Danny Trevathan is gone, leaving a hole next to Brandon Marshall. Expect Davis to slot into the starting role. The Broncos nabbed Davis in 2014 after the Saints cut him and they've been grooming him for this chance. He has only 43 career tackles, but should easily match that this year. The Broncos don't have many options at ILB outside of Marshall, so unless they make a move for someone else, they're banking on Davis.
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