With the hiring of Gary Kubiak as head coach, the man who was offensive coordinator during the Denver Broncos’ back-to-back Super Bowl victories in the late 90s, the team’s offense was said to be changing drastically.
The last few years in the Mile High City have seen arguably the greatest quarterback off all-time – Peyton Manning – slinging the pigskin around relentlessly. The Manning-led Broncos set nearly every single-season record kept for offenses while he established a multitude of single-season quarterback marks as well.
But, in an offensive-dominated NFL with pass-happy play-callers, Kubiak loves to run the rock. He still utilizes the zone-blocking scheme which he and former offensive line coach Alex Gibbs implemented in the 90s and it’s brought up an interesting question; will Kubiak take the ball out of Manning’s hand, placing more of the burden on his line and running backs?
The answer seems to be, “Yes. And, maybe no.”
Simply, Kubiak is installing his offense through OTAs while he and fellow coaches can teach on the practice field. But, following Monday’s practice, Kubiak alluded to the team utilizing multiple offensive looks.
“I think he’s throwing the ball really well,” Kubiak said of Manning’s performance in OTAs. “Obviously we got in some two-minute today. He struggled one period and he took them right down the next period. But I think he’s getting real comfortable with what we are doing and then there are times we’re turning loose with what he’s done and obviously that’s an easy comfort zone for him.”
Turning him loose, eh?
This should come as exciting news to anyone who loves watching the Broncos’ explosive offense of recent seasons.
The Broncos will run the ball, maybe even more than they pass it. That’s fine. That’s Kubee’s offense and it’s one which helped him get his current position. With Kubiak calling the plays in Baltimore last season, Justin Forsett shattered his career-highs in yards (1,266) and touchdowns (8) as the Ravens’ featured back.
C.J. Anderson, who rushed for 849 yards and eight touchdowns last season in seven starts, will be the team’s starter heading into training camp and may be featured in Denver this year. He must be extremely excited.
“He has a knack for protection; he’s very bright in protection,” Kubiak said of Anderson. “So he’s a guy that’s not going to leave the field—as much as he can stand. And that’s what the great ones do so that gives him an excellent chance.”
But, if the need arises, it sounds like Kubiak will allow Manning to find his “comfort zone” and use the passing attack he’s perfected over 16 seasons in the NFL. It’s smart football, utilizing the element of surprise, and it should only make Denver’s offense even deadlier in 2015.
