Tue Feb 18 02:00:00 UTC 2025: ## Broncos’ Playoff Success Fuels Optimism, but Analyst Predicts Potential Dip
**Denver, CO** – The Denver Broncos’ surprising 10-7 season and playoff berth, their first since 2015, has ignited a wave of optimism among fans. However, CBS Sports’ Jeff Kerr predicts a potential downturn for the team in the upcoming season.
Kerr credits the Broncos’ success to head coach Sean Payton and rookie quarterback Bo Nix, highlighting Nix’s ability to protect the ball and make big plays. Despite this praise, Kerr points to several potential challenges, including the difficulty of replicating last season’s dominant pass rush (63 sacks), the need for improved running back production, and a challenging schedule including games against the Eagles, Commanders, and divisional rivals.
While acknowledging the validity of some of Kerr’s concerns, a counter-argument suggests that a “major fall” is an overstatement. The Broncos are expected to retain most of their defensive starters and defensive coordinator Vance Joseph, ensuring continuity. The team’s offensive line also performed exceptionally well, allowing only 24 sacks. Furthermore, the article notes that the Eagles, Super Bowl champions, had a lower sack total than the Broncos last season, proving that sacks alone don’t guarantee success. The underperformance of the running backs is a legitimate concern, but it’s not attributed to the offensive line’s performance.
Ultimately, while replicating their 2024 success may prove challenging, the article concludes that the Broncos, under Sean Payton’s leadership, remain on a positive trajectory. The team’s improved standing and the hype surrounding them may present additional challenges, but the foundation for continued success seems to be in place.