Toro Times Round Table: Denver Broncos picked as best in AFC
Sep 15, 2013; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) passes the ball during the first half against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
Each week the Toro Times editorial staff will take part in a weekly round-table discussion about a different topic pertaining to the NFL.
For our first discussion, the question asked by the Toro Times was: Who is the best team in the AFC after two weeks and why?
Taking part in the in the discussion were editors Stephen Forsha, Pete Osmolia; and staff writers Graham Rogers and Bruce Matson.
From the looks of the answers, it was a clean sweep for the Denver Broncos in this first round-table discussion, as everyone on the panel voted for the Peyton Manning led Broncos.
The Broncos enter this week with a perfect 2-0 mark and will face the Oakland Raiders (1-1) on Monday Night Football.
There were other teams some of us thought about before ultimately picking the Broncos.
There were the Indianapolis Colts (Andrew Luck will be a superstar) who have to be brought up in the discussion (this question was asked before their trade for running back Trent Richardson), the Cincinnati Bengals (that offense with AJ Green will be very good) and following their Week 3 win over the Philadelphia Eagles, (again the answers were completed earlier in the week) the Kansas City Chiefs (Andy Reid early favorite for Coach of the Year?).
I really don’t believe as of today the Baltimore Ravens (Super Bowl hangover?), the New England Patriots (too many injuries), the Houston Texans (not able to put teams away yet) or any other team in the AFC are up to the caliber of the Broncos.
Again, as of today. All of that could change in the near future, but as of right now the top spot in the AFC goes to the Broncos.
Tell us your opinion on who you feel is the best team in the AFC on Twitter, Facebook or in the comment section at the end of the article. You can also email future questions to Toro Time co-editor Stephen Forsha at sforsha@gmail.com.
BRUCE MATSON, STAFF WRITER
I’m picking the Denver Broncos. Peyton Manning looks like he is back to his old form from the injuries and is lights out. The addition of Wes Welker gives him a dependable target in the slot, and helps Demaryius Thomas get one-on-one coverage for his deep routes.
Julius Thomas is the most athletic tight end Manning has ever worked with and Thomas is a match up nightmare. Who are you going to cover in that offense if you double team Demaryius … then you’re going to leave Julius Thomas, Welker, or Eric Decker open?
Their defensive statistics are very misleading. They have allowed 688 yards in two games 344 yards per game, which is 28th in the league. Most of the these yards were allowed in garbage time, when Denver has had the game in the bag. Joe Flacco had 62 attempts against them because he was trying to cut into Denver’s large lead. Eli Manning threw for 49 attempts against Denver. Denver is first in the league against the rush allowing 81 yards, which you could say teams stopped running the ball against them because they were leading in games.
PETE OSMOLIA, CO-EDITOR
The best team in the AFC so far is the Denver Broncos. Through the first two games, Peyton Manning has thrown for 769 yards and nine touchdowns. Manning’s dominance is opening the doors for Knowshon Moreno and the Broncos’ rushing attack. As the season wears on, Manning and the Denver offense is only going to get better, especially once Manning develops a better chemistry with his new weapon Wes Welker.
Denver’s defense is doing an excellent job of keeping its opponents out of the end zone. Let’s not forget that they are doing so without two of their best play makers, Von Miller and Champ Bailey. I think Denver is a lock for the best team in the AFC and they are most likely going to represent the AFC in the Super Bowl.
"Sep 15, 2013; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Denver Broncos wide receiver Wes Welker (83) catches a touchdown pass ahead of New York Giants free safety Antrel Rolle (26) in the second half during the game at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports GRAHAM ROGERS, STAFF WRITER The best team in the AFC right now is the Denver Broncos. Why Denver … because their defense is standing firm making it hard for opposing teams to match the Broncos when it comes to scoring. A good defense makes an offense that’s working as a well-oiled unit that much more dangerous. Manning’s leadership and personal drive for success really has upped the Broncos offense. Their a tough nut to crack and few will do it this season should they keep this well organized. STEPHEN FORSHA, CO-EDITOR What else can I say that hasn’t been already been said about the Broncos? What I like about this team is their willingness to do everything to win. With John Elway running the team as president, he’s showing he’ll take risks to make the Broncos Super Bowl champion again. Look at his decision to bring Peyton Manning to the team following his numerous neck surgeries last season. That’s worked out really well. This year, he’s brought in Wes Welker from the Patriots as another target for Manning to have, and though they use a number of running backs, I believe it is only a matter of time before Montee Ball becomes the No. 1 option in their running game. Right now the Broncos are the leaders of the AFC, and it’s going to be interesting to see how much better they can get, and even more fun seeing how long it takes and which team it will be to catch up with them this season. That’s what I love the most about the NFL … the guessing game as to what will happen next."