Assembling the pieces of an NFL franchise’s success or failure is a complex endeavor, one that John Elway has experienced firsthand during his tenure with the Denver Broncos. A legend on the field, Elway moved to the front office in 2011 as the director of player personnel, and in 2012, he was named executive vice president of football operations. His time as general manager paints a picture of promising starts and missed opportunities, particularly in the crucial quarterback position.
Glimpses of Greatness and the Case of the Quarterbacks
At the helm, Elway initially saw significant success, achieving a 64-26 record in his first five seasons. His decision-making led to a Super Bowl victory in the 2015 season, signaling a high point for the franchise. However, the retirement of Peyton Manning thrust the Broncos into a cycle of instability, with the team cycling through 13 different starting quarterbacks since the triumphant 2015 season.
Attempts to solidify the quarterback position began with drafting Paxton Lynch in 2016. A promising talent on paper, Lynch's tenure in Denver was underwhelming; he started only four games before his eventual release in 2018. This particular decision was one of many that illustrated the fickle nature of quarterback scouting and development.
The 2018 NFL Draft: A Turning Point
Elway's decision-making came under intense scrutiny during the 2018 NFL Draft. Holding the fifth overall pick, the Broncos were in a position to make a game-changing selection. Among the quarterbacks available was Josh Allen, now a standout with the Buffalo Bills. Yet, Elway opted for Bradley Chubb, a pass rusher from NC State, instead, driven by high hopes vested in quarterback Case Keenum, who had recently been signed.
Reflecting on the decision, Elway reminisced, "Last year I played [golf] with him and I'm wondering, 'How long is it going to take him to realize that I passed on him and took Bradley Chubb instead?' And it took him two and a half holes. And I loved him. But it just didn't work out. He was my type. That was probably my biggest mistake of my GM days, was not taking Josh."
While Keenum had shown flashes of brilliance during his career, he, too, couldn't provide the stability Denver desperately needed. Meanwhile, Bradley Chubb, though talented, struggled with health issues, and his contribution to the team was interrupted by injuries. Chubb's tenure in Denver eventually concluded with a trade to the Miami Dolphins.
The ramifications of passing on Allen have become more pronounced with each passing season. Allen has flourished with the Bills, emerging as one of the league's premier quarterbacks, and his absence in Denver leaves fans wondering what might have been.
The Elway Era Comes to a Close
Elway's final seasons as general manager saw the team amass a 32-48 record, a far cry from the successes of his early tenure. Plagued by the inability to secure a franchise quarterback, the Broncos failed to return to the playoffs since their Super Bowl win in the 2015 season. Ultimately, Elway stepped away from his role following the 2020 season, closing a chapter riddled with both triumphs and tribulations.
The story of John Elway's time in the Broncos' front office is a lesson in the complexities of NFL team-building. His initial achievements, backed by strategic moves and the acquisition of key players, were overshadowed by the challenges that arose post-Manning. The chronic instability at the quarterback position underscores the difficulty even seasoned professionals face when scouting and drafting, a reality that continues to shape the franchise's future.