What a difference a year makes for Denver Broncos

Opinion

What a difference a year makes.

It's enough time to change something major, to start a relationship or further enhance one that you had previously began. If we all look back over the last year, there were likely trials and tribulations, along with exciting and joyous times; a lot can happen in the course of a year.

No where is that more apparent than in Denver, where the Broncos have transformed from a lucky bunch into the most dominant football team in the NFL in only 12 months.

In fact, five weeks into the 2011 season, Denver was dead in the water; Kyle Orton was leading the Broncos off the precipice of a cliff that would have taken the entire team down. In that fifth game of the season, the men from the Mile High City decided to take a stand and turn their season around. Tim Tebow was flung into the lineup and nearly brought the Broncos back against the Chargers, but then he led them to victories in seven of the next eight games – including a six-game winning streak – with late-game heroics.

Last year's Broncos backed into the playoffs, losing their last three games, but no one remembers that. Everyone, however, remembers Tebow's playoff win over the Pittsburgh Steelers, hitting Demaryius Thomas and letting the incredibly athletic receiver stiff-arm and speed his way 80-yards to the end zone on the first play in overtime.

For this year's Broncos, the story is eerily the same, with one major difference; arguably the greatest quarterback in the history of the game calls the shots now, Peyton Manning.

For Manning's team, Week Five was another turning point and it ironically came against those same Chargers. With his team down 24-0 at halftime, the 15-year veteran led the greatest comeback in the history of Monday Night Football as Denver defeated their division rival in San Diego 35-14.

That game jump-started the Broncos amazing 11-game winning streak, in which Denver won every game they had to in order to secure the No. 1 seed in the AFC.

What a difference a year makes.

This week in 2012, the team was coming off that thrilling Wildcard win over the Steelers, in a game they shouldn't have even competed in. The 9-8 Broncos then had to fly to Foxborough to face the No. 1 seed Patriots. New England proceeded to stomp Denver, to the tune of 45-10 with over 500 yards of total offense. Tebow's seemingly magical running ability was diminished as they focused on taking his effectiveness on the ground out of the game, and Denver folded.

This year is much different.

These 13-3 Broncos used last week's bye to rest, resulting in the healthiest set of offensive lineman they've had in a long time. Starting right guard Chris Kuper will return, and tackles Ryan Clady and Orlando Franklin have healed their bumps and bruises as well. They've also spent the extra time preparing, and Manning's knowledge of defenses is something that sets him apart from every other player. He's extremely detail-oriented, understanding the importance of timing, precise route-running and reading the defense on the fly. Instead of just deciding to tuck the ball and hope something positive works out, Manning works out what the defense is planning to do before the snap, changes the play to suit his offense, then executes the call in an efficient manner.

Last season's team had no chance of beating the Patriots in the Divisional Round.

If Denver loses Saturday to Baltimore, it'll be considered the most devastating defeat since the 13-3 team that lost to Jacksonville in the Wildcard round in 1996.

What a difference a year makes.

This is a team destined for greatness and they're considered the most complete team in football. Denver's the only remaining playoff team in the top five offensively and defensively in both points scored and yards, while their special teams has lived up to the monicker at times as well.

Everyone expects this team to lock up with the Patriots next week, in the AFC Championship game, which would ironically bring last year's team full-circle as the remaining members would get a chance at revenge, while we'll all see the improvement in the Broncos play out on live TV.

Yes, 2012-13 has brought one of the best Broncos teams in franchise history; Manning's implemented his offense by earning teammates' respect, the defense has played lights-out, special teams has performed well and coaching put it all together.

What a difference a year makes.

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