The Complex Legacy of John Elway's Tenure with the Denver Broncos
Assembling the pieces of an NFL franchise’s success or failure is a complex and often scrutinized endeavor. John Elway’s tenure as the general manager for the Denver Broncos is a prime example of how pivotal decisions and unforeseen challenges can shape a team’s trajectory in the NFL. Elway, a Hall of Fame quarterback, brought high expectations when he rejoined the team in 2011 as the director of player personnel and was named executive vice president of football operations in 2012. Over his decade-long involvement with the Broncos' front office, Elway experienced dramatic highs and lows, offering a study in the delicate art of team management.
Draft Decisions: The Josh Allen Miss
One of the most talked-about decisions in Elway’s tenure is his choice in the 2018 NFL draft. With the fifth overall pick, Elway opted for Bradley Chubb, a pass rusher from NC State, rather than quarterback Josh Allen. This decision, rooted in the high hopes Elway had vested in Case Keenum, is now often criticized given Allen’s subsequent success with the Buffalo Bills. Reflecting on this pivotal moment, Elway himself noted, "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."
At the time, Keenum was expected to provide stability at quarterback after a breakout season with the Minnesota Vikings. However, Keenum’s tenure in Denver was short-lived and far from spectacular. This left the Broncos once again in search of a franchise quarterback, a search that has eluded them since Peyton Manning’s retirement following their Super Bowl 50 victory in the 2015 season. Denver has cycled through 13 different starting quarterbacks since then, underscoring the instability at the position and its significant impact on the team not making the playoffs since that Super Bowl win.
The Chubb Gamble and Health Struggles
Bradley Chubb, the highly-touted pass rusher, was expected to bolster the Broncos’ defense significantly. Unfortunately, his time in Denver was marred by health issues, preventing him from consistently delivering on his potential. Eventually, Chubb was traded to the Miami Dolphins, marking another chapter in Elway’s series of gambles that didn’t pan out as hoped.
Quarterback Carousel: Case Keenum and Paxton Lynch
Elway’s challenges with quarterback selections didn’t start with Keenum. In 2016, he drafted Paxton Lynch, a move that yielded little success. Lynch started only four games before his eventual release in 2018. The combined missteps in choosing Lynch and passing on Allen have become key talking points when evaluating Elway’s draft record.
A Tale of Two Tenures
Elway’s time as the Broncos’ general manager can be starkly divided into two phases. His first five seasons were marked by a 64-26 record, culminating in a Super Bowl victory. However, the subsequent five years saw the team slide to a 32-48 record, plagued by quarterback instability and missed opportunities in the draft. This decline ultimately led Elway to step away from his role following the 2020 season.
Legacy and Reflection
Despite the challenges and criticisms, Elway’s legacy with the Denver Broncos is multifaceted. He will always be celebrated for constructing a Super Bowl-winning roster and for his contributions as a player. Yet, his tenure as general manager is a sobering reminder of the challenges inherent in team-building. The NFL draft remains a high-stakes gamble where even the most seasoned experts can second-guess their decisions in hindsight.
Elway’s candid reflection on the decision to pass on Josh Allen highlights the often-unpredictable nature of the sport. While the Broncos continue their quest for quarterback stability, the complexities and pressures of NFL management remain ever-apparent, as illustrated by Elway’s storied career.