We’re almost there, Broncos Country! Tomorrow, the Denver Broncos kick off their much-anticipated 2025 regular season by hosting rookie quarterback Cam Ward and the Tennessee Titans.
After a surprise playoff run last season, the expectations are high in the Mile High City, and it all starts with this game vs. the Titans. Second-year quarterback Bo Nix will look to continue his strong play, we’ll see the Broncos’ revamped running game, and hopefully, we’ll see a few more explosive plays from this offense this season. On the defensive side, they’re returning the vast majority of their unit from last season, which led the NFL in sacks and produced the reigning AP Defensive Player of the Year in CB Pat Surtain II. While they will be without linebacker Dre Greenlaw and defensive linemen Malcolm Roach, this unit figures to be strong again this upcoming season.
With all that said, here are the 5 things I want to see from the Broncos during their season opener vs. the Titans.
1. Start fast on offense and put points on the board
The crowd is going to be loud, and the excitement and expectations will be through the roof. Start hot and put some points on the board early, and put some early pressure on the Titans and rookie Cam Ward, who will be making his first career start.
We saw the Broncos’ offense start slow at times last season, and we saw some of that during the preseason as well. I want them to clean that up, move the ball down the field, and get into the end zone. Set the tone for the season.
You drafted R.J. Harvey in the second round, signed J.K. Dobbins, signed your ‘Joker’ in Evan Engram, drafted Pat Bryant in the third round, Marvin Mims expanded his route tree, and Troy Franklin appears to be on the verge of a breakout year. I want to see this unit start fast, look explosive, and put some damn points on the board.
2. Run the ball effectively
I touched on it briefly in my first point, but I want to see the Broncos run the ball effectively vs. the Titans. Last year, the Broncos struggled to run the ball and made it a priority to improve that unit this season. They went out and added R.J. Harvey and J.K. Dobbins, and are now running a wide zone scheme.
I want to see Dobbins and Harvey run the ball effectively, score some touchdowns, and make some plays in the passing game. I will include the offensive line in this as well. I want to see them get some movement, open running lanes, and set the tone vs. the Titans defense.
The hype around this Denver Broncos defense is very high right now, and they have a real good chance to have a major impact on this game. Rookie quarterback Cam Ward is a talented prospect, but this will be his first career start in a loud and tough environment, and he will be facing a top-ranked defense in the NFL.
We all saw how Bo Nix looked in the season opener last season. I expect some growing pains for the Titans’ rookie quarterback.
I want the Broncos’ defense to get after Ward all game. Blitz him, disguise things, give him looks he has never seen before, and allow your pass rushers and talented secondary to do their thing.
I want and expect multiple sacks, multiple turnovers, and a dominating performance from this Broncos defense.
Unfortunately, the injury bit the Broncos a bit this week. Linebacker Dre Greenlaw is still dealing with a quad injury, and defensive linemen Malcolm Roach suffered a Grade 2 calf strain. Both have been ruled out for this game and their losses will be a blow to the Broncos defense.
However, as the saying goes. Next man up.
We have heard and talked about the Broncos’ depth all throughout training camp and the preseason, and it will be tested here early on. With Greenlaw out, Alex Singleton will take over as the top linebacker and be paired with veteran Justin Strnad. They also have undrafted rookie linebacker Karene Reid and are expected to elevate Levelle Bailey from the practice squad. These guys will need to step up and be playmakers vs. the Titans.
With Roach sidelined, look for Eyioma Uwazurike and Jordan Jackson to rotate in throughout this game, and we could see rookie Sai’vion Jones as well. They kept seven defensive linemen on their 53-man roster and will need to rely on that depth early in the season.
5. Avoid losing another season opener
The Denver Broncos have not won a season opener since 2021, when they defeated the New York Giants on the road to open the year. The Head Coach was Vic Fangio, Teddy Bridgewater was at quarterback, and Von Miller was still on the team.
Sean Payton has yet to win a season opener since taking over the Broncos coaching job and will look to change that tomorrow vs. the Titans.
Tbe Broncos need to handle business against the Titans and prove that all the offseason hype was warranted. A loss would open the flood gates for all the naysayers would be a very disappointing way to start the year. I don’t think that’s going to happen and believe the Broncos can and will dominate this game vs. the Titans and
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