Peyton Manning: Stud QB Doesn't Automatically Make Broncos Super Bowl Contenders

Peyton Manning may make everyone around him better, but that doesn't mean he can make a mediocre player a good one.

And that means before the Denver Broncos can be considered a Super Bowl Contender, they need to improve several positions on offense.

Now, Demaryius Thomas has a ton of potential and Eric Decker is a pretty solid receiver. There are worse options out there in the backfield than Willis McGahee, Knowshon Moreno and Lance Ball, though I'm not sure any of those three is a great fit in the offense Manning will probably bring with him to Denver.

Who will play tight end for this team? What receiver will fill the important slot role for Manning?

While we know the offensive line is excellent in run blocking, how will they adjust as the Broncos become a pass-heavy team? For that matter, how will everyone on offense adjust to new terminology, a new scheme and a totally different approach to the game?

What I'm saying is the Broncos have some serious questions to answer before we can deem them a legitimate Super Bowl team.

Dallas Clark might follow Manning to Denver, which could eradicate the tight end question. Early Doucet could be an excellent option for the slot, or they could take a run at Mike Wallace of the Pittsburgh Steelers and try Decker inside.

The team could look to add Joseph Addai to fill a third-down back role, or potentially look to Carolina—John Fox's old team—to trade for either Jonathon Stewart or DeAngelo Williams.

The team should adjust. While there will be a major philosophical change from the run-first Broncos of last year to a pass-heavy offense under Manning, don't expect to see an offense that exactly mirrors what the Indianapolis Colts ran under Manning.

It's a lot to ask of a team to completely change philosophies in one season.

I don't think Manning automatically makes this team a Super Bowl contender just yet. As good as he and the defense are, I think there are several question marks on offense that must be addressed.

But it sure will be fun in Denver this year one way or another, won't it be?

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