BRONCOS

Broncos are a top candidate to make debut on “Hard Knocks”

Feb 24, 2021, 12:45 PM

As “Hard Knocks” enters its 16th season the Denver Broncos are one of the top six candidates to star in the HBO show according to NFL.com’s Dan Hanzus.

The Broncos rank fifth in Hanzus’ possibilities for the 2021 season.

“We have name brands on both sides of the ball, a curmudgeonly coach in Vic Fangio who could make for good social content and, of course, John Elway — who’s no longer the GM but still casts a long shadow over the organization in his top executive role,” Hanzus wrote. “Incumbent starter Drew Lock might (or should) have competition for his job come training camp — QB battles are naturally fertile soil for Hard Knocks … it’d be no shame if they were the choice in 2021.”

Hanzus’ article is a ranking of teams with the most entertainment potential, from most compelling to least.

The Dallas Cowboys came in at the top spot with the most compelling storyline.

“There’s no dearth of quality storylines to unpack. Dak Prescott looking for a new contract and coming back from an ankle injury, the suddenly unsure place of Ezekiel Elliott in the team’s future, an electric trio of wide receivers in Amari Cooper, Michael Gallup and CeeDee Lamb, and intrigue on the sidelines with Mike McCarthy in win-or-else mode after last year’s 5-11 campaign,” Hanzus wrote. “Some people might complain if “America’s Team” is on premium cable come August, but they’ll be watching it anyway.”

The New York Giants are ranked second followed by the Carolina Panthers in third and Arizona Cardinals holding down the fourth spot.

Hanzus goes on to write that he believes the Jacksonville Jaguars will get the nod to star in Hard Knocks this season.

“The Jags are the only team that’s publicly stated a desire to be the focus of a Hard Knocks season. They’ve never been selected because — we surmise — there’s never been enough buzz around the team to merit serious consideration,” Hanzus wrote. “That’s no longer the case. The arrival of Urban Meyer as head coach and (presumably) Trevor Lawrence at quarterback as the No. 1 overall pick gives the organization a level of juice it’s never had in its 25-year history.”

The Broncos were ranked second in this same exercise a year ago, so could this finally be the year Denver makes its debut?

Broncos

Zach Wilson...

Andrew Mason

No surprise: Broncos aren’t picking up fifth-year option on Zach Wilson

When the Broncos traded for Zach Wilson, they also traded for a fifth-year option. This week, they declined it, as expected.

6 minutes ago

Chris Harris Jr....

Andrew Mason

Chris Harris Jr. officially retires from NFL playing career

After a 12-season career that included nine in Denver, Chris Harris Jr. announced his retirement from the playing field on April 30.

22 hours ago

Broncos Bo Nix...

Will Petersen

Don’t make your mind up on new Broncos QB Bo Nix just yet

Before he's ever played a snap for the Broncos, the plea is simple: don't make up your mind on Bo Nix until we've seen a legit sample size

1 day ago

Broncos Javonte Williams NFL Draft...

Andrew Mason

Seven returning Broncos most affected by the NFL Draft

Which returning Broncos had their outlooks most changed by the NFL Draft? The list includes plenty of familiar names.

1 day ago

Travis Kelce...

Will Petersen

Broncos are going to have to deal with Travis Kelce for a bit longer

In 19 career games against the Broncos, Travis Kelce has torn them up, hauling in 116 catches for nearly 1,500 yards and six touchdowns

2 days ago

Bo Nix at the Senior Bowl...

Cecil Lammey

What is the REAL grade on Broncos QB Bo Nix?

There are plenty of opinions on Denver Broncos 2024 first-round pick QB Bo Nix. What do some of the best in the game have to say about this pick? Watch Orange and Blue Today with Cecil Lammey and Andrew Mason! Follow @CecilLammey

2 days ago

Broncos are a top candidate to make debut on “Hard Knocks”