NFL Denver Broncos

5 Reasons Why the Denver Broncos Won’t Win Super Bowl XLIX

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By @ogab_3

5 Reasons Why the Denver Broncos Won't Win Super Bowl XLIX

Denver Broncos
Ron Chenoy - USA Today Sports

The Denver Broncos are widely considered one of the favorites heading into the playoffs once again. They went 12-4 and proved themselves to be one of the best teams in the AFC for another year. Most people, however, would argue that there are more holes on this Broncos team than the one that lost in the Super Bowl last year. Here are five things that could hurt them in the playoffs.

5. Peyton Manning's Playoff History

Peyton Manning
Ron Chenoy - USA Today Sports

5. Peyton Manning's Playoff History

Peyton Manning
Ron Chenoy - USA Today Sports

Many people point to quarterback Peyton Manning's playoff track record as a reason for concern in these playoffs. For all of Manning's regular season brilliance, none of which can be overstated, he has gone 11-12 in his playoff career. However, I think this is a little overblown. He can't win games by himself, and he will most likely put them in a position to win in most games he plays in.

4. Peyton Manning's Recent Play

Peyton Manning
Aaron Doster - USA Today Sports

4. Peyton Manning's Recent Play

Peyton Manning
Aaron Doster - USA Today Sports

Far more concerning than Manning's history is his recent play. The Broncos will attribute his rapid decline in stats over the past few weeks to their renewed interest in running the ball with C.J. Anderson. Yet, the simple fact is that Manning hasn't played well in multiple games near the end of the season. While having balance is obviously a good and coveted thing in the NFL, the Broncos need Manning to step up his recent play in the playoffs.

3. Broncos Defense: Still A Concern?

Broncos Defense
Ron Chenoy - USA Today Sports

3. Broncos Defense - Still A Concern?

Broncos Defense
Ron Chenoy - USA Today Sports

The Broncos' obvious weakness last year was their defense, part of what led them to losing 43-8 in the Super Bowl. They then tried to address that very issue in the offseason, picking up multiple people. For the most part, it worked, as the Broncos have become a top-10 team in most defensive categories. But there are still a few concerns in their pass defense. They have given up the sixth-most passing touchdowns in the NFL.

2. Julius Thomas' Health

Julius Thomas
Kyle Terada - USA Today Sports

2. Julius Thomas' Health

Julius Thomas
Kyle Terada - USA Today Sports

Julius Thomas is one of the most productive weapons in the NFL, a huge physical beast of a tight end who can shred defenses through the air. That is, when he's healthy. Thomas' problem this season has been staying on the field, and his health is still up in the air heading into the playoffs. If he's on the field, and at 100 percent, he adds a lot to Manning's arsenal. He is a vital part of their playoff success.

1. Tom Brady & a Trip To Foxborough

Tom Brady
Matthew Emmons - USA Today Sports

1. Tom Brady & A Trip to Foxborough

Tom Brady
Matthew Emmons - USA Today Sports

Not to preemptively declare the AFC Championship Game, but the Broncos and New England Patriots seem to be our most worthy competitors once again. In which case, this is bad news for the Broncos. The Patriots at home are nearly unstoppable, and couple that with a late0season playoff game and Manning's 5-11 record against Brady, and that potential matchup spells disaster for the Broncos.

Owen Gabbey is a baseball writer who also contributes for the NFL for RantSports. Follow him on Twitter @ogab_3, “Like” him on Facebook, or add him to your network on Google. 

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