The Complex Journey of John Elway as GM: Hits and Misses
The narrative of constructing a successful NFL franchise is often fraught with complexities and second-guessing. No one understands this better than John Elway, the iconic figure who transitioned from a Hall of Fame playing career to an executive role with the Denver Broncos.
A Glorious Start Derailed
Elway, who rejoined the Broncos in 2011 as the director of player personnel and was promoted to executive vice president of football operations in 2012, had a stellar start. With a 64-26 record in his first five seasons as general manager, Elway seemingly had the Midas touch. This period included a Super Bowl victory in the 2015 season, spearheaded by the legendary Peyton Manning.
However, the post-Manning era has been less forgiving. Since Manning’s retirement, the Broncos have been plagued by instability at the quarterback position, cycling through 13 different starters. This constant shuffling has been a significant factor in the team's inability to return to the playoffs since their Super Bowl win.
The Quarterback Conundrum
One of the most scrutinized decisions during Elway’s tenure was the selection in the 2018 NFL draft. Opting for Bradley Chubb, a pass rusher from NC State, with the fifth overall pick, Elway passed on now-star quarterback Josh Allen. This choice was influenced by Elway's optimistic outlook on quarterback Case Keenum at the time.
Reflecting on the decision, Elway admitted, "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."
In hindsight, it's clear why Elway's regret runs deep. Josh Allen has blossomed into one of the NFL's premier quarterbacks with the Buffalo Bills, leading his team to consistent playoff appearances and establishing himself as a franchise cornerstone.
Misses in the Draft
The saga of missed opportunities doesn’t end with Josh Allen. John Elway’s 2016 selection of quarterback Paxton Lynch serves as another chapter in this narrative. Drafted with high expectations, Lynch started only four games before his unceremonious release in 2018. The Lynch experiment was a disappointment that further destabilized the quarterback position in Denver.
Chubb's Unfortunate Struggles
Bradley Chubb, Elway’s 2018 pick, initially showed promise but was beset by health issues that hampered his performance with the Broncos. Eventually, he was traded to the Miami Dolphins, leaving fans to wonder what might have been had health not betrayed such talent.
End of an Era
John Elway’s journey as the Broncos’ general manager came to an end following the 2020 season. His record in the latter half of his tenure stood at 32-48, a stark contrast to the success of his early years. This decline underscores the high stakes and unforgiving nature of NFL management.
Elway's tenure, marked by highs and lows, serves as a testament to the myriad challenges faced by NFL executives. While some decisions like not drafting Josh Allen will be second-guessed for years, Elway’s contributions to the organization’s history remain significant. His initial success brought a Super Bowl back to Denver, a feat any franchise would celebrate.
Looking Back and Ahead
As the Broncos continue their quest to find stability and success in the post-Elway era, it is clear that the journey of building a winning franchise is complex and precarious. The lessons, triumphs, and regrets from Elway’s time at the helm will undoubtedly shape the team’s approach in the years to come, as they strive to return to the pinnacle of NFL glory.