Assembling the elements of an NFL franchise’s success or failure is a multi-faceted and heavily scrutinized endeavor. John Elway's tenure as the general manager of the Denver Broncos is a compelling case study in the delicate balance of decision-making in professional football management.
Draft Decisions and Their Impact
John Elway's decision to pass on quarterback Josh Allen in the 2018 NFL Draft remains a pivotal moment in recent Broncos history. Instead, Elway chose Bradley Chubb, a promising pass rusher from North Carolina State, with the fifth overall pick. At that time, Elway had high hopes resting on the shoulders of quarterback Case Keenum, and the selection of Chubb seemed to fortify the defense.
Elway’s quarterback decisions have been a critical factor throughout his stint. He had previously drafted Paxton Lynch in 2016, but Lynch's career with the Broncos was short-lived, starting only four games before his release in 2018. Lynch's inability to secure the starting role spotlighted the Broncos' growing instability at quarterback, a trend that would continue to plague the franchise.
The Unraveling of High Hopes
Chubb's journey with the Broncos was marred by health issues. Despite showing flashes of elite talent, he struggled to stay on the field consistently and was eventually traded to the Miami Dolphins. Meanwhile, Josh Allen, the quarterback Elway bypassed, has flourished with the Buffalo Bills, developing into one of the league’s premier signal-callers.
The situation offers a stark contrast between two trajectories. "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," admitted Elway.
Persistent Quarterback Carousel
Since the retirement of Peyton Manning following the Broncos’ Super Bowl win in the 2015 season, Denver has cycled through 13 different starting quarterbacks. This instability at the most critical position has been a significant reason for the Broncos' failure to make the playoffs since that championship season.
In contrast, Elway’s early years in the front office were marked by impressive success. After rejoining the Broncos in 2011 as the director of player personnel and later being named executive vice president of football operations in 2012, Elway compiled a record of 64-26 in his first five seasons as general manager. His leadership during this period established Denver as a perennial contender, culminating in the Super Bowl 50 victory.
The Decline and Departure
However, the latter half of Elway's tenure was less fruitful. His record as general manager dipped to 32-48 in his final five seasons. This decline mirrored the team’s struggles on the field, driven largely by the unsettled quarterback situation. The Broncos' inability to find a consistent and high-performing quarterback post-Manning became a defining feature of Elway's later years in the front office.
Ultimately, Elway stepped away from his role following the 2020 season, closing a significant chapter in Broncos' history. His tenure encapsulates the ebbs and flows of NFL management, where decisions can lead to either glory or regret. Elway's admission about passing on Josh Allen serves as a candid reflection of the challenges and hindsight that come with leading an NFL franchise.