The Lead
As Bradley Chubb enters his fourth season in the NFL, his goal is to take his place among the best pass-rushers in the NFL.
"I want to be at the top of that list year in and year out," Chubb told DenverBroncos.com in May. "That's what I strive for, and that's what I'm working toward. I'm going to do whatever it takes on the field. The tenacity, the intensity is going to lead to more sacks and more plays for me, so I'm just going to be out there doing whatever it takes to help the team win. I feel like [the sacks] are going to come with it."
At least one NFL analyst believes Chubb will reach that goal in 2021.
In a recent article featuring predictions for the 2021 season, CBS Sports' Jason La Canfora projected that Chubb would lead the NFL in sacks.
"Chubb has gone through two trying seasons in which things have not gone his way and he has not had around him what was expected," La Canfora said. "That will change in 2021. He will grasp, fully, what Fangio has created for him and edge out Chase Young for the sack lead. And then he will get a massive payday. This Broncos defense has the makings of a truly elite unit if the top individuals take a step forward, and I anticipate they do just that."
If Chubb were to accomplish this feat, he would join Elvis Dumervil as the only other Bronco to ever lead the league in sacks. Dumervil posted 17 quarterback takedowns in 2009.
La Canfora doesn't just expect big things for Chubb, though. He also projects Von Miller to win Comeback Player of the Year honors after he missed the 2020 season with an ankle injury.
"Vic Fangio is now at ease with what he has and a little more at ease with being a head coach," La Canfora wrote. "Not that there aren't some rough edges and issues here, but he has a lot of toys to play with at this point. After a lost season, and now in the final year of his deal, it's time for Miller to regain his position as one of the dominant pass rushers in the game. Love the scheme and the array of talent around him."
The Broncos will face tough division competition — La Canfora projects Patrick Mahomes will win MVP and that Justin Herbert will merit Offensive Player of the Year consideration — but if Chubb and Miller meet this standard, the team could very well be headed back to the postseason.
Below the Fold
As the 2021 season approaches, second-year wide receiver KJ Hamler bulked up to try to make a bigger impact.
What are the Broncos' chances of catapulting to the top of the AFC West standings? NFL Network took a look.
