The Lead
As we look back on the 2020 season, three Broncos earned tremendous accolades from Pro Football Focus, as the outlet picked three Denver players for their All-Pro teams.
Garett Bolles and Justin Simmons each earned second-team honors, but it was Bryce Callahan who garnered the only first-team selection for the Broncos.
"Callahan hasn't played since Week 12, but what we saw from him was so impressive that he makes it as the flex defender despite that missed time," Sam Monson wrote. "Arguably the best slot corner in football, Callahan was asked to moonlight on the outside on multiple occasions due to injuries, and he thrived despite being just 5-foot-8 in height."
Broncos fans had eagerly awaited Callahan's first game action in Denver, and he did not disappoint. In Vic Fangio's defense, he looked quite comfortable as a stingy cornerback in the slot and outside, and he came up with several key plays, including an incredible one-handed interception in the end zone against the Chargers.
"For the season, Callahan allowed a passer rating of only 46.9 on throws into his coverage, allowing just 7.1 yards per reception, and he didn't give up a catch longer than 19 yards all year," Monson wrote. "Even with a relative lack of playing time, he has the strongest case and was one of the most impactful coverage players in the league."
Callahan was placed on injured reserve late in the year, but the Broncos will be glad to have him back in 2021.
Below the Fold
In a countdown of things that went right for the Broncos' 2020 season, nothing topped Garett Bolles' career turnaround, Cecil Lammey writes for 104.3 The Fan. "He's a loyal player and wanted to be great, and in 2020 Bolles began paying off on the promise he showed years ago when he was in college," Lammey wrote. "He's still athletic, but his technique has greatly improved and Bolles cut down on getting holding penalties."
