Because John Elway ‘doesn’t believe in Super Bowl windows. He believes in Super Bowl front porches.’

Happy St. Patrick’s Day, O’Broncos Country!

Perusing the interwebs for something interesting to talk about with you all this morning, I came across an All22 post stating the Broncos’ "window for a championship has closed."

Given that my relatively new MHR sig line highlights a fabulous quote/observation from KRONK-00 stating the opposite - "TYJE doesn't believe in Super Bowl windows; he believes in Super Bowl front porches." - I feel somewhat obligated to challenge this obvious fake news.

The argument that the window has closed is not without merit.

After all, there are some glaring needs for this team to fill in order to be in championship form - a seasoned quarterback, a reliable left tackle (reliable for our offense, not the opposing defense), a consistent running game and a run-stuffing defense. And losing a veteran leader in DeMarcus Ware after losing fellow veteran leader Peyton Manning, leaves a void in the locker room, no doubt. Plus, the Broncos’ AFC West opponents closed the performance on them last year, making the division a four-way competition.

But there’s a reason I gravitated to this analogy of a porch rather than a window when describing John Elway’s vision for his Broncos. A window indicates a finite time in which an opening is available. A porch says, "Welcome. Please stay a while."

And that’s exactly what Elway intends to do with his team. Sometimes that stay is a quick "hello, just dropping something off" kind of visit. Sometimes it’s a "let’s have a drink and talk a while" sort. But either way, it’s always there for frequent visits.

Currently the Broncos may not appear to be "in the championship window" given some of their challenges. They are still in search of the QB competitor they need - whether that’s a tested veteran like Tony Romo (perhaps?) or it’s major development from Paxton Lynch and Trevor Siemian. And they still need an explosive running game which will thrive behind an offensive line that can operate more like a border wall for the QB rather than a gateway to him. It remains to be seen how much of these problems can be fixed this year.

But the good news is Elway has fortified his defensive line in free agency with 600 extra pounds of run-stomping flesh while also securing a top-notch offensive lineman. It seems likely, too, that the GM is also gearing up for some kind of trade deal to get a left tackle. And RomoWatch is still a thing.

Despite losing a key leader in DeMarcus Ware, and possibly losing Vance Walker and Dekoda Watson to other teams, the Broncos’ defense will mostly be just a younger version of its elite self with guys like Shane Ray, Justin Simmons, Will Parks and Shaq Barrett ready to step into bigger roles and show off the strides they’ve made since being rookies.

Are these promising enough to provide a glimmer of hope for an opening in the Super Bowl window?

That remains to be seen, but this offseason should be a reminder that the former Broncos quarterback has built a big porch, and his vision goes way beyond one season or two.

Big porches, after all, usually include a lot of big windows.

Horse Tracks - docllv’s picks of the day

NFL abuse of painkillers and other drugs described in court filings - The Washington Post
Documents presented by former players in their suit against the league say the NFL violated federal laws and disregarded DEA guidance on handling controlled substances.

Stand Up | The Players' Tribune
The STAND UP campaign harnesses the power of the biggest names in sports in support of the ideals of unity, togetherness and love.

Iowa State storms past Nevada in first round of NCAA Tournament
Monte Morris was oh-so-close to a triple-double too.

Horse Tracks

Denver Broncos' offseason moves make OL coach Jeff Davidson a busy man - Denver Broncos Blog- ESPN
In addition to new personnel at the majority of the positions, the Broncos also might work in some gap schemes to go with their zone-blocking schemes.

Domata Peko, Zach Kerr central to fixing Broncos run defense
Full of energy and excitement, Domata Peko and Zach Kerr began their first day as Broncos on Monday eager to be the solution to one of Denver's problems.

'The NFL needs more players like DeMarcus Ware' | 9news.com
Just ask Joe DeCamillis. (*editor's note: docllv says this write-up on D-Ware was one of the best ones out there this week).

NFL agent Leigh Steinberg joins Julie and Mose to talk about Paxton Lynch, etc.
Although this is still from the agent's point of view, it's more refreshing than trying to read between lines of coach/PR speak from Dove Valley. Enjoy the listen!

Why Denver Broncos are meeting with Joe Mixon
News that the Denver Broncos are conducting a pre-draft visit with Joe Mixon predictability and understandably was met with some skepticism Thursday.

Denver Broncos' draft board leans toward defense in first round
While they may be tempted by some offensive players available at No. 20, the Broncos should be able to fill a bigger need on defense if they so choose.

How Domata Peko and Zach Kerr will fit on the Broncos' defensive line
Both of them offer size -- specifically, a combined 661 pounds of bulk that the Broncos hope will clear paths for their linebackers to make plays.

The best of what's left: Mason's top 50 free agents still on the market
After the initial frenzy of signings that include, the market continues to evolve -- with King Dunlap among those joining the market after being released by the Chargers.

Horsin' Around: March 14
With Vance Joseph and John Elway answering questions Monday, it's time to take stock as the first wave of free agency ends. Andrew Mason and Andy Lindahl of the Broncos Radio Network reflect on the signings that beefed up the lines and look ahead to what could come next.

Trevor Siemian wild for 'Cats as NCAA Tourney approaches
Siemian knows a thing or two about a good underdog story.

Mike Freeman's 10-Point Stance: Joe Mixon's Draft Stock Is Surprisingly Rising | Bleacher Report
Joe Mixon's image rehab, the Pats' busy offseason and the Romo waiting game. 1. Joe Mixon's Rehab Effort Is Working In a recent meeting with an NFL franchise, ...

Raiders agree to terms with Jared Cook on 2-year deal - NFL.com
Oakland is adding to an already explosive offense. One day after losing Latavius Murray to Minnesota, the Raiders have signed former Green Bay tight end Jared Cook.

Details released regarding Seahawks RB Eddie Lacy's weight incentives
New Seattle Seahawks running back Eddie Lacy will have $55,000 on the line when he steps up on the scale the rest of the year. Lacy signed a one-year deal.

Vikings nab ex-Raiders RB Latavius Murray in late-night deal – The Denver Post
The Vikings have signed former Oakland Raiders running back Latavius Murray, the latest signal that the Adrian Peterson era has ended in Minnesota.