The NFL released its league wide schedule, only to have the Broncos as the most intriguing in the league.
The 2013 Broncos Schedule delighted many fans when it was released. Artwork by Tori Wallace
If major league sports schedule releases had a championship, the NFL’s would win it.
On April 18, 2013 the NFL released the schedule for the upcoming 2013 season. The NFL did an excellent job in putting the correct teams and games in the national spotlight, and the Broncos are one of those teams (much to my chagrin, not being a Bronco fan myself). The Broncos have the most watchable and most enjoyable schedule of all the 32 teams in the league. The opening game for the Broncos, and the entire league, will be the Baltimore Ravens coming back to Denver to start the campaign as back-to-back Superbowl champions.
The Broncos (mostly Rahim Moore) had arguably the biggest blunder in NFL History to let the Divisional Game on January 13, 2013 slip away and give Ray Lewis two more weeks of his NFL career. Now the Ravens return to Denver, with a Mile High Crowd thirsty for blood.
Another fascinating aspect to this game is Elvis Dumervile’s homecoming to Denver after Fax-Gate. Will the fans of Denver boo Dumervile? I doubt it. Dumervile left on terms that were not his own. Now, if only he could explain why he wore #58. Moving on, Denver fans and players alike will be passionate to bring revenge upon the Ravens who were supposed to be Nevermore. This could be the highest rated regular season game of all-time, and it’s only Day one of the NFL season. Well played Goddell.
The very next week, Denver plays in the big apple against the Giants. You may be thinking, “This doesn’t matter to Broncos fans.” WELL OF COURSE IT DOES. It’s going to be Manning-Bowl 3, with Peyton and Eli facing off against each other for what is most likely the final time. (Unless that pesky Super Bowl gets in the way.) Denver and New York have great interest staked into this game with each respective Manning looking for the upper hand. Another hometown reunion to happen later in the season for the Broncos is the prodigal son, Peyton Manning, returning to the homeland, Indianapolis. Peyton treated Colts fans to 13 immaculate seasons, 1 Super Bowl Victory, and – strangely enough – Andrew Luck. I expect nothing less than cheers, applause, and possibly a few shed tears among the Indianapolis crowd that day. I don’t want to get too deep into predictions here, but this game might have Peyton throwing multiple interceptions, still thinking he’s a Colt and all.
Personally, I think the best game for the Broncos on the schedule is when Denver makes the trip out to New England to play Tommy Boy (Brady) and the Patriots. Now, this game has more to it than it seems. Sure, another Brady v. Manning game, but this game is the greatest because of one man. When Welker went Wes this year (pun fully intended) to the Broncos, he may have left a bitter taste in Tom’s mouth. Not only that but he went to Brady’s arch rival, Manning. Welker now returns to Foxboro to a crowd that will be unforgiving and ready to watch Welker fail. Amendola, Welker’s replacement in New England, may be the most loved during this game than he ever will be, to show Welker that Belichick is boss.
2013 should be the greatest football season of my lifetime, and possibly since the league’s inception. With the Ravens returning, Manning-Bowl, Manning’s return, and Welker’s return, only one question remains: Will Peyton finally get out of the Divisional Round?
