DELL COMMENTARY: Can GM Jason Licht follow Elway's plan and turn Bucs into a contender
The way John Elway tore apart Denver's roster and rebuilt it after the Broncos' 43-8 loss to Seattle in Super Bowl XLVIII is a blueprint most NFL general managers are going to follow.
Tampa Bay general manager Jason Licht, who escaped the Lovie Smith slaying, perhaps by a Glazer or two, should take heed.
His survival will depend on how close he can come to matching the success of Elway. The Bucs have many of the same needs that befell the Broncos after getting demolished by Seattle two Super Bowls ago.
Despite overseeing a franchise that scored an NFL record 606 points in 2013, Elway took the approach that defense still wins championships.
He wasn't swayed by the current NFL narrative that you win by outscoring your opponents with teams lighting up scoreboards and quarterbacks around the league shattering previous passing marks.
Those post-Super-Bowl-loss Broncos needed pass rushers and cornerbacks just like the current Bucs.
Elway supplied that without breaking the bank, taking chances on some struggling anger management types mixed in with some old-fashion luck.
Elway took the approach that you win Super Bowls with a strong defense and strong running game. it’s what Lovie Smith said from the day he arrived in Tampa, but with the Bucs two drafts during his reign concentrating on offense he never got to implement his vision.
Only three defensive players who started for Denver in their last Super Bowl started this time.
The missing piece was linebacker Von Miller, this year’s Super Bowl MVP, who didn’t play in the Broncos’ loss to Seattle because of an injury.
The Bucs feel comfortable about their offense with Jameis Winston at quarterback, Doug Martin (most likely to be re-signed at running back), and good if not great campaigns on the offensive line from rookies Donovan Smith and Ali Marpet.
If Elway can win with a broken and battered Peyton Manning at quarterback and a non-descript running back, the Bucs should concentrate on their defense.
We already knew that.
In the secondary, Elway parted ways with sure Hall of Fame cornerback Champ Bailey and acquired problem child Aqib Talib after Denver couldn’t reach agreement with Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie.
They made team-friendly deals with Talib and cornerback Chris Harris, who was hurt in the last Super Bowl and lived off rookie contract cornerback Bradley Roby.
Rodgers-Cromartie, the Lakewood Ranch product, was offered a contract by the Broncos that amounted to series of one-year deals with only $5 million guaranteed.
He found himself in a bidding war with the Giants and Jets that won him a contract worth $35 million guaranteed, which was an offer he couldn’t refuse.
The Broncos guaranteed Talib one year, which made him a low risk for Denver after two seasons in New England that followed his tumultuous four with the Bucs.
Elway gambled on the cornerback’s anger management issues and less than stellar coverage skill, but monetarily it was a safe bet though Talib almost imploded in Sunday’s Super Bowl when he was flagged for two personal fouls and has a history of suspensions.
During the first 24 hours of free agency in 2014 Elway also signed defensive end/outside linebacker DeMarcus Ware and safety T.J. Ward, who played instrumental roles this season.
Elway took a chance (perhaps) with Miller, who was suspended for the first six games of the 2013 season for violating the league’s substance abuse policy and then tore his ACL.
The Broncos also made a key decision in not allowing defensive end Malik Jackson to walk during free agency.
The Bucs need to refurbish their defensive line with pass rushers who can pressure opposing quarterbacks and cornerbacks who can play man and are preferable at least six-feet tall.
Johnthan Banks at 6-2 with decent speed, could be the answer, but fell into Lovie Smith’s dog house. Alterraun Verner, who came to the Bucs via free agency, did not perform up to expectations.
Either Elway is lucky or knows how to read people because he took chances on people who came through for him.
Licht’s free agent signings were dismal, but he may have bowed to Lovie Smith in acquiring all those guys who failed. This time he stands alone.
There is an attractive list of unrestricted free agents though you can expect the best to sign with their current teams or get the franchise tag placed on them. But some out there could fill the Bucs’ needs, even at wide receiver with Alshon Jeffery if things don’t work out with Vincent Jackson.
Some who could wind up as free agents include Giants pass rusher Jason Pierre-Paul, Kansas City Chiefs safety Eric Berry, Malik Jackson, Miami defensive end Olivier Vernon and San Diego safety Eric Weddle.
Alan Dell, Herald sports columnist/writer, can be reached at 941-745-7057. Follow him on Twitter @ADellSports
This story was originally published February 10, 2016 at 12:00 AM with the headline "DELL COMMENTARY: Can GM Jason Licht follow Elway's plan and turn Bucs into a contender ."