Ask Aric: How does this year's Broncos offense stack up against the record-setting 2013 unit?

[Miles]

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — We're another Sunday closer to football season, and in this week's mailbag, we're taking a look at the Broncos' staff changes, the top battle of training camp and how this year's offense could compare to the 2013 edition.


As always, if you have a question for a future mailbag, feel free to click here.


And, before we begin, a very happy Father's Day to all of the dads in Broncos Country.


How many coaching changes on offense, defense and special teams have been made since last season? I see the most glaring changes that were needed involved play calling on offense and defense. What can we expect this year given the talent that has been added to this team? – Randy B.


Randy, the Broncos hired Pat Shurmur as their offensive coordinator, Mike Shula as their quarterbacks coach, John Pagano as their outside linebackers coach and Korey Jones as an assistant strength coach. We know the Broncos wanted to be more aggressive on offense, which led to Shurmur's hire. His history of taking shots down the field should help the Broncos achieve that goal. The defensive play calling wasn't an issue, but Pagano should be able to help get the best out of Chubb and Miller.


Is there anyone out at these workouts sessions that would make sure the plays are ran correctly? If not, they could be creating bad habits that won't be corrected until training camp. — Mark J.


Mark, no coaches are allowed at these off-campus throwing sessions and workouts that the players have reportedly held. If Drew Lock and Co. wanted to run plays, they do have their playbooks off which to work. After years of football experience, it's likely they're able to take the installation from the classroom and implement the plays on the field without coaching. If small tweaks need to be made in training camp, that's fine and should be expected. I think that's a worthwhile trade-off so that Lock can work on his timing with some of his receivers and running backs. It also can serve as another way for players to stay in shape during an unusual offseason. It is worth noting that the NFLPA's medical director, Dr. Thom Mayer, has suggested that players now refrain from holding these workouts before training camp to protect players from COVID-19.


In the Bolles vs. Wilkinson battle this preseason and camp, what do you think the main things to look out for are? — Zachary D.


Zach, I'll be looking for different things from each of the two players. From Garett Bolles, I'll be looking for improved technique and for him to have play-to-play amnesia. If he's called for one holding penalty, he can't allow that frustration to linger and result in another penalty on the next play or drive. As for Elijah Wilkinson, I want to see him stand up against the Broncos' elite rushers in camp without allowing a path to the quarterback. For as much as Bolles struggled at times, he allowed just four sacks in 16 games in 2019, according to Pro Football Focus. Wilkinson, meanwhile, allowed 10 sacks in his 15 games (nine starts). Wilkinson could potentially be an upgrade, but he must ensure that Lock stays out of harm's way. That, in many ways, is more important than a holding penalty or two.