Ryan Clady (78) and offensive guard Zane Beadles (68) line up for a down during the second quarter against the Detroit Lions. (Ron Chenoy-US PRESSWIRE)

Ryan Clady and the rest of the Denver Broncos offensive line is working on making the transition to protecting a passing quarterback again.

Long gone are the days where the Broncos run first attack got them last minute wins. Now it will be about passing their way to an early lead followed by maintaing it throughout the game.

So are there many changes that the Broncos offensive line will have to make?

“Not too much as far as the pass,” Clady said. “I’m just going to try to stay to the same spot, try to run the guy by the quarterback zone, or keep the guy inside.”

Clady has five years of experience under his belt and many Pro Bowl honors, but he has never worked with a quarterback of the caliber of Peyton Manning.

Manning is known for his leadership, both by example and vocally. So one can only assume that he’s guiding the group slated to protect him and his $96 million neck this season.

“Not as much yelling at us as the wide receivers,” Clady said. “He wants to know who’s being blocked and where the blind spots are.”

Fair enough. The Broncos offensive line added through the draft (Baylor C Philip Blake) after noticing some depth issues once Chris Kuper got hurt at the end of last season.

Perhaps nothing is more important than this offensive line. It’s the neck of the quarterback if you will. It will hold Manning’s head up and keep him in the game. That’s all that needs to be done anyway for the Broncos to have a chance in each and every game.

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