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Denver Broncos: Move to Tyler Polumbus comes at critical time

By Sayre Bedinger

Jan 3, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos running back Ronnie Hillman (23) celebrates scoring the goal ahead points with tackle Tyler Polumbus (76) in the fourth quarter against the San Diego Chargers at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos defeated the Chargers 27-20. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 3, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos running back Ronnie Hillman (23) celebrates scoring the goal ahead points with tackle Tyler Polumbus (76) in the fourth quarter against the San Diego Chargers at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos defeated the Chargers 27-20. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Denver Broncos made a move to put Tyler Polumbus at right tackle over a struggling Michael Schofield, and it couldn’t have come at a more crucial time…

The Denver Broncos made a switch at QB to Peyton Manning in the season finale against the San Diego Chargers, but it might have been the switch over to Tyler Polumbus at the right tackle position that made the biggest difference for the Broncos going forward.

Michael Schofield, a former third round draft pick out of Michigan, has been a sieve in recent weeks for the Broncos. There’s really no nicer way to put it. Schofield’s struggles with both speed and power off the edge on the right side have proven critically detrimental to the Broncos’ success offensively. Just look at the Oakland Raiders game where Khalil Mack almost single-handedly was able to come in and take over the second half of the game.

Schofield’s ineptitude doesn’t bode well for his future in Denver, or his present, and the call was made to replace him with Tyler Polumbus at the same time as Manning came in for Osweiler.

While not an elite offensive tackle by any means, the veteran Polumbus has been around the block a time or two, and on his second stint with the Broncos, his presence in the lineup has never been more critical.

With Polumbus in the lineup, probably not coincidentally, the Broncos started moving the ball more effectively. Peyton Manning was clean for the most part, and the running game started to take off. That was most apparent when the right side of the Broncos’ offensive line paved a gaping hole for Ronnie Hillman — the AFC offensive player of the week — to sprint for a game-winning touchdown.

Down the stretch of a season, there’s nothing more important than stability on the offensive line, especially with the Broncos’ quarterback situation. If Polumbus can help provide that stability and not only pave the way in the running game but help keep the quarterback’s jersey clean, the Broncos have a legitimate shot at running the table in the playoffs.

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