Dec 8, 2013; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos tackle Winston Justice (77) in the second quarter against the Tennessee Titans at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
WILL WINSTON JUSTICE SEE ANY SNAPS WITH THE 1ST TEAM OFFENSE?
Going into OTAs and the early stages of training camp, the Broncos publicly claimed that the starting right tackle job was up for grabs and that Chris Clark and Winston Justice would likely be the players competing for it.
Early on, there were reports of Justice running with the first team some, but for a while now, including the 1st preseason game, it’s been Clark at RT.
Clark obviously had the inside edge at the spot, due to his admirable play in stepping in for the injured Ryan Clady last year at left tackle. Clark had been the Broncos’ “swing tackle” for several years, waiting for an opportunity to see some real playing time.
That opportunity came last year when Clady went down and Clark made the most of it. He played well throughout the season, but had a disappointing performance in the Super Bowl.
I haven’t really doubted that he’d be able to switch from LT to RT. So far, it seems as if he’s been solid, but there were a few plays in last week’s preseason game that he disappointed.
Justice is a 9th year pro and a former 2nd round pick of the Philadelphia Eagles. He looked good last week.
Granted, it was going against a reserve defense, but with the beating that Peyton Manning took in the Super Bowl, putting the best 5 guys on the offensive line must be a top priority for the Broncos.
The question is whether or not it’s Clark or Justice who rounds out that group. Hopefully we’ll know more after Sunday’s game. If Clark ends up being the guy at RT, it’s good to have a talented guy like Justice waiting in the wings.