Broncos preseason 2015: Offensive line faces tough test

Aug 6, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos center Max Garcia (73) speaks with the media after training camp at the UCHealth Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

The Denver Broncos kick off their preseason Friday night against the Seattle Seahawks. The team that has won the last two NFC titles will square off in a rematch of Super Bowl 48. Not to mention that this will be the third straight year in preseason these two teams met and fifth time overall. If one position group is going to have a difficult time against them, it could be the offensive line.

The Broncos released the depth chart on Monday and revealed that three players whom have never played a down in the NFL will be starting in the Friday tilt with Seattle. All three of those offensive linemen are on the left side plus the center. Ty Sambrailo, Max Garcia, and Matt Paradis will have the tall task of going up against the starting defensive line from the Seahawks.

In the last couple years, the Seattle Seahawks have been improving to become one of the best teams in the NFL currently. With players like Russell Wilson, Richard Sherman, Kam Chancellor, and Marshawn Lynch to name a few, this team has become a solid bunch over the last three to four years.

Defense is Seattle’s biggest strength, and the new offensive line is going to have their hands full protecting Peyton Manning’s backside. It is amazing what one year can do to a team. Ty Sambrailo and Max Garcia were just in college and Matt Paradis was on the practice squad. For them to make this kind of jump is quite remarkable.

In order for this offensive line to keep Peyton Manning upright, they are going to need to be quick on the snap and get the defensive line at bay. I think with this offensive line going up against the starting Seattle defense will be a huge test to see how they can hang with them. This will be the match up that I will be paying the most attention to. Going up against guys like Cliff Avril, Michael Bennett, and Bobby Wagner will not be an easy task.

Sep 21, 2014; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks middle linebacker Bobby Wagner (54) waits for a snap against the Denver Broncos during the third quarter at CenturyLink Field. Seattle defeated Denver, 26-20. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

If this offensive line fails to keep guys like that off of Peyton Manning’s back, I would not be surprised at the least if the Broncos shuffle the offensive line against the Houston Texans. But if this offensive line does hold their own, that will be a great first test for them. Guess we shall see when Friday night comes along.

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