Broncos Extra Time: 3 things to work on for the rest of the season
By Aric Manthey
Sep 13, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) calls out behind center Matt Paradis (61) and guard Evan Mathis (69) in the third quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos defeated the Ravens 19-13. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Finding unity on the offensive line
With the zone blocking scheme being implemented by the coaching staff, a strong emphasis will always be put on the line working in one collective unit. It does not matter how strong, agile or experienced your line may be if they cannot do their proper assignments.
For a position group that embraces rough and tumble play, they need to be cerebral and forward thinking in order to help improve the offense. With the game of lineman musical chairs that was played in training camp, it was hard to get one unit gelled together for a long period of time.
The closest the offensive line got to solidifying as a unit was around the time when Evan Mathis was signed. Although he is a player with All-Pro upside, it’s clear that his insertion into the starting lineup has caused plenty of hiccups for the whole unit that we didn’t see much of when Max Garcia was the starter throughout the preseason. For this unit, it may be too soon to make any drastic changes.
I would say that if there isn’t improvement by the fifth game, then there needs to be some serious adjustments. Whether that means bringing Garcia back into the lineup or giving reserve players like Schofield or Smith a shot, something will have to force a change if they do not improve over the next few games.
Next: Capitalize on Turnovers