Predominantly Orange
FanSided

Denver Broncos: Weaknesses exposed in season’s first loss

By Sayre Bedinger

Oct 9, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Paxton Lynch (12) reaches for a first down marker as Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Philip Wheeler (41) defends in the first half at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 9, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Paxton Lynch (12) reaches for a first down marker as Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Philip Wheeler (41) defends in the first half at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 4
Next
Oct 2, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Denver Broncos offensive tackle Ty Sambrailo (74) blocks as Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive end Noah Spence (57) rushes during the first half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 2, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Denver Broncos offensive tackle Ty Sambrailo (74) blocks as Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive end Noah Spence (57) rushes during the first half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

The Denver Broncos’ offensive line was a major weakness last year, and was seemingly upgraded this year with the additions of Russell Okung and Donald Stephenson at the tackle positions, and the move of Michael Schofield from right tackle to right guard.

One injury to Donald Stephenson has completely destroyed the Broncos’ running game that appeared to be on its way to great success after the first two games of the season. Stephenson’s calf injury forced the Broncos to put 2015 2nd round pick Ty Sambrailo into the lineup at right tackle, keeping Schofield at his much more fitting right guard spot.

Sambrailo, to put it nicely, has been horrendous. To give him the benefit of the doubt, he was probably rushed back into action before he was fully recovered from an elbow injury. Regardless of the elbow injury, Sambrailo’s foot quickness is unbearable to behold, and he was burned repeatedly on Sunday afternoon by a Falcons pass rush that has been among the worst in the NFL.

Stephenson’s return to the lineup will give the Broncos their most ideal grouping up front, and will allow Sambrailo to get himself back into football shape. He’s just not there at this point, and his game against the Falcons on Sunday was reminiscent of Michael Schofield’s atrocious performance last year in a home loss to the Oakland Raiders.

Whatever the Broncos plan on doing up front, it had better be done quickly. They need to find a way to establish a running game to get the offense some true balance.

Home/Broncos News