The Denver Broncos will face a big test on the offensive line when they head to Pittsburgh to take on the Steelers.
On Monday Night Football during Week 1, the Denver Broncos did not give up a single sack to Jadeveon Clowney and the Titans. In fact, they played phenomenally for the most part.
Heading into Week 2, they will see another very good group of pass rushers when they play the Pittsburgh Steelers. That group includes T.J. Watt, Stephon Tuitt, Cameron Hayward, Tyson Alualu and Bud Dupree.
That’s a pretty good group that the Broncos’ offensive line will face, with Garett Bolles and Elijah Wilkinson on the outside.
According to Pro Football Focus, the Steelers generated the most pressures of any team in Week 1, and it wasn’t even close:
Most pressures generated within 2.5 seconds in W1:
— PFF (@PFF) September 17, 2020
1. Pittsburgh Steelers - 22
2. Los Angeles Chargers - 14
2. Washington Football Team - 14
4. Kansas City Chiefs - 12 pic.twitter.com/IqYWzGx8W9
The Broncos will have to draw up some quick plays to get the ball out of quarterback Drew Lock’s hand faster. Left tackle Garett Bolles played a very good game vs the Titans, but will that continue in Pittsburgh? In fact, that question can be directed to any of the five offensive linemen.
Wide receiver Courtland Sutton could be back, which will certainly help with this. However, the team has to be careful just throwing the ball up to Sutton, because of the good secondary that the Steelers have.
Another weapon that the Broncos could have at their disposal is rookie wide receiver K.J. Hamler, who could be ready to go against Pittsburgh after missing Week 1 with a hamstring injury. Hamler’s speed would be a threat to the Steelers’ secondary. Lock will just have to be able to hit Hamler in stride better than his deep ball attempts against Tennessee.
With Phillip Lindsay likely missing several weeks with a turf toe injury, the Broncos could call up rookie LeVante Bellamy from the practice squad. Bellamy offers similar things to Lindsay such as his speed and burst.
The Steelers held the New York Giants to just 29 rushing yards in Week 1, with Daniel Jones leading the way with 22, and Saquon Barkley rushing 15 times for six yards.
If Pittsburgh keeps that up against the Broncos, it will be a much tougher matchup for Denver, because they would have to pass a lot more, making things fairly predictable.
It is very impressive that Bolles was able to stop Clowney in Week 1. Now it is up to the entire offensive line to keep up with the spectacular Steelers rushers.