Denver Broncos: Offensive line looks invisible in loss to Bucs
The Denver Broncos’ offensive line is offensive.
In an ugly loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday, one that dropped the Broncos to 0-3 for the second year in a row, the offensive line simply could not block the pass rush of Tampa.
That pass rush was led by former Broncos linebacker Shaquil Barrett, who registered two sacks on the day. As a team, Tampa Bay had six sacks but if you watched from start to finish, it felt like at least twice that many.
Tampa Bay was seemingly in the offensive backfield on every play and though many fans will talk about how poorly Jeff Driskel played (and he did), he didn’t have much of a chance to play well in this one.
The Buccaneers blew up several plays and hurried Driskel all day. As a result, Driskel completed just 17 of his 30 pass attempts and threw an interception while being sacked five times. Brett Rypien relieved Driskel late in the game and was sacked once as well.
48. 10. 45. Final. 28
The Broncos now have an uphill climb to get back into it this season. Head coach Vic Fangio is facing a rough start for the second year in a row and now must get the team ready to face the New York Jets on Thursday Night Football.
More from Predominantly Orange
- Broncos chances of landing Sean Payton dwindling, but not gone
- Denver Broncos dream coaching staff for DeMeco Ryans
- Denver Broncos: “Sleeper” David Shaw checks every box
- The Broncos’ coaching search likely has not gone to plan
- Special Chiefs Suck Offer: Bet $5, Win $150 if Joe Burrow Passes for ONE YARD vs KC
The Jets look as bad as any team in the league, but it’s tough to get excited about this offensive line. Sure, a talented, mobile quarterback may help hide some of the deficiencies of that group, but the Broncos don’t have that guy until Drew Lock comes back.
In the meantime, Driskel will have his hands full no matter the opponent and the team will need to restructure its gameplan because the offensive line simply can’t hold up to a solid pass rush and that has become evident.
Against the Jets, the Broncos really need to get the run game on track to take some pressure off of the quarterback. The Jets are bad and because of that, fans are going to assume the Broncos will get their first win on Thursday night.
But unfortunately, the Broncos might be just as bad right now.