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Denver Broncos: Three key people going into the 2021 season

By Brett Chaves

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - NOVEMBER 08: Drew Lock #3 of the Denver Broncos talks with Jerry Jeudy #10 during the fourth quarter against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on November 08, 2020 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - NOVEMBER 08: Drew Lock #3 of the Denver Broncos talks with Jerry Jeudy #10 during the fourth quarter against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on November 08, 2020 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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3. Mike Munchak

Mike Munchak
Mike Munchak /

Mike Munchak may be one of the most underrated coaches in all of football.

With nearly 40 years of professional coaching experience, Munchak brings a knowledgable and experienced mindset to the Broncos’ offensive line.

Munchak is known for rebuilding offensive lines from the ground up, most recently dealing with the Pittsburgh Steelers. In the five seasons he was the offensive line coach in Pittsburgh, he developed one of, if not the best line in football.

With talents such as David DeCastro, Maurkice Pouncey, and Alejandro Villanueva, the Steelers line provided consistent protection for Ben Roethlisberger and a strong base for the run game to breathe. Before Munchak, the Steelers had barely anything to work with.

Since Munchak took over the Broncos in 2019, the program has done a complete 180.

Let’s begin with the elephant in the room. Garett Bolles was on the hot seat to begin the 2020 season. after being the eighth-most penalized offensive linemen in the NFL, Munchak was tasked with turning the 2017 first-round pick into a blocking machine.

In the 2020 season, Bolles only got penalized seven times. Compared to the 17 he was charged with in 2019, this was huge progress for not only Bolles, but for Munchak as well. Bolles was also named to the NFL’s Second All-Pro Team in 2020.

Dalton Risner and Lloyd Cushenberry have also benefitted from coach Munchak’s knowledge. Both are now full-time starters for the Broncos, and more importantly, both are products of the NFL draft.

Going into the 2021 season, Munchak is going to be needed more than ever. After the release of Ja’Wuan James, the Broncos signed two veteran right tackles in Bobby Massive and Cameron Fleming. Munchak now has the responsibility of getting both tackles up to speed on the playbook and ensuring they are on board with protecting their quarterbacks.

Speaking of quarterbacks, the other big responsibility for Munchak this year is making sure his line protects both Lock and Bridgewater (if he steps in). Both quarterbacks are going to be in the spotlight, and if they have to deal with loads of pressure from the defense, there’s little hope they can turn their careers around. Under Munchak’s watch, the Broncos offensive line should keep both QB’s safe from any defensive harm.

It has to be a complete team effort in order for the Broncos’ 2021 season to be a success, but it starts with the leaders. With Lock, Jeudy, and Munchak stepping up to the plate, the Broncos are on track to start off 2021 on a positive note.