Denver Broncos: Three things to look for against Ravens
3. Broncos Offensive Line Performance
The Denver Broncos might be without both Graham Glasgow and Dalton Risner on Sunday as both are nursing injuries.
If that’s the case, the Broncos will rely on Quinn Meinerz and Netane Muti to hold it down inside.
Normally, I wouldn’t be too concerned with this, but the IOL starters of Risner-Cushenberry-Glasgow have been rather poor as a unit this year.
The run game has had a harder time running inside and most of the pressure Teddy Bridgewater has faced has been from the interior.
Garett Bolles and Bobby Massie have been just fine this year, and it’s crazy to think that the Broncos finally have two competent tackles after all these years.
But now, the issue is the interior.
Risner has been awful, in my opinion. This was supposed to be a crucial third year for the player, and I don’t think he’s delivered.
The Ravens have a deadly interior defensive line, highlighted by Calais Campbell, who nearly signed with the Broncos, and Brandon Williams, who has been on the Ravens interior since 2013.
Former Bronco turned Raven Derek Wolfe is also questionable for the game, but he is a handful, as we saw for years.
The Ravens also have a good pass rush, highlighted by longtime Chief and former Colt Justin Houston and rookie Odafe Oweh.
My point is, the offensive line is going to have their hands full.
I am confident that both Garett Bolles and Bobby Massie can hold their own, but I am worried about the interior push, especially if one of, or both Risner and Glasgow are out.
I think very highly of Quinn Meinerz and Netane Muti, but I don’t think either are ready to be every week starters yet.
With the Broncos schedule getting tougher, the teams depth will truly begin to be tested, and their first real test is on Sunday.