The Denver Broncos offense has somehow regressed under Russell Wilson and Nathaniel Hackett, but are there options to help fix it? I do think there are a few realistic options to help fix this problem. Perhaps not to turn the offense into a juggernaut, but maybe at least make it somewhat watchable.
If Russell Wilson is truly over the hill, none of these proposed changes would matter, and that is the worst fear. Wilson not being good anymore would be an incredibly tough pill to swallow. I want to believe it’s not true, but it’s also not out of the question.
It’s also clear that Nathaniel Hackett is in over his head as head coach, which is fine because most head coaches end up failing. The truly elite ones have been around for a while and simply know what they are doing.
That is not the case with Hackett, and I think he’ll end up being one-and-done, or even get fired during the season. In the meantime, here are a few realistic options to help fix the offense.
Three options to help fix the Broncos’ offense
Re-shuffle the offensive line
The offensive line has been nothing short of a disaster, even with Wilson taking more sacks than most QBs because of his style of play. Cameron Fleming hasn’t cut it at right tackle, Garett Bolles has regressed, and the interior is below average.
To be fair, Quinn Meinerz not being out there is a huge blow, and the team was likely expecting to have Billy Turner at right tackle. Turner was active on Thursday night, so perhaps he can slide into that starting role when the Broncos play their next game in week six.
I’d also have to think that Meinerz is close to being able to return from his hamstring injury. If that’s the case, getting the right side set with the two projected starters from before the season should help.
I’d also propose the team try Netane Muti at left guard because Dalton Risner has not been great. Muti is one of the strongest players in the NFL and is able to take any interior defensive linemen. I’d also be willing to propose that the team allow Graham Glasgow to take some snaps under center, as he did that very well in 2018 with the Detroit Lions.
With Bolles out with a broken leg, Calvin Anderson will be the left tackle, so I’d love to see a reshaped offensive line that looks like this:
- LT – Calvin Anderson
- LG – Netane Muti
- C – Graham Glasgow
- RG – Quinn Meinerz
- RT – Billy Turner