Who is winning these games?

by Broncoman on Nov 17, 2008 2:52 PM MST

Something that TSG brought up last night, but is well worth exploring, what has been the biggest change or impact for this team, my vote goes to the offensive line. Consider the following statistics:

In 2007, Jay Cutler and Ramsey were sacked an average of 2.1 times a game, this year that average is down to 0.7 per game, and during that same time we have attempted an average of 37 passes a game versus last year at 32 passes a game. Or basically allowing five more shots at a sack per game.
Our running average is about the same with an average rushing play being 4.5 yds this year versus 4.6 yards last year.
What is truly amazing is that this offensive line starts five different starters from opening season of last year. Included in those starters is a rookie LT, a second year player with no starts, and a third year player moving positions.
This line has also had to block for five different starting RB, and yet the production has not been that bad, everyone has averaged about 4 yds or better a carry with Hillis being the lowest at 3.9 yds/carry.

I love the story of Royal, the emergence of Cutler as a top QB, the defense starting to play better despite having been depleted by injuries, the ST being so much better over the past 6 week and winning field position battles week in and week out, but the real story and MVP of this season is the offensive line. Their work this year has simply been amazing

This is a Fan-Created Comment on MileHighReport.com. The opinion here is not necessarily shared by the editorial staff of MHR

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Comments

Good call.

It’s easy to overlook the OL with so many rising stars. But the OL is doing fantastic, and there are several stars right there in the trenches too.

"Greater is an army of sheep led by a lion, than an army of lions led by a sheep" Defoe

by Steve Nichols on Nov 17, 2008 3:04 PM MST reply actions

Great post

Was just looking at the holes that they ran through – the line is maturing. Ecellent point

Larsen for QB...

by Doc Bear on Nov 17, 2008 3:31 PM MST reply actions

Broncoman

I think you raised a great point. The Oline is def. better than they have been in years past.

by Steve O' on Nov 17, 2008 4:03 PM MST reply actions

Oh and rec'd!

by Steve O' on Nov 17, 2008 7:09 PM MST up reply actions

I think the Class of 2008 is winning these games for us...

If God is not a Bronco fan, then WHY are sunsets Blue and Orange? - Jon Tollerud 5/22/08

by Tim Lynch on Nov 17, 2008 4:09 PM MST reply actions

With some help from the Class of 2006.

If God is not a Bronco fan, then WHY are sunsets Blue and Orange? - Jon Tollerud 5/22/08

by Tim Lynch on Nov 17, 2008 4:09 PM MST up reply actions

Make that a lot of help! Clady is nasty. Wouldn't be suprised to see Hamilton walk at the end of the year though!

by Steve O' on Nov 17, 2008 4:22 PM MST up reply actions

Agreed, but if the line was giving up the sacks, then I think we would be losing more of these games

Another interesting point is that Cutler has averaged 0.9 fumbles a game through his first two years, this year it is down to 0.3 per game, another affect of the line playing well and not having guys around him to swat the ball out of his hands or blindside him.

"Me fail english, that unpossible" - Ralph Wiggum

by Broncoman on Nov 17, 2008 4:50 PM MST up reply actions

Broncoman, nice bit of info, never really looked at that.

by Steve O' on Nov 17, 2008 4:54 PM MST up reply actions

Hey Zappa,

How long do you think it really takes Shanny to know what he has got? He knew Clady was the starter before his first NFL practice. Do you think Shanny is good enough to just look at a few things and say yup or nope?

by Steve O' on Nov 17, 2008 4:31 PM MST reply actions

In regards to the classes of 06 and 08....

I think he knows what he has from his 2006 class and from his first two picks from the 2008 class…but a few games isn’t enough to see what he has in the rest of those guys. I still think the jury is out on the class of 2007…but linemen normally take 3-4 years to learn how to play in the NFL and that timeline depends a lot on how much playing time they get too. :)

If I were Shanny, I’d have a big time spring in my step when I walked into the office each morning. lol There is much to be excited about, but our team still has a ways to go before we’ll know if what we got is Super Bowl calibur. :)

If God is not a Bronco fan, then WHY are sunsets Blue and Orange? - Jon Tollerud 5/22/08

by Tim Lynch on Nov 17, 2008 4:46 PM MST up reply actions

GUESS WHAT,

U just cannot stop luvin, the kids! We r what we r! But the Kiddz!, they R showing up! If U look at all the stats, then, you will, I think, come to the same conclusion. The Youngsters, stepped up in a way that, WE, as fans, can see it, and not only see it, but now, we can actually do it!!!!!!!!!! In other words, we can feal what they are fealing. That to me is the most exciting thing that is happening right now!

I love the things that are happening, based upon the individuals in the game, who are stepping up, and showing what they are worth!

GOOOOOOOO BRONCO’s

by metalman5050 on Nov 17, 2008 10:05 PM MST up reply actions

The key is right there.

What really, really excites me about this team has nothing to do with this year at all. It’s the next several years that are looking fantastic. We have some young guys that are dominant or just excellent right now (Cutler, Clady, Harris, Royal, Marshall, etc) and they haven’t even reached full potential yet. Because of age, they’ll all be with this team for many, many years to come.

We look so good at so many skill positions on offense, and the front office now has the rare luxury of focusing in on one side of the ball (defense), and planning ahead for a few retirements and contract issues, as opposed to looking at both sides of the ball and looking at dozens of issues.

"Greater is an army of sheep led by a lion, than an army of lions led by a sheep" Defoe

by Steve Nichols on Nov 21, 2008 5:37 AM MST up reply actions

YES...

and recommended.
I have thrown out 4 recommendeds in 5 minutes…
This MHR board is on fire as much as the Broncos are!!!!

Those that cant coach, compete!
Failing to plan is planning to fail.

by boydy2669 on Nov 17, 2008 4:54 PM MST reply actions

Clady....the tackle catch of 2008

The best defense is a good defense!
And last week's young players. Yes!

by Mike Clark on Nov 17, 2008 8:36 PM MST reply actions

Always nice to get recognition for the O-linemen, good post.

The future looks so bright that we're going to need blue and orange sunglasses!

by Arctic Bronco on Nov 17, 2008 9:05 PM MST reply actions

Very insightful, Broncoman . . .

The offensive line has become probably the biggest strength of the team. As the adage goes, games are won in the trenches, and it appears the Broncos have the offensive trench solved.

As a side note: Hillis’ 3.9 YPC is reflective of his heavy use as the short-yardage back, at which he has been successful.

Never argue with a fool, lest you take on his appearance. - my daddy

by AZDynamics on Nov 18, 2008 3:00 PM MST reply actions

Very true, I think if he gets more carries that aren't short yardage, his average will go up.

But as long as he is scoring TD, I really don’t care what his average is, I will take 3 yards if that gets us a 1st down or TD.

"Me fail english, that unpossible" - Ralph Wiggum

by Broncoman on Nov 18, 2008 3:38 PM MST up reply actions

Just like Pittman at the beginning of the season!

"It's all over Fat Man" - Tom Jackson to John Madden 1977 AFC Championship Game

"I love your analysis of our team. Its kinda like watching a spider monkey trying to figure out a jar of peanuts.. you know whats going on.. you know whats in there, but to actually figure it out, is just a bit beyond your mental skills..."
- Bronco Dano

by DesertBroncoFan on Nov 18, 2008 5:13 PM MST up reply actions