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The Denver Broncos had a really rough game against the Philadelphia Eagles, but the picture of that game became a little clearer in reviewing the Pro Football Focus grades for the team.
What shocked me the most was the number of times Brock Osweiler was under pressure when he dropped back to pass. The number was more than half of all drop backs. Half!
Typically, Trevor Siemian was under pressure for six or seven dropbacks in losses this season. Which is why the 22 number was so shocking to see.
QB BROCK OSWEILER, 33.7 OVERALL GRADE
Brock Osweiler had a chance to revive his career after his struggles in the past 18 months. However against the fierce pass-rush of the Eagles, Osweiler failed to get the Broncos offense going. He only threw two interceptions but had many more turnover worthy plays and when he was pressured (22 of 41 dropbacks) he completed just 42.1 percent of his passes.
It makes sense that head coach Vance Joseph would decide to stick with Osweiler after this performance. How can you evaluate a quarterbacks performance when he is under that much duress. For the first time this season, the offensive line was complete trash.
If the offensive line is able to bounce back against the New England Patriots, we could see a much better Osweiler out there. At times, even during the Eagles game, he looked like a better quarterback out there than Siemian has at any time during the last month.
The players have to play better up front.
Notable PFF Grades
Garett Bolles had a 40.8 overall grade, 36.9 pass block grade, and 77.1 run block grade. He had a 92.1 pass blocking efficiency, allowing four total pressures (1 sack, 2 hits, 1 hurry) on 41 pass block snaps. Bolles was also charged with an offensive holding penalty on a pass play.
Allen Barbre posted a 76.4 overall grade, powered by his 80.6 pass block grade. Barbre was only charged with one pressure (hurry) on 22 pass blocking snaps. His run blocking was also solid, as he finished with a 70.8 run blocking grade.
Von Miller posted another elite performance, finishing with a 92.6 overall grade. His 87.9 pass rush grade was fueled by five pressures (1 sack, 4 hurries) on 25 pass rush snaps. Von also posted a ridiculous 96.4 run defense grade. He had a 28.6% run stop percentage, totaling six run stops on 21 run defense snaps. He also added one more stop in the pass game.
Aqib Talib finished with a 34.3 overall grade. He allowed four of the five targets thrown his way to be caught for 64 yards and two touchdowns. He was also charged with a defensive holding penalty.
Brandon Marshall had a rough game, posting a 35.6 overall grade. He was targeted four times, allowing three receptions for 57 yards and 2 TD. He also added a pass defensed. He posted one stop in the run game, but also missed two tackles.
Bolles wasn’t the only offensive lineman to have a bad game. The best player on the line, Ron Leary, was getting beat all day inside. He even noted after the game that he ‘got my butt kicked today’.
Expect better from them this week.