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The biggest surprise in all the success the Denver Broncos have found in the last two weeks has to be the play of the offensive line. Through the first nine games the Broncos allowed 22 sacks. In the last two games, Case Keenum has only been sacked twice. Keeping Keenum clean is a big part of the success the Broncos have found in the last two weeks. Garett Bolles joined Ryan Edwards, Andrew Mason, and Steve Atwater to talk about the offensive line’s success over the last two weeks.
The offensive line has gone through several injuries, losing players like Matt Paradis and Ron Leary for the season. Jared Veldheer has been in and out of the line up, and Max Garcia tore his ACL during practice before the Broncos beat the Los Angeles Chargers. Bolles addressed the injuries, and how they have impacted the team.
“It doesn’t matter who starts next to me... we can get the job done.”
That confidence is a big part of the success the team has found in the last two weeks. Being able to protect Keenum limits turnovers. Creating holes for Phillip Lindsay and Royce Freeman keeps the chains moving and gives Denver control of the game. When the Broncos play the Cincinnati Bengals it will be imperative that they control the line of scrimmage, and control the game on the road.
The penalties that have plagued Bolles throughout the season have also subsided. He credits working on technique as being a big part of his improvement. Bolles has been the most obvious offender on the offensive line, but he talked about getting better, and cleaning up the penalties.
When the Broncos play clean, no turnovers, sacks, and limited penalties, they win games. The Bengals are the next step on the road to the playoffs. If the offensive line can do its job, Denver will keep momentum in their corner, and keep moving to that improbable playoff birth.