:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/61472701/usa_today_11271694.0.jpg)
The Denver Broncos have found some success in 2018 on the offensive side of the football. While they haven’t put up the same ridiculous numbers as some other teams, Denver has proven to be capable of moving the football. As Ian St. Clair and I discussed on the latest MHR Radio podcast, the offensive line has been a huge part of that.
How do the #Broncos pass their first road test of the #NFL season vs the #Ravens on Sunday? On the latest @MileHighReport Radio Podcast, @AdamMalnati16 and I give #BroncosCountry our keys to the game and players to watch. #DENvsBAL #BeatTheRavens https://t.co/UTpvMnob1F
— Ian St. Clair (@IanStClair) September 19, 2018
The Broncos are currently fourth in the league in offense with 427.5 yards per game. While they are 13th in passing yards with 270.5 yards per game, they more than make up for it on the ground. With 157 rushing yards per game, they are just a half yard behind the Houston Texans for the league lead.
While Royce Freeman and Phillip Lindsay have been the rookie sensations gaining all that yardage, it has been the offensive line that has opened up gaps, and propelled them to big numbers. Not only have they opened up running lanes, but the offensive line has been excellent in pass protection. That’s a recipe for passing the first road test of the season on Sunday against the Baltimore Ravens. The other crucial ingredient in that recipe is a stifling defense led by Von Miller and the Orange Rush.
Broncos RB @I_CU_boy, a college FA from @cubuffs who’s the first undrafted rookie ever with 100+yds from scrimmage in each of 1st two games, joins @GolicAndWingo this AM.
— Patrick Smyth (@psmyth12) September 18, 2018
“It starts up front with the offensive line & Case Keenum keeping us on track. I’m just doing my part.” pic.twitter.com/EpDRlTbGKO
After two games, the Broncos have only allowed two sacks. Keeping the quarterback clean goes a long way to winning games. Garett Bolles and Jared Veldheer have been good at the tackle positions. Moving Ronald Leary to left guard has helped the second-year tackle. Connor McGovern has been extremely important on the right side.
At the anchor of it all is a healthy Matt Paradis. He has been one of the best centers in the league. Now he is snapping the ball to a quarterback who seems to know how to run an offense. Coupling this new quarterback with solid play from the line is the first step in the Broncos returning to their winning ways.
Heading into the Baltimore Ravens game, the big concern will be Veldheer being in concussion protocol. However, Billy Turner stepped up in the Oakland Raiders game, and he also kept Case Keenum upright. If this continues, there is no reason to assume the Broncos will leave Baltimore with anything less than a win.