It’s not often that offensive linemen are fan favorites, but Denver Broncos guard Quinn Meinerz is beloved in Broncos Country.
Nicknamed “The Belly,” Meinerz has gone viral multiple times this season for his big blocks in prime-time games. After being named an “honorable mention” among the NFL’s best guards in 2022, Meinerz is now making a case to be ranked among the league’s best in 2023.
“He’s physical, and you notice it on some of these individual blocks inside,” coach Sean Payton said of the third-year guard. “He plays with really good pad level. He’s strong. There are certain times when you need a yard, and you’re going to get a couple different fronts.
“He’s playing really well. He had his 25th birthday [in November]. I’m glad he’s on our team. To have a right guard with his strength and power — it’s important to him. He loves football. He’s in that weight room. He’s studying. It’s a good [offensive line] group.”
Through 12 games this season, Meinerz has not allowed a single sack and he has only committed one penalty, according to Stats Perform.
Meinerz has been the third-best guard in the NFL this year, according to grades from Pro Football Focus. The only guards with better grades than Meinerz (82.9) in 2023 are Kevin Dotson (84.5) and Chris Lindstrom (89.7).
Lindstrom and Dotson both play in the NFC, so if one uses PFF grades as the measuring stick, Meinerz has been the best guard in the AFC this season. If he continues playing at this high level, Meinerz will likely earn the first Pro Bowl nod of his career in 2023.
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