The Denver Broncos’ offensive line allowed 63 sacks last season, an average of 3.7 per game. When new coach Sean Payton arrived this offseason, addressing the offensive line was a top priority.
Payton splashed in free agency by signing guard Ben Powers and right tackle Mike McGlinchey, two veterans to help shore up the line. The revamped unit was not perfect in Week 1 — quarterback Russell Wilson was sacked twice — but Denver’s offensive line had a mostly positive season-opening performance.
“The o-line did a great job,” Wilson said. “They did a really, really good job of keeping everybody away. Obviously you have Maxx Crosby over there who’s playing both sides and the bubbles, and McGlinchey did a really good job with him.
“The front five that we have — it’s going to be a winning front five. I do believe that those guys up front can do it all in terms of the run game and passing game. They’ve got great confidence. I think that showed today.”
The Broncos’ line allowed a 17.1% pressure rate, which ranked first in the NFL in Week 1, according to NFL Next Gen Stats (via Aric DiLalla of the team’s official website). Denver’s line ranked fourth with a 70% pass block win rate and 12th with a 72% run block win rate, according to ESPN Analytics (via @Doug_Analytics).
Those numbers are extremely encouraging for a unit that was a weakness last season.
“[The performance] was good,” McGlinchey said. “It was solid, and I think there is still a lot to get better at. You certainly would like to take more control in the run game. I don’t think we had too many opportunities based off what they were giving us because I think throwing the ball was the way to do it today. I thought we did well.
“I thought we communicated well. I thought the five of us did well. … I thought we played at a high level today. I think the good thing is that we know we can still get a lot better from this.”
The Broncos’ offensive line will aim to take the next step forward when Denver hosts the Washington Commanders in Week 2.
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