— Chris Trapasso đ (@ChrisTrapasso) August 12, 2023
Yes, it’s a small sample size. Yes, it’s just preseason.
But the Denver Broncos’ offensive line play in the team’s preseason opener against the Arizona Cardinals last Friday was alarming.
Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson played well overall, but he was sacked once and hit five times. Wilson was frequently under pressure, just as he was for much of the 2022 season.
This is particularly concerning because new head coach Sean Payton made improving the offensive line a priority this offseason and signed guard Ben Powers and tackle Mike McGlinchey to big deals during free agency.
McGlinchey did not play on Friday because he is sidelined with a knee sprain, but Powers started and he was beaten multiple times in pass protection. Again, it’s a small sample size — Powers is shaking off the rust and was playing with his new teammates for the first time in a game — but Denver will need better play from their new guard during the 2023 season.
Even left tackle Garett Bolles, a second-team All-Pro and Pro Bowl alternate, struggled against the Cardinals. To be fair to the veteran tackle, Bolles is returning from a broken leg that prematurely ended his 2022 campaign. So perhaps Bolles should be given some grace while he works his way back into form, but the rest of the line has no such excuse.
“We are going to watch the film, break down the film and see what we need to do to improve,” Bolles said after an 18-17 loss.
If the Broncos get to Week 1 and the offensive line is clicking and playing well together, Friday’s shaky preseason opener will quickly be forgotten. Fans in Denver will hope, though, that Friday’s poor performance was not a sign of things to come in the regular season.
Follow the Broncos Wire Podcast:
Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts
[vertical-gallery id=620142]