Vance Joseph said that changes would be made after the Broncos lost by double digits to the Jets. At that point, the second-year head coach would not specify exactly what changes were being considered. On Thursday afternoon though, Broncos insider, Mike Klis reported that the team was considering demoting right guard Connor McGovern, and that it was an open competition with Max Garcia.
After practice, Joseph confirmed that the team was working in Garcia with the starters as well.
“We’ve got both guys working at the moment,” Joseph said. “We’ll see who starts.”
The move seems odd, considering McGovern has been one of the better players on the offensive line this season. He may have struggled in the loss at New York, but the third-year linemen out of Missouri is currently viewed as a top-5 guard in the league by Pro Football Focus.
The top two guards in the NFL through five weeks play for the Los Angeles Rams. pic.twitter.com/2iY3VmFMaG
— PFF (@PFF) October 11, 2018
Garcia is an experienced player, having been a starter in each of the last three seasons. Sunday would be his first start in 2018 though. So it will be interesting to see which player Joseph decides to start against the Los Angeles Rams.
The Broncos and Rams will kick off at 2:05 p.m. MT. The AFC-NFC matchup will pit the Broncos against former defensive coordinator Wade Phillips. Phillips and his stout defensive unit should be a tough test for either Garcia or McGovern.