Broncos fans can complain all they want about a dreadful performance from Peyton Manning – and it most certainly was one – in the Week 10 loss to Kansas City, but Manning was far from the only one to blame for his four interceptions.
Throughout the game, Manning was under constant pressure from the Kansas City front seven, and once again the Broncos’ running game was non-existent.
Between Manning and Brock Osweiler, who relieved the 39-year-old quarterback in the third quarter, the Denver offensive line allowed five sacks for 29 yards and generated just 51 yards for Broncos running backs.
The rotational system head coach Gary Kubiak has tried to put in place to help because of injuries is showing a major lack of cohesion and players are getting beat for a variety of reasons. Tackles Ryan Harris, Michael Schofield and Tyler Polumbus struggled mightily against Tamba Hali and Justin Houston, allowing a combined five quarterback hits, two sacks and three tackles for loss between them. The interior line was not much better, with rookie Max Garcia struggling again.
The problems on the o-line happened early and often, as Denver on the day had nine drives that consisted of just three plays (including three interceptions), and Broncos quarterbacks faced third down conversions of more than five yards on six of those occasions.
Yes, Manning and Osweiler combined for five interceptions, but much of their poor play can be pinned on an offensive line that wasn’t getting the job done in front of them.
Here’s what the MHS team and the media at large had to say about the play of the o-line…
The Broncos can't run the ball or protect their QB. That's the issue. And it all starts up front.
— James Merilatt (@jamesmerilatt) November 15, 2015
The O-line is getting TORCHED #Broncos
— Michael Jaycox (@MilkyMike) November 15, 2015
I'd cut Ryan Harris at half time! Looks like he sneaking up on people… Dude you're 300 lbs we can see you! https://t.co/mhHiPY9UJu
— Mark Schlereth (@markschlereth) November 15, 2015
No o-line, receivers not running the right routes or getting open, can't run the ball, and and 18 is playing worst game as a Bronco.
— Delano White Jr (@bigdeewhite) November 15, 2015
https://twitter.com/jmorton78/status/666047423530176514
With the way the offensive line is protecting #Broncos Manning… He might take them all to dinner at the hospital cafeteria.
— Eric Goodman (@EricGoodman) November 15, 2015
Is it just me, or is Greg Gumbel ending every Broncos passing play with "…under pressure" or "…hit as he throws"?
— Casey Light (@lightonhisfeet) November 16, 2015
Broncos Oline is hot garbage.
— Mark Schlereth (@markschlereth) November 15, 2015
The #Broncos offensive line has been brutal. #BRUTAL
— Raul Martinez (@RaulNBCBoston) November 16, 2015
Through all the criticism, though, there was at least one person in the Denver media who supported the big men in the trenches…
This is not O-line issue. This looks to me as if 39 yo Manning is trying to play hurt. Admire the bravery. But … https://t.co/fYeIqMmGZt
— Mark Kiszla (@markkiszla) November 15, 2015