If the Denver Broncos are going to turn around a 10-point halftime deficit to the Atlanta Falcons, they’re going to need improved play from their offense – specifically their offensive line.
Through 30 minutes, the Denver offense has mustered just 76 total yards and five first downs. The Broncos have gained only 44 yards rushing on 14 carries and their longest run of the day is only seven yards. Additionally, Denver has failed to convert multiple third-and-short opportunities.
Pass protection for rookie Paxton Lynch has been just as poor as run blocking in the rookie’s first NFL start. Lynch has been sacked twice for 13 yards and was nearly strip-sacked at his own 15-yard line in the final two minutes of the half. Fortunately, Lynch recovered the fumble, but the Denver offense is showing no signs of life against a Falcons team that had been averaging 31 points allowed per game.
Ty Sambrailo and Michael Schofield, pariahs in much of the 2015 o-line’s struggles, have been woeful both in the running game and the passing game. Sambrailo has allowed both sacks and Schofield surrendered a penalty that killed a promising drive.
Still, after allowing an opening-drive touchdown, the Denver defense has kept the top offense in football mostly in check and the Broncos trail but just 10, 13-3 and will receive the ball after the intermission.
As always, the team at MHS was plugged in during the action. Here’s what they, and some of our favorite follows in the Denver media, had to say about the O-line struggles in the first half…
Ty Sambrailo beat on the sack. Donald Stephenson missing another game and it is hurting #Broncos @Don59Wayne
— Zac Stevens (@ZacStevensDNVR) October 9, 2016
Paxton able to make a play with his feet, but it's coming back because of illegal use of the hands. #4Broncos
— Michael Spencer (@MichaelCBS4) October 9, 2016
The inability to run in short yardage is a byproduct of having a terrible offensive line. #Broncos
— James Merilatt (@jamesmerilatt) October 9, 2016
Gary Kubiak with a "I believe in you. I really, truly believe in you" fourth-down call for the Broncos' struggling offensive line.
— Nick Groke (@nickgroke) October 9, 2016
Broncos have an uncanny ability to not block defenders on third and short
— Michael Jaycox (@MilkyMike) October 9, 2016
@Broncos keep telling us, the OL is close to getting its act together. Not if today is any indication. #Broncos
— Les Shapiro (@LesShapiro) October 9, 2016
The #Broncos are getting absolutely owned on the line of scrimmage by the #Falcons. On both sides of the ball.
— Ian St. Clair (@IanStClair) October 9, 2016
Both sacks of Paxton Lynch today have come via pressure off the right edge.
— Andrew Mason (@MaseDenver) October 9, 2016
Sambrailo beaten again. Paxton sacked/fumbled/recovered it. #Falcons defense was ranked 30th in NFL. holding #Broncos to 3 1st half points.
— Lionel Bienvenu (@lionelbienvenu) October 9, 2016