To start the season, the Denver Broncos offensive line looked much improved, rushing for a combined 282 yards through two games. In the last two weeks, though, with Donald Stephenson out with injury, not so much.
Against the Bengals and Buccaneers, the Broncos rushed for a combined 145 yards on the ground on 52 total carries, an average of 2.7 yards per carry. While part of the blame deserves to be placed on C.J. Anderson and the rest of the Broncos’ running backs, the holes simply weren’t there; oftentimes, Denver’s backs were being hit by two or three defenders behind the line of scrimmage.
Broncos offensive line is struggling big time thank goodness for that defense
— Brandon Stokley (@bstokley14) October 2, 2016
This offensive line is really struggling. Need Stephenson back big time
— Michael Jaycox (@MilkyMike) October 2, 2016
The fact that anyone would argue the fact that Denver's offense has been pathetic today shows the curve they are graded on.
— James Merilatt (@jamesmerilatt) October 2, 2016
A lot of the blame has been placed on second-year tackle Ty Sambrailo, who’s filling in for Stephenson and was graded by Pro Football Focus as the worst lineman in football last week. And against the Bucs, he wasn’t much better.
While Anderson added another touchdown to his resume, the running game simply wasn’t there on Sunday. The only consolation is that the passing game continued to look more effective, with both Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders hauling in at least six catches for 88 yards and a touchdown.
Nonetheless, Denver needs more from their line. Hopefully Stephenson can make his return next week against the Atlanta Falcons.
