The Denver Broncos offensive line has not been good this year. In fact, they’ve been really, really bad. But there’s a silver lining.
Matt Paradis has developed into one of the best linemen in the NFL.
In fact, Pro Football Focus ranked him as the second best linemen, and best center, in the league.
“The development of Denver Broncos center Matt Paradis has been one of the stories of the season, albeit one that’s getting virtually no coverage,” PFF’s Sam Monson wrote. “A year ago, Paradis was okay, but showed little to suggest that he would become the best center in the game in 2016. His highs were good, but three of his five best performances came in a three-game stretch featuring two bad defensive lines. This season, he has only really recorded one below-average game (against Atlanta), and has otherwise been excellent. Paradis has surrendered just eight total QB pressures, and been responsible for his quarterback hitting the turf just once.”
Paradis doesn’t just impact the game as a blocker. Despite just being in his second year as a starter, Paradis’ knowledge and experience of the Gary Kubiak offense has proven invaluable to the young quarterbacks behind him.
There are some talented players on this Broncos offense; it’s just a matter of filling in the gaps.