The Denver Broncos are one of three AFC teams still undefeated. They have the most dominating defense in the NFL and it looks like Peyton Manning and Gary Kubiak have found a happy medium on offense. So, you’d think all is well in Broncos Country. That isn’t necessarily the case.
After Wednesday’s practice, DeMaryius Thomas told the media the offense still needs some time. But Thomas (and his four drops against the Lions) isn’t the target of this week’s “Hot Seat.”
There are three other areas on the offense that need major attention before we start worrying about the three-time Pro Bowler. First and foremost is the offensive line, specifically its younger statesmen.
No. 3 – The Young Offensive Linemen
#Broncos coach Gary Kubiak says left tackle Ty Sambrailo didn't practice today.He's day-to-day with a shoulder injury pic.twitter.com/coCQgXuwYL
— Raul Martinez (@RaulNBCBoston) September 30, 2015
Ty Sambrailo was thrust into a difficult task of replacing an injured All-Pro at left tackle, but that can’t be an excuse for a team with world championship aspirations.
Not only has Sambrailo looked shaky at times, he’s now suffering from an injury that has him day-to-day. The really frightening prospect is that his backup is a third-round draft pick from last year that hasn’t been able to find the playing field, Michael Schofield.
The fact that Ty Sambrailo's backup is Michael Schofield is just stunning to me. It's ridiculous. #Broncos
— James Merilatt (@jamesmerilatt) October 1, 2015
Matt Paradis hasn’t exactly been stellar himself, and with both Louis Vasquez and Evan Mathis missing some or all of practice on Wednesday, Gary Kubiak desperately needs his young o-linemen to rise to the occasion, especially against a formidable Vikings pass rush.
And with the signing of Tyler Polumbus on Thursday, it’s clear none of these young guys’ jobs is safe.
Next on the “Hot Seat”? A name you’ve been hearing about all week…
After Wednesday’s practice, DeMaryius Thomas told the media the offense still needs some time. But Thomas (and his four drops against the Lions) isn’t the target of this week’s “Hot Seat.”
There are three other areas on the offense that need major attention before we start worrying about the three-time Pro Bowler. A fellow wide receiver is among them.
No. 2 – Cody Latimer
"Why is Cody Latimer not used more in the offense?"@MaseDenver's answer http://t.co/TKPcBK3hfk#MasonsMailbag pic.twitter.com/s5ZQhnZZti
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) September 26, 2015
It’s never a good sign when the team media has to defend why you’re not playing well, let alone why you’re hardly playing.
Cody Latimer may not have fallen below Bennie Fowler on the Broncos official depth chart, but his lack of playing time is making it abundantly clear that he’s wading into Montee Ball territory and the waters are rising.
With the ongoing struggles of the run game, don’t be surprised if Latimer is an inactive against Minnesota in favor of another fullback or tight end.
If he makes the game day active roster, Latimer needs to start making plays and fast, even if that’s just on special teams.
Next on the “Hot Seat”? A guy who has failed to complement the run or pass game.
After Wednesday’s practice, DeMaryius Thomas told the media the offense still needs some time. But Thomas (and his four drops against the Lions) isn’t the target of this week’s “Hot Seat.”
There are three other areas on the offense that need major attention before we start worrying about the three-time Pro Bowler. A guy who was supposed to be a complement to Thomas is among them.
No.1 – Owen Daniels
Owen Daniels remains the slowest weatherman in Denver. #Broncos
— James Merilatt (@jamesmerilatt) September 28, 2015
Denver was stoked when the tight end who has helped lead Gary Kubiak’s offense since MySpace was popular signed with the team. The veteran was expected to pick up right where the departed and injury (prone? exaggerating?) Julius Thomas left off, or at least not be a major drop off.
Well, Daniels has caught a TD pass. And that’s about it. He has just nine other receptions through three games and has failed to be a difference-maker in drawing matchups that set up the run game or free up Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders.
The loss of Julius Thomas is looming large and Daniels is looking more like Ed Greene than Virgil Green (who has also been underwhelming this year).
In today’s NFL, the tight end can be a major weapon (See: Patriots, New England; Seahawks, Seattle). Denver shouldn’t expect Gronk-like numbers, but Daniels has to become a bigger factor or Peyton Manning won’t be fully effective.