1. Ryan Harris
Harris has had a whirlwind of a offseason. With his career seemingly winding down the eight-year veteran tackle joined the Broncos after Ryan Clady’s season-ending injury and had little more than a fighting chance to get playing time. Fast forward to week four and he has played every offensive snap at right tackle.
This week he will jump over to left tackle due to a shoulder injury to Ty Sambrailo. Second-year tackle Michael Schofield will take over on the right side and will certainly have his hands full. Harris will have to deal with Everson Griffen of the Vikings and will be trying to keep Manning and his blind side safe.
Griffen is coming off of a fantastic 2014 in which he was the eighth ranked 4-3, defensive end according to PFF and has already tallied three sacks this year. Harris, a smart and steady professional, spoke Friday and sarcastically down-played the importance of keeping Manning upright but added that the move to the left side is fairly insignificant.
“Why would there be? He’s only like a future Hall of Famer, right? I mean I think all of us on the offensive line have handled that pressure pretty well. It doesn’t matter what side it comes from. You definitely want to protect him. Every time we do, good things happen. I think challenges are part of the process and pressure is man-made. We’re looking forward to the challenge.”
Many veteran players have confidence in themselves and have played in multiple spots along the offensive line but on such short notice it will be a factor Sunday. Harris will be facing arguably the Vikings best defensive player and he will be a point of emphasis. The group as a whole will be under a lot of pressure. Harris understands that and believes that the line he has is ready.
“For the offensive line, we just have to be on the same page. I’ve been next to Evan (Mathis) this week and I know Evan. We’ve been increasing our communication. I’m confident we’re all going to be good. Mike (Schofield), we all believe in Mike. He’s a great player. He played big-time college ball. He’s played a lot in the preseason and he’s been taking reps here. We’re ready for him to shine.”
The Broncos have battled through three tough weeks of football and despite all the changes in the offseason, with both the roster and coaching staff, they have come out the gate 3-0. Sunday they will face possibly the most physical team yet in the Vikings. The game plan is simple but executing it is not. Stopping Peterson is a giant task but if they can somehow slow the potent rushing attack of Minnesota and jump start their own with Anderson’s and Harris’ help they can keep the winning streak intact.
Prediction and other notes…
