1. Matt Paradis
The Broncos offense has obviously been under immense scrutiny and rightfully so. They rank in the bottom third of about every offensive category. However, along the line they have quietly improved week-to-week. At the core, literally, is Matt Paradis. After spending the entire 2014 season on the practice squad he beat out veteran center Gino Gradkowski in training camp and hasn’t looked back since. While every position along the line has battled injuries, and most have shuffled personnel, Paradis has been solid.
On top of playing in every single snap this season, he has gotten markedly better each game. The Broncos have allowed 12 sacks through six games but none have been attributed to Paradis. In the first few games he was clearly having trouble accounting for blitzes up the middle but has improved in that aspect in recent weeks. According to PFF he has allowed eight quarterback hurries in the six contest, four coming in week two and only two total coming in the last three games.
In Cleveland the Broncos didn’t allow one sack and the pass protection was substantially better than previous weeks. Additionally, the running game got going against the Browns defense. Paradis health and performance has been huge for a line that has undergone big change from 2014. He currently is ranked 17th among NFL centers, per PFF and among that group only three others rank above him that were from the 2014 or 2015 draft class.
Head coach Gary Kubiak has been pleased with the line’s progress and has pledged several times to continue to commit to the running game. Last Sunday Paradis, right guard Louis Vasquez and a combination of lineman proved that they can block downfield. This September Kubiak explained what it takes to run block, whether it is from under center, in shotgun or the pistol formations.
“It comes as a team, regardless of whether you’re under center or in the gun. You’ve got to be physical running the football. I think it’s pretty obvious when you look around the National Football League. Running the ball out, to be honest, is a challenge at times. If that’s something you’re doing best, you’ve got to find a way to run it that way. Being physical is a state of mind. It’s an identity. It’s a commitment. It’s not something you talk about and go do. It’s something you work at all the time.”
It appears that Paradis, one of only two lineman to play every snap so far, has developed into an NFL starter and physical center. Most lineman enjoy quietly performing well and he certainly fits that profile.
The Broncos have time to relax, get healthy and savor their fortunate 6-0 start. To reach the promised land of Santa Clara and Super Bowl 50, more Broncos will have to quietly or boisterously contribute in big ways. November presents some of the toughest tests they will have all season. Marshall, Barrett and Paradis already appear ready for the task.
*All stats provided by the Denver Broncos Media Relations unless otherwise noted
Email Sam at sam@milehighsports.com and follow him on Twitter @SamCowhick
