Oakland Raiders Versus The AFC West: Offensive Line
By Kevin Saito
Jan 11, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) huddles with guard Orlando Franklin (74) and tackle Ryan Clady (78) and running back C.J. Anderson (22) and wide receiver Wes Welker (83) and wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders (10) and wide receiver Demaryius Thomas (88) in third quarter of the 2014 AFC Divisional playoff football game against the Indianapolis Colts at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Denver Broncos
At least in the early going, Denver appears to be in big trouble this season. Their offensive line was head and shoulders above the rest of the AFC West in previous seasons. They protected Peyton Manning and gave him the time he needed to make the downfield strikes to Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders, helping to enable them all to put up the big numbers.
The line was also more than capable in the run blocking department, allowing C.J. Anderson, Ronnie Hillman, and Montee Ball to be very effective out of the backfield. As a unit, the Denver Broncos were 15th in the league in rushing yards, gaining almost 1,800 yards on the season and punching in 15 touchdowns – which was good for ninth in the league.
But in 2015, the landscape of Denver’s offensive line looks vastly different – and not for the better. Gone are key contributors Orlando Frankin, Manny Ramirez, and Will Montgomery. The offensive line took an even bigger hit when left tackle Ryan Clady suffered a season ending injury during offseason work.
More from Golden Gate Sports
- Raiders: Rookie stock report following Week 3 performance
- 49ers sign new long snapper amidst a flurry of roster moves
- Oakland Athletics win Game 2 of Wild Card round with late-inning drama
- 49ers: George Kittle and Deebo Samuel cleared to return to practice
- 49ers expected to place DE Dee Ford on injured reserve
Denver has brought in Gino Gradkowski, Ryan Harris, Shelley Smith, and this year’s second round pick Ty Sambrailo to help shore up a line that suddenly has a lot of holes.
The strength and continuity of the offensive line – not to mention his familiarity with and trust in them – was one of, if not the biggest key, to Manning’s success in the Mile High City. With a patchwork line in front of him, you have to wonder how comfortable Manning will be – or whether he’s going to be forced to run for his life. And if there is one thing we know about Manning, it’s that he doesn’t run very well.
Denver’s trouble along the line could become a real problem for the Broncos in 2015. It could be bad enough that their reign at the top of the AFC West comes to a screeching halt.
Next: Ups And Downs In The Midwest