By Jordan Long
The Denver Broncos open training camp tomorrow. Their first regular season game is on September 9th against the Seattle Seahawks. Sports Illustrated had their NFL season preview and predicted every NFL team’s 2018 record. They have the Broncos going 4-12, one game worse than last year.
I understand why they are saying this. The Broncos’ weakness is the offensive line. It couldn’t protect the quarterbacks last year nor could they open a lane for the running game. Denver tried to throw the football, but every time Trevor Siemian, Brock Osweiler, or Paxton Lynch dropped back to pass, there was a defender in their face leading to incompletions, sacks, or turnovers. Denver averaged 208.3 pass yards per game, 20th in the league. The Broncos averaged 115.8 yards on the ground ranking 12th in the NFL.
Denver ought to be improved at the quarterback position with Case Keenum. He can run or throw the football away Keenum should be able to fling on target to Emmanuel Sanders and Demaryius Thomas.
The only problem is the offensive line. It is not been improved. Denver basically has the same offensive line. They only added Jared Veldheer at right tackle who played for the Oakland Raiders last season. In order for Denver to be successful, the line needs to be able to block so Keenum has time to find his receivers, opening up the running game. They didn’t block well last year allowing 52 sacks. That number must be lowered for Denver to do anything on offense.
Denver has one of the youngest running back cores in all of the NFL. Devontae Booker is set to be the starter as he enters his 2nd season. Behind him is Royce Freeman, a rookie. They are going to need to prove themselves as long as the line blocks. It could be a 4-12 season. It all rests on the offensive line,
Then again this is preseason rankings. Sports Illustrated doesn’t see the Broncos as an improved team. Denver could be better if the line holds, otherwise it will be a difficult year, costing Head Coach Vance Joseph his job.
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