Yes, the Broncos can revel in the excitement of a dramatic fourth-quarter come-from-behind victory in what was one of the wildest and most entertaining games in recent Broncos history (sorry Tim Tebow), but in order for that to happen it means the Broncos had to be behind on the scoreboard late in the game.
Indeed, there were plenty of downers for the Broncos on Thursday night against Kansas City, not the first of which is the ever-widening gap between what Gary Kubiak wants to employ on offense and what will actually succeed with 39-year-old Peyton Manning at quarterback. (More on that in THIS edition of “Rapid React”.)
The play calling aside, the offensive line that was reassembled over the offseason clearly needs more time to jell, and is proving to be a major weakness, especially in the running game where it was supposed to excel.
Rookie left tackle Ty Sambrailo and recently acquired left guard Evan Mathis, a former All-Pro, had particularly bad nights against a difficult Chiefs pass rush.
Denver left Arrowhead Stadium with a win, but Clancy Barone has some work to do with his unit if the Broncos are going to make a legitimate run for the AFC title again this year.
As the debacle on the o-line unfolded, the Mile High Sports crew, alongside the greater Denver media, was there to offer their insight and evaluation of what’s going on in the trenches…
https://twitter.com/PetersenWill/status/644677819486748672
This o-line sucks. I said it in May. Not sure why John Elway couldn't figure it out. #Broncos
— James Merilatt (@jamesmerilatt) September 18, 2015
55-yard interception return. Ugly play. Can't sugar-coat that. Pressure coming, ball out, read perfectly by Peters.
— Andrew Mason (@MaseDenver) September 18, 2015
https://twitter.com/JoshPennock/status/644685666916274176
Peyton Manning's offense hides o-line deficiencies. Gary Kubiak's apparently doesn't. #Broncos
— James Merilatt (@jamesmerilatt) September 18, 2015
#Broncos Elway said at the beginning of the season wasn't worried about O-line…Either was lying or doesn't know talent. I'll say the 1st one
— Eric Goodman (@EricGoodman) September 18, 2015
https://twitter.com/PetersenWill/status/644687231756570624
Sambrailo is getting worked tonight by Tamba Hali.
— Rich (midnight blue 🌠and sunshine yellow ☀️) (@RichKurtzman) September 18, 2015
Not much a second effort from Ty Sambrialo. . . Too casual letting a guy getting by. . .
— Gil Whiteley, Now and Then (@Gilfest) September 18, 2015
@EricGoodman yep. He's not getting much daylight though. This line could make any RB look bad
— Doug Ottewill (@Dottewill) September 18, 2015
Broncos didn't give up more than 2 sacks in a game all last year.. Back to back games it's happened to start this season
— Dan Fellman (@dfellman) September 18, 2015
Tough to imagine a worse offensive line situation than the Broncos right now.
— Zach Fogg (@zachfoggsports) September 18, 2015
