It’s no secret that prior to the 2023 season, the Broncos were a train wreck.
Before Sean Payton came to Denver, fans had to suffer through back-to-back-to-back fourth-place finishes in the AFC West. Ever since Payton arrived at the Mile High City, though, he has completely turned the team around.
Some fans may credit the Broncos’ recent success to Bo Nix, while others may give all the credit to the defense. However, the true unsung hero of the Sean Payton-era Denver Broncos is the offensive line.
Before Payton, Denver’s line was a big weakness. So, knowing how vital a good line is, upon his arrival, Payton and the Denver front office signed tackle Mike McGlinchey and guard Ben Powers.
The following season, the Broncos finished around 10th across several different offensive line metrics. Last season, thanks to the aforementioned additions, as well as the development of Quinn Meinerz and the stellar play of Garett Bolles, the Broncos were at the top of nearly every list.
All was going according to plan this season; the core four linemen returned, and the Broncos still had the No. 1-ranked O-line through five weeks. However, tragedy struck when guard Ben Powers tore his bicep against the Eagles. He was placed on IR and is not expected to return until December.
Immediate Impact of Losing Ben Powers
Without Ben Powers, the Broncos headed to London to take on the Jets on Sunday. In his place stood Matt Peart, a veteran guard who was on the team last season. Though the Broncos eked out a victory, Peart struggled mightily.
The replacement singlehandedly committed three penalties, two of which killed an entire drive.
Additionally, the Broncos’ run game was much worse than usual — Dobbins finished with only 40 yards while Harvey only had four.
The passing attack wasn’t much better. Denver only accumulated 174 yards through the air.
Then, on top of all that, the Broncos placed Peart on the IR on Tuesday. While all the blame cannot be put on Peart, it is likely no coincidence that the Broncos struggled in Ben Powers’ absence.
Powers, though he may not be elite, has proven himself to be a vital asset year after year. In his last season in Baltimore in 2022, Powers finished with the second best PFF pass-blocking grade. Then, since joining Denver, he finished the last two seasons as seventh and then first in run-block win rate.
Furthermore, even if his stats are to be disregarded, an offensive line is a collective unit, and taking away one piece can cause chaos for the others.
How Can Denver Fix It?
With Powers gone, the Broncos may simply have to accept that their offensive line will take a hit.
As of right now, the Broncos simply will not find a better guard for run blocking or pass protection. However, what they can do is mitigate the damage until he comes back in December.
On Sunday, Matt Peart showed fans all that they needed to see, and on Tuesday, he was removed from the equation entirely. Nevertheless, he was simply not cut out for the role, so Denver needs to find someone who is.
Next on the depth chart would be third year Illinois guard Alex Palczewski, who has only started three games. Though he is inexperienced, if the Broncos give him reps now, he could turn out to be a solid player for them down the road. Alternatively, they have Calvin Throckmorton, their only other guard on the depth chart. Ever since starting 14 games in New Orleans in 2021, Throckmorton has become a backup journeyman, and based on his performances, his role on the bench will likely continue.
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Since Powers will return in time for the playoffs, all Denver really needs is a solid veteran who can hold down the fort until then. Furthermore, if the Broncos turn to free agency, they will find themselves with some viable options.
Some of the more notable names include Mark Glowinski and Cody Whitehair, but they were both deeply disappointing last season. Additionally, of the available offensive guards without horrible stats, nearly all of them have little to no starting experience in the league.
No Solution?
Normally, an article like this would save the last paragraph to disclose a secret option that can save the day. However, the fact of the matter is that there is no ideal solution.
Peart is clearly subpar (and now injured as well), Palczewski is inexperienced, and all the remaining free agents are also either subpar or inexperienced. Perhaps Throckmorton can be solid enough to keep the ship afloat, but Broncos fans should not get their hopes up with him either.
The truth is, Ben Powers has been a crucial piece of the organization ever since Sean Payton signed him. Denver will not be able to find a guard that can do what he can do.
But if Bo Nix, J.K. Dobbins, and the other members of the O-line step up, and if Sean Payton remains steadfast in his pursuit for a decent enough replacement, the Broncos may just keep their heads above water until Powers returns.
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