The Denver Broncos’ offensive line has been a bright spot in recent weeks, particularly in pass protection. Their performance against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New York Jets, where they allowed a combined four QB hits and zero sacks, was impressive. However, the Week 6 matchup against Maxx Crosby and the Las Vegas Raiders presented a significant challenge, even in a dominant Broncos victory. While the Raiders did manage three sacks and four QB hits on Bo Nix, a closer look at the film reveals a commendable effort from the Broncos’ front line.
Dissecting the Matchup: Scheme and Individual Performances
Maxx Crosby is a dynamic pass rusher, and the Raiders moved him around the formation to create favorable matchups. He lined up primarily against right tackle Alex Palczewski (9 rushes), but also tested Matt Peart, Ben Powers, and Garett Bolles (3 rushes each). Notably, Crosby only generated consistent pressure on two sacks, one of which exposed a questionable blocking assignment.
The Broncos employed a variety of strategies to neutralize Crosby’s impact. Head Coach Sean Payton frequently utilized chip blocks from tight end Adam Trautman, providing Palczewski with additional support. This tactic proved highly effective, disrupting Crosby’s momentum and limiting his opportunities to reach the quarterback.
Highlighting the Positives: Teamwork and Technique on Display
One standout play involved tight ends Trautman and Nate Adkins working together to stonewall Crosby. Their ability to maintain a cohesive wall, sealing off any potential entry points, demonstrated excellent communication and technique.
Another impressive rep highlighted the growing synergy between Palczewski and guard Quinn Meinerz. After Palczewski initially engaged Crosby, Meinerz seamlessly picked up the stunt, delivering a powerful blow to prevent Crosby from collapsing the pocket. This type of coordinated effort exemplifies the progress this young offensive line is making.
Areas for Improvement: Addressing Missed Assignments and Technical Inconsistencies
Despite the overall positive performance, there were a couple of instances where the Broncos’ protection faltered. One sack occurred when Palczewski struggled to adjust to Crosby’s inside move. This miscue highlighted the need for continued improvement in footwork and recognizing defensive line stunts.
Another breakdown involved a miscommunication that left Trautman isolated against Crosby. While Trautman fought valiantly, this mismatch underscores the importance of clear communication and proper assignment identification, especially against elite pass rushers.
Promising Signs for the Future: Growth and Confidence Building
While not perfect, the Broncos’ performance against Maxx Crosby showcased the potential of this offensive line. Palczewski demonstrated resilience by learning from his early mistake and adjusting his technique later in the game. The consistent application of chip blocks and well-executed stunts limited Crosby’s impact for much of the game.
This game should serve as a valuable learning experience for the Broncos’ offensive line. They displayed the ability to effectively scheme against a top-tier pass rusher and execute individual assignments with a high degree of proficiency. As the season progresses, continued emphasis on communication, technique, and recognizing defensive tendencies will be crucial for this unit to reach its full potential. The talent and coaching are in place for the Broncos’ offensive line to become a formidable force in the league.
