Broncos: Everything Running Game and Offensive line

Over the last tow games the Denver Broncos have struggled to run the ball. A big reason for that is the blocking upfront. Helping fix that will go a long ways to helping the run game. They go hand in hand. How can they start fixing this?

In their first two games, the Denver Broncos rushed for 148 yards and 134 yards. Only 20 of those yards in the first game and seven in the second came from the quarterback. So the running backs were averaging 5.3 YPC (yards per carry) and 4.2 YPC. That is a first down every two and every three runs.

The big reason they were able to do that was because of their blocking from the offensive line. They were consistently opening up holes for the ball carriers to pick up yards. It wasn’t always big 5+ yard runs, but they made enough room to pick up three yards pretty consistently.

When a team is able to run the ball effectively, it takes a lot of pressure from the quarterbacks. This is essential when you have young quarterbacks, like the Broncos do. Effective running makes defenses worry about the run, which can do wonders for the passing game. It opens up space, especially deep. Not only that, play-action fakes become even more effective.

Effective running also helps out the defense. It takes time off the clock, gives the offense long drives, which helps their defense get rest on the sidelines. It also wears down the opposing defenses. That is why teams often wish to set up the running game early on. Wear down the defense and open up the passing game.