The Denver Broncos might have one of the top offensive lines in the NFL, and many people genuinely believe that. Over the past two seasons, the team has seen notable improvement in that area.
Surprisingly, the offensive line actually looked better on paper during the 2023 season. However, former quarterback Russell Wilson’s tendency to take sacks made the unit appear less effective than it truly was. After center Lloyd Cushenberry left in free agency to join the Tennessee Titans, Luke Wattenberg stepped in as the starter.
By 2024, the strength of the offensive line became clear. Bo Nix was sacked only 24 times—an exceptional number, even among elite quarterbacks. The group performed so well that Pro Football Network recently ranked it No. 1 in the league.
The Denver Broncos’ offensive line was a major factor in their surprising success during the 2024 season. Expectations for the offense were low going into the year, and when a unit exceeds projections, it’s usually due to standout play from either the quarterback or the offensive line.
While Bo Nix did his part—finishing in the top 20 of the QB+ rankings—the offensive line’s stellar performance played a crucial role in easing his workload. They posted a strong pressure rate of 28.3% and a low sack rate of 4.0%, despite Nix having the fifth-longest average time to throw at 3.03 seconds.
The Broncos led the league in ESPN’s Pass Block Win Rate (PBWR) and Run Block Win Rate (RBWR), with several linemen ranking among the best individually. Tackles Mike McGlinchey and Garett Bolles both ranked in the top seven among offensive tackles in PBWR, while interior linemen Luke Wattenberg, Quinn Meinerz, and Ben Powers all placed in the top five. Powers also led all interior linemen in RBWR.
Yes—as in ranked first across the entire NFL. Given the Broncos’ recent struggles with offensive line play, some fans may still be viewing the team through that outdated lens. Many might assume the Broncos still need help up front, but that’s simply not the case. While it’s always wise to invest in future starters, their current starting offensive line ranks among the league’s elite.
The strength of Denver’s offensive line is a major reason the team is poised for long-term success. Dominating the trenches is often what determines the outcome of NFL games, and Denver not only had the top pass rush in the league, but was also solid against the run.
To be honest, there are very few true weaknesses on this Broncos roster. Their offensive line stands out as perhaps their greatest asset. Sean Payton and George Paton deserve significant credit for the improvements they’ve made in this area, and there’s every reason to believe this group will remain among the NFL’s best for years to come.
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