If this was the Old West, Peyton Manning would be known as the quickest gun in town. Over the course of his sterling 18-year career, Manning has showcased the fastest release in the NFL and proven to be one of the best quick-decision makers in league history. It's why he rarely takes punishment and is one of the least hit QBs in the league. But at 39-years-old, Manning may not be as quick as he once was. That is why it's imperative that he receives better blocking up front if the Broncos want one more crack at a Super Bowl.
Ryan Clady and Louis Vasquez are still quality mainstays along the line. Clady is further removed from his 2013 Lisfranc injury and Vasquez will benefit from returning to his natural position of right guard. But aside from those guys, Denver's offensive line is pocked with question marks.
"...Denver could be looking at three new starters to fill out a line that must keep a 39-year-old Peyton Manning healthy for a full season," Scott Kacsmar of Football Outsiders wrote. "If the Broncos can do that, then the line is in great shape with Manning and new coach Gary Kubiak running the show. Manning has led the NFL in the lowest rate of pressure (credit to ESPN Stats & Information for pressure data) four times since 2010. He rarely needs his linemen to block for longer than 2.5 seconds after the snap, and he consistently puts Denver in the right plays. Meanwhile, Kubiak has taught numerous offenses the zone-blocking scheme that has produced huge rushing production from many unheralded backs, which is great news for C.J. Anderson...
"Gino Gradkowski learned under Kubiak last season and may be the new center in Denver. Ben Garland and Michael Schofield have zero career starts, but both could see significant action this season. Guard Shelley Smith and tackle Chris Clark, who replaced an injured Clady in 2013's record-setting offense, are veterans who will compete for starting jobs. Continuity will have to be forged this preseason, but if anyone can coach up this line so that it works well immediately, it's Manning and Kubiak."
Kacsmar seems optimistic that Denver's offensive line, despite being the team's biggest weakness, will not de-rail their playoff hopes in 2015.
