The Denver Broncos defense won the game last year. They should remain the No. 1-ranked unit in the NFL in 2018. Offensively, the unit ranked 17th. The Broncos are aiming to give Baker Mayfield, Paxton Lynch and Keenan Allen the time they need to learn the game and settle in to their new positions. The team’s season-long issues at the left tackle position make improving that position more important than most. Mike Munchak has a lot of experience at this position, and the Broncos should make the best out of it.
The coaching staff seems to have already identified the weaknesses in terms of Andy Janovich’s run blocking ability and Menelik Watson’s pass protection in recent years. Munchak will have three new starters on the offensive line, which will add some new variables to his offensive playbook. While he may have some extra talent at his disposal, Munchak’s experience will be the key to his success with the interior offensive line. It will come down to which of the returning players perform as expected.
Munchak will draw from his experience, whether it be at right tackle, or at left tackle, or at guard. But his responsibilities are different each year. The Dolphins started three players at the guard position in Munchak’s 2017 season, in left guard Jermon Bushrod, center Daniel Kilgore and right guard Josh Sitton. At right tackle, Munchak ran the Dolphins offense from the left side of the line, playing Ereck Flowers, Houston Eaton and Billy Turner in that order.
Munchak is a noted chess player and the Broncos offensive line doesn’t have to change much to accomplish the organization’s goals. Playing Munchak’s style of football, the Broncos could establish balance on offense and keep pace with the speedy Keenan Allen.