The Denver Broncos now have a scheme that works. The game against the Miami Dolphins in Week 11 should be a model for how they carry themselves the rest of the season and beyond.
The Denver Broncos Now Have A Scheme That Works
Through injuries, Drew Lock was resilient and played his heart out. Although he proved he can bounce back from atrocious games, he credits the offensive line and their run game. Indeed, they were among the main reasons for the team securing a win against the Dolphins. As was mentioned last week, Denver’s run game needed a lot of work. And look how it helped them.
Lock started out the game much the same as in previous weeks, with incompletions and overthrows, and behind on the scoreboard. Just when the Broncos were about to record three consecutive three-and-outs with one yard of total offense, Lock fired a bullet to KJ Hamler, who held on for 15 yards. The Broncos were in the end zone eight plays later and never trailed again.
Just a week ago, the Broncos performance on the ground was met with criticism. The entire offensive line wasn’t adequately protecting quarterback Lock and their lack of a running game was a sore point. Guard Dalton Risner said it was “about winning that battle… we wanted to prove that we’re a good football team.”
Long Drives on The Back of a Lindsay/Gordon/Hamler Attack
As they should do with every opponent from now on, the offensive line pulled out all the stops against the Dolphins, a team that had won five straight games. Denver led drives lasting anywhere from one minute to six minutes. Lengthy drives resulted from the running game. The Phillip Lindsay/Melvin Gordon dream became a reality. They ran the ball for a combined 166 yards and two touchdowns on 31 carries. Lindsay and Gordon are the first Broncos teammates since Devontae Booker and C.J. Booker to both have at least 15 carries and 80 rushing yards.
The running game “exploded” according to Lock. Gordon believed the “coaches did a great job with scheming up the fronts… great looks for the runs… everyone executed.” Garett Bolles did what he does best – bulldozing opponents, paving lanes for the rest of the line. And receiver KJ Hamler is really shining. As Lock says, he has speed, the ability to shut it down quick and he’s tough to guard. As mentioned last week, installing Hamler in as many plays as possible will benefit the team.
The Changed Scheme Will Put Them In The Lead
Vic Fangio revealed the change in scheme was indeed a big deal. They installed new run plays in the week leading up to the game. Lindsay and Gordon were rewarded with 20-plus yard plays as a result. This new scheme allowed the Broncos to hold a lead for the entire second half. That balance is exactly what they need. Fangio hit the nail on the head. “When you’re running it decently and you’re playing good defense, the whole complexion of the game is different.”
The Broncos have finally found a way to get their O line to adequately protect Lock. Meanwhile the rest of the offense have developed a running game that results in long drives. If they continue to push for an early lead, it will go a long way in helping them secure more wins.
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