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Rocky start for Broncos' offensive line

By Lee Rasizer, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)

Published August 10, 2008 at 5:37 p.m.

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Broncos center Casey Wiegmann blocks for backup quarterback Patrick Ramsey during Denver's preseason game Saturday night in Houston vs. the Texans.

Photo by Ronald Martinez © Getty

Broncos center Casey Wiegmann blocks for backup quarterback Patrick Ramsey during Denver's preseason game Saturday night in Houston vs. the Texans.

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The first half of Saturday night's preseason opener was an introductory period for the Broncos starting offensive line.

Left tackle Ryan Clady got his first taste of NFL life.

Left guard Ben Hamilton reacquainted himself with the game after missing all last season because of post-concussion symptoms.

Center Casey Wiegmann, playing for the injured Tom Nalen, wore a Broncos uniform for the first time outside the practice field.

Chris Kuper played right guard, flipped from his 2007 position.

And right tackle Ryan Harris' introduction came mainly via the public address system at Reliant Stadium after being nailed four times for penalties.

Denver (0-1) was able to compile 156 total yards, 12 first downs and convert 4-of-6 third-down situations with the group blocking up front during the first half. But it was clear the area remains a work in progress with three exhibition games to go.

"It was good to get in game situations and play together," Kuper said.

Whether it remains the same five players during the next several weeks bears watching. Nalen still is recovering from a painful bursa sac injury but there's still hope he can return before the Sept. 8 opener. And this week, Montrae Holland - a 16-game starter last season - returns to practice after spending the first two weeks of camp getting into condition.

Denver's original plan entering camp was to have Kuper compete with Harris at right tackle, and he could still kick outside in the next month if Holland demonstrates he's come all the way back.

"I'll take things as they come," Kuper said.

The Broncos already are short-handed at the tackle position. Erik Pears, a starter last season on the right side, has been bothered by a sore lower back. He tried to play Saturday but lasted just one series.

Pears' status necessitated guard Mitch Erickson playing right tackle in the second half after having practiced there just once in training camp.

"I don't feel great about it," Pears said in describing his physical condition.

The same could be said from the Broncos staff in general terms regarding the O-line after Saturday's 19-16 loss to the Houston Texans.

Neither quarterback Jay Cutler nor Patrick Ramsey was sacked on 21 first-half dropbacks but the Broncos ran a conservative, short-passing game that was screen intensive. Broncos running backs were tackled for losses three times and ran for 1 yard or less twice in the first two quarters.

"We needed a little continuity there. I thought we got it," Broncos coach Mike Shanahan said. "Guys got some experience as a group, which you need as an offensive line. I have to look at film for sure, but I was pleased."

Much of the attention was expected to be focused at tackle, and Clady's debut, at times against 2006 No. 1 overall draft pick Mario Williams, was compelling. But it was Harris' off night that diverted attention.

A screen pass that produced a first down on third-and-15 was wiped out on the opening series when Harris was improperly aligned off the line of scrimmage. He was called for a false start with Denver in the red zone, though Cutler later bailed him out with a 15-yard scoring run. And twice Harris was flagged for holding as Denver moved inside Texans territory in the final minute of the second quarter.

"There's no excuses for stuff like that," Harris said, adding he's never had a similar game in his career.

Clady, the 12th overall pick in April's draft, started the game aligned against Williams, who flipped sides on passing downs.

But Clady saw Williams enough to know what he's in for at the pro level. He was driven into the backfield by Williams on a running play that turned into a 2-yard loss. But the rookie also helped clear a path for Andre Hall's 14-yard sweep around left end in the second quarter, after Williams had departed.

"He's a great physical specimen: quick, good hands, strong arms, tough . . . ," Clady said of facing Williams. "It was a good test and good work for the upcoming season. It shows me what I need to improve on."

Items on Clady's list in that regard were coming off the ball a little harder and being more physical in the run game.

"Other than that, I feel I played pretty well," he said.

Just playing was a victory for Hamilton, who for a spell last fall was concerned his career was in jeopardy after having severe post-concussion symptoms. The last time he'd suited up for a game was the 2006 season finale, but he said he felt good.

"The way we practice prepared me for the game, although it's a different situation," Hamilton said of re-adjusting to game speed after 11/2 years away. "I'm used to playing next to (retired) Matt (Lepsis), but Ryan's doing a great job and we're developing that rapport. We'll be good."

Denver's cohesion will immediately be tested this week: The 3-4 alignment presented by a physical Dallas Cowboys front seven will be at Dove Valley for two days of practices, leading up to Saturday's home preseason opener at Invesco Field at Mile High.

rasizerl@RockyMountainNews.com

Comments

  • August 10, 2008

    5:58 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    zdcoombs writes:

    I thought they looked good for the first preseason game. In fact they looked every N.F.L. team the preseason. I think their is a lot to build on. It will be a fun season through the losses and the wins!!!!

  • August 10, 2008

    6:39 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    Brain writes:

    Clady did fine considering it was his first game at this level; of course it is pre-season and the real season will be tougher. Every OL was playing along side someone new and they still did not give-up a sack; they are going to only get better.

  • August 10, 2008

    6:46 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    Who_Me writes:

    We should be allowed to say it was a Bronco's start for the Rockies.

  • August 10, 2008

    8:53 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    coachk writes:

    I think they did fine considering they have not been able to block anyone at full speed yet at camp. It showes on the lines and at linebacker. Good thing the Cowboys are coming and we will have to man up and put pants on and hit. I understand the getting hurt thing but if you dont prepare you can get hurt even more.

  • August 11, 2008

    10:17 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    myerda00 writes:

    If Holland decides that he wants to play football then Harris will be a backup with Kuper moving to RT. Pears back is a big issue so that means Polumbus will be the other backup tackle.
    The OL looked just OK. Film shows lack of continuity between players (expected with so much change).
    Ramsey did not look good. Hackney a little better. Jay stay healthy.
    WR and TE looked OK. Good routes and blocking. Need to play Jay to evaluate WR's Colbert or Jackson.
    LB'ers looked weak. DJ and Woodyard did real good.
    Foxworth and McCree were good. Barrett found the ball often. And Williams will make the 53.

    Overall grade C. Coaches lets get somethings ironed out.

  • August 11, 2008

    11:15 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    TheSlinger writes:

    myerda00. get real.

  • August 11, 2008

    12:08 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    zdcoombs writes:

    For the first preseason game they looked great!!!!! We might reach nine wins this year

  • August 11, 2008

    1:17 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    silverJ writes:

    No mention of Polumbus? He played a great game with the exception of one missed block late in the game. His first play he recovered a fumble. He was a great pick up for the broncs.
    Clady will be awesome, but probably not for a few games while he gets his feet wet.

  • August 11, 2008

    3:43 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    chartguy writes:

    I didn't see anything that looked significantly better than last season. Maybe they'll surprise me.

  • August 11, 2008

    3:52 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    Broncody writes:

    Since I live in Iowa I didn't get the opportunity to watch the game. (No local broadcasts) In looking at the stats though, I think that Jay Cutler will have a very good year this year. He dives for a touchdown in the preseason?! That shows me the leadership and heart needed to lead the team to greatness. Maybe not this year, but I expect great things from this young man. I was skeptical at first when we drafted Jay out of a losing program and Vandy but when we had a QB who figured out how to win games in Plummer, but the scouts had it right and I am so glad we have Jay in Denver for many years to come now. Just go out there and get the W's in the regular season. Go Broncos!

  • August 11, 2008

    4:12 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    Welcome2Boise writes:

    Chartguy: There was one thing that looked much better and that was the run D. We were not getting gashed like last year at all. The best run was for 11 yards against us. But that is it. The pass rush wasn't pretty, and for some reason we can't defend against the naked boot, even though we practice against it every day. That is scary.

  • August 11, 2008

    6:21 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    Dynamicdave writes:

    chartguy, what did you base this from, as far as last year? That doesn't make sense? We had neither of our corners. Boss was out. His backup was out. We don't have our O line set up the way it will be on the 1st regular season game. Oh, and did I mention that we were playing rookies and new players who won't even make the team? It was the 1st game of preseason and you're already forming opinions???? Lighten up, take a deep breathe and learn to relax.

  • August 12, 2008

    2:13 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    angryman1n writes:

    DynamicDave... Ditto to you.

    You're right. You can't really form an opinion based on the preseason. Almost everyone it going at about 80%, and a large part of the team won't be there come week one.

    However, injuries are starting to pile up. Luckily mostly minor, but minor can become major in a flash. Then we will have to worry about the 2nd/3rd team development.

  • August 12, 2008

    2:18 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    angryman1n writes:

    Myerda00.... Good analysis. I thought that was pretty thorough. You gave cause, effect, and limitations. Now we just need to wait and see if you're right.