Broncos' Powers facing two-month recovery: "The next guy's up and we'll get ready"
The Denver Broncos offensive line faces a significant challenge as left guard Ben Powers is set to miss at least two months due to a torn biceps injury.
Why it matters: The loss of Powers is particularly impactful as he has been a consistent starter and part of an offensive line that ranks second in the league for pass block win rate at 74%. His absence may affect both the passing game and the overall offensive cohesion as the team adjusts to changes on the line.
- Powers sustained the injury during the Broncos' 21-17 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles, finishing the game despite the pain.
- He has undergone surgery and will not be traveling with the team for their upcoming games, further complicating the offensive strategy moving forward.
What’s new: Backup offensive lineman Matt Peart is expected to step into Powers' role.
- Head coach Sean Payton acknowledged Peart's readiness, stating, “We know exactly what we’re getting [in Peart], we’ll see how we handle it.”
- Peart will need to quickly adapt, as he steps into a critical position on the offensive line, which has previously started the same five players throughout the season.
Yes, but: While Peart has experience, he lacks the continuity that Powers provided.
- Powers had played 40 consecutive games since signing with the Broncos in free agency before the 2023 season, establishing himself as a key player.
- Adjusting to a new player in the starting lineup could disrupt the synergy that has developed among the offensive line.
What to watch: The performance of the offensive line against upcoming opponents will be crucial.
- The Broncos currently sit 18th in run block win rate at 70.9%, indicating that any disruption caused by personnel changes could exacerbate struggles in the running game.
- Observing how Peart handles the responsibilities of a starting left guard will be essential in determining the team's offensive effectiveness.
Zoom Out: The broader implications of Powers’ injury go beyond this season.
- With some players experiencing similar injuries being sidelined for an entire season, the Broncos must brace for potential long-term impacts.
- This situation emphasizes the importance of depth on the offensive line, particularly as teams navigate the rigors of the NFL schedule.
The bottom line: The Broncos will have to navigate the next few months without one of their key offensive linemen, placing additional pressure on the rest of the line and backup players like Peart to maintain performance levels amidst the challenges ahead.
