5 Denver Broncos to watch vs. the Vikings

The story remains the offensive line.

That was the case for the Denver Broncos back in March before organized team activities started. That was the case for training camp. That remains the case on the eve of the Broncos’ fourth game of the season against the Minnesota Vikings.

Remember, it wasn’t Week 5 of last season that Denver figured out how to run the football.

With a new system, whole new offensive line and coaches, it takes time. With even more changes set for the Broncos five-man unit on Sunday the work will continue.

There’s no doubt the offense has “struggled” in terms of running the football the first three games, and that is putting it lightly. But it’s only the fourth game of the season. Sunday’s game against the Vikings is another mile in the 16-game marathon that is the NFL.

In terms of the five Broncos to watch this Sunday against Minnesota, it’s not hard to see where this is going.

Michael Schofield, right tackle

Not only is the second-year offensive lineman getting his first start, it’s his first game. No pressure, kid.

As I said on Twitter on Friday when it was announced by Gary Kubiak that Schofield would start at right tackle, I’m excited to see what he does. Sure, there is pressure but talk about an opportunity to show what he can do. To prove his worth and John Elway used that third-round draft pick wisely.

The big question, of course, is: Will Schofield play well? Is he capable? No one knows the answer to that, but it how he plays will help determine the success of the running game.

And it’s not as if that front can get any worse. So there’s no room to go but up when it comes to Denver running the football.

As Schofield said on Friday, this isn’t new for him since he was put in a similar situation at the University of Michigan.

I’m one who is optimistic Schofield will shine and take full advantage of his chance. But it’s also the No. 1 thing I’m watching on Sunday.

Ryan Harris, left tackle

The other big move for the Broncos offensive for Sunday’s game is the move of Harris from right to left tackle. The move is needed because of the shoulder injury to Ty Sambrailo.

One of the positives for the Denver line has been the play of Harris. The Broncos will need that continue against Minnesota and that underrated defense.

The good news is that Harris is a veteran and knows the zone-blocking system well. Denver’s hope is that, paired with left guard Evan Mathis, the left side of the line will get locked down now.

You hate to see a guy lose his job because of injury, but if the Broncos can make this work they need to stick with it. On top of Schofield, the play of Harris at left tackle is the main thing I’m looking at.

Sylvester Williams, defensive tackle

Terrance Knighton who?

As I’ve said since March, Williams’ play will top anything “Potroast” did in his two years Denver. So far, he has.

The defensive tackle has played well, and, obviously, taken the coaching of Bill Kollar and Wade Phillips to heart.

The next test is the stiffest at this early point in the season since the Broncos defense faces the best running back in the NFL, Adrian Peterson.

Denver needs Williams to push the Vikings offensive line back to allow the second level of the defense to swarm Peterson. In terms of stopping the run game, that’s No. 1. Blow up the blocks and push them back.

If Williams and the Broncos defensive line loses leverage it’s going to be a long day, and it won’t matter what the linebackers and safeties do.

Brandon Marshall and Danny Trevathan, middle linebackers

If Williams can blow up the blocks, that will allow Marshall and Trevathan to do what they do. They’ll able to gang tackle and swarm Peterson.

One cannot work without the other, and the only way for the Broncos defense to contain/slow down Peterson is to have both aspects work in unison.

Phillips can take it step a forward and put eight or nine guys in the box to stop Peterson and force Teddy Bridgewater and those receivers to win the game. Good luck with that since Chris Harris, Aqib Talib and Bradley Roby have been fantastic to start the season.

One aspect is clear: If Marshall Trevathan can get in the back field that’s good news for Denver.

C.J. Anderson, running back

Is this finally the week?

With bated breath, the Broncos and Broncos Country have waited for the running game to take take off. For Anderson to show what he’s capable of in this system that is running backs Mecca.

None of that will change on Sunday. There are lot of “ifs” to make this happen – Schofield, Harris and the rest of the line gels, Anderson gets comfortable with the line and knows where the blocks will come – but could this finally be the week?

Until it happens, Anderson will remain on this list.