Broncos Historic Offensive Line Faces Ultimate Test Without Starter Bo Nix
The Denver Broncos offensive line finished the 2025 regular season as the top-ranked unit in football, they allowed a league-low six sacks across 17 games, this historic performance sets the stage for Sunday's AFC Championship Game against New England.
Strategic Roster Building Culminates in Success
This dominance represents the final phase of a three-year overhaul under head coach Sean Payton, the team struggled in 2023 due to high sack rates and protection breakdowns, management responded by investing heavily in the front five. General Manager George Paton secured massive contracts for key veterans like Mike McGlinchey and Ben Powers, this financial commitment has now paid off with a 14-3 record and the top seed in the conference. The unit transitioned from a liability during the Russell Wilson era into the gold standard of the NFL, the 2024 season laid the foundation before the group reached its peak performance in 2025.
Data Confirms Elite Protection Metrics
Major analytics outlets have officially crowned Denver’s line as the best in the sport, Pro Football Focus awarded the group an 89.5 pass-blocking efficiency rating, this stands as the highest-graded protection unit in the league. Garett Bolles anchored the blindside with a team-high grade of 90.8, meanwhile, guard Quinn Meinerz earned his first All-Pro selection for his dominance in the interior. The group allowed just 137 total pressures all year, quarterback Bo Nix benefited from this wall, he finished as the least-sacked starter in the league prior to his postseason injury.
Depth Chart Ready for Championship Spotlight
Injuries tested the depth chart late in the year, centers Alex Forsyth and Alex Palczewski stepped in effectively to maintain the number one ranking. The line must now protect backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham, he takes over the offense for the AFC title match against New England following Nix's broken ankle. The Patriots defense led the league in interceptions, this puts immense pressure on the line to keep the pocket clean for the backup passer.
Coaches and Players Reap Rewards
Success in the trenches has boosted careers on the sideline, offensive line coach Davis Webb is now considered a top candidate for head coaching vacancies in the 2026 cycle. The blocking scheme also revitalized the ground game, running backs J.K. Dobbins and rookie RJ Harvey helped the team finish in the top five for run-block win rates, this balance makes the offense dangerous despite the quarterback change. The organization expects to keep the core group together, all five starters remain under contract or are slated for extensions.
The Broncos host the Patriots tomorrow with a Super Bowl berth on the line, officials expect a defensive battle as Stidham leads the offense.
