The most significant numbers from the Broncos’ loss at Oakland on Sunday night were ones they would like to forget. Of the 60 minutes of playing time, their offense played less than 19. Of their 51 plays, only 12 were runs.
In the days since that divisional loss to a once-bitter rival, the Broncos have preached new points of emphasis: time and opportunity. They need to stay on the field longer, and they need to create more chances to run the ball.
But the common denominator to making both happen is improved play by the offensive line, a position group that has taken as much if not more heat than any other on the Broncos over the past two seasons.