Tyron Smith put his massive hands on Adam Gotsis‘ shoulders and attempted to march the Broncos defensive end toward the sideline.
Discarding defensive linemen with ease was how Smith, the 320-pound left tackle for the Dallas Cowboys, earned an all-pro nod last season. And being too easily shoved to the side in 2016 was how his rookie season became an exercise in frustration for Gotsis.
But as the clouds hovered above Sports Authority Field at Mile High last Sunday, Gotsis closed the daylight. On the second play of the game, Gotsis absorbed a chip block from Cowboys guard Chaz Green and then, with a violent swing of his arms, shook free from Smith.