Broncos Sean Payton gives high praise to OG Ben Powers
One of the Denver Broncos' biggest offseason signings is already getting huge praise during 2023 OTAs.The Broncos went into the 2023 offseason making it their mission, and certainly a point of emphasis, to get better in their worst area – the offensive line. They had the worst group up from on that side of the […]
One of the Denver Broncos' biggest offseason signings is already getting huge praise during 2023 OTAs.
The Broncos went into the 2023 offseason making it their mission, and certainly a point of emphasis, to get better in their worst area – the offensive line. They had the worst group up from on that side of the ball in the entire league.
There's evidence of that by way of having 61 sacks, the worst in the league by six. They allowed starting quarterback Russell Wilson to be sacked 55 times, tied for the most by any one quarterback with Justin Fields.
That area had to improve, so they spent money in free agency, and a lot of it, which landed them right guard Ben Powers, who is already getting high praise from his new head coach.
"All the things you're looking for, you know his skill set, he's strong, he's smart," Payton told the media on Thursday. "There are certain things you look for in an offensive lineman, he can anchor. And I think that's important. You know the significance of your guards.
"And we had, you know, a couple of really, really, really good guards throughout the years with Drew [Brees] and the significance for Russell [Wilson]. I think that's important. His makeup, I mean, he loves football. So he certainly was a target. And then he also comes from a place that's used to winning. And that room's kind of had probably the biggest turnover of any, and I think, I think that'll serve us well."
Powers signed a four-year, $52 million deal with the Broncos this offseason, and he will look to fill a major hole that was Dalton Risner. Risner just wasn't very good. He allowed 29 pressures last season, where Powers allowed just 12, and both played close to the same amount of snaps. So, Powers is easily a huge upgrade.
To hear he is gelling, fitting in, and is exactly what the Broncos wanted is a lot. I think the move was brilliant, while a lot of people think they overpaid. We can see now that they want Powers in Denver badly.
Featured Image Via Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
