AFC West Update
Two-time AP All-Pro offensive tackle Ryan Clady tore his ACL in practice according to NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport and it is feared that he will miss the entirety of the 2015 season. Ryan Clady is a four time Pro Bowler and was once considered an elite offensive tackle but a torn patella tendon, lisfranc injury and a torn ACL over the past five years has not only limited his ability to stay on the field but has also severely impacted his level of play when he is on the field, particularly in 2014. The Denver Broncos are in the midst of re-tooling their offensive line from a season ago as they switch to a zone-blocking scheme under new head coach, Gary Kubiak. Chris Clark is the most likely candidate to take over at left tackle for Clady. Interestingly enough, it was Clark who started the majority of the games at left tackle when Peyton Manning had the greatest statistical season of his career in 2013, filling in for an injured Ryan Clady. Even, if Clark manages to fill the void again the Broncos are in danger of losing their most accomplished offensive lineman for the season and take a big hit in terms of depth along the offensive line when you consider the departures of Will Montgomery, Manny Ramirez and Orlando Franklin this off-season. The lack of continuity upfront is very troubling as Peyton’s window to make a another run at the Super Bowl continues to get smaller.
