If there is a meeting or practice time changed at Dove Valley, the Broncos’ offensive linemen know they’re covered. Chris Myers is on the case.
The third-year player, with all of 14 games as a starter, has taken over as the de facto leader of the offensive line.
“He has become our general,” Denver right guard Montrae Holland said. “He is the guy who is in charge of getting us all together.”
Myers, 26, figures he has no choice.
“It goes with the territory,” he said. “That’s just what a center does. You have to lead. You have to do what it takes.”
Doing what it takes has been Myers’ mantra. Until left guard Ben Hamilton went down with what turned out to be a season-ending concussion, Myers was known as a typical Broncos’ lineman of the future. He was tough, smart, agile — and waiting for a shot. A nice down-the-road project to tuck away on the roster.
Myers didn’t play on the offensive line in a regular-season NFL game until he had to, replacing Hamilton, who was sidelined with concussions, at left guard to start the season. And then, just when he began feeling comfortable, Myers had to change again, taking over at center for the veteran leader on the line, Tom Nalen.
“It’s been a big jump in responsibility,” Myers said. “Early on, when I was playing guard, the game was very fast for me, and just not trying to mess up, I think I didn’t use my technique very well. Now, I’m comfortable and I’m able to use my technique and do the things I know I can do.”
Nalen went down with a season-ending biceps injury Oct. 7 against San Diego. Through the quarterback parade of John Elway to Bubby Brister to Brian Griese to Jake Plummer to Jay Cutler, Nalen was a constant, snapping the ball. Since 1995, only Nalen and Hamilton had played center for Denver, Hamilton having provided relief when Nalen suffered a knee injury in 2002. Through the glory years of the Broncos’ offensive line, Nalen was the face of the line, a potential Hall of Famer who mastered blocking techniques.
Perhaps easing everyone’s concerns, most notably those of head coach Mike Shanahan and quarterback Jay Cutler, was Myers’ can-do attitude. He had played multiple positions at the University of Miami. When forced to take over for Nalen, he showed a maturity not often found in a player with only five career starts. He had built a rhythm with Cutler during training camp when Nalen took many afternoon sessions off as a concession to age.
Coaches became confident Myers could eventually succeed in a starting role when he performed well in the 2006 preseason finale at Arizona. The Cardinals used their first-team players for three quarters and Myers played the entire game.
Broncos offensive coordinator and line coach Rick Dennison said Myers wasn’t overwhelmed by his promotion because of his collegiate experience, which included 38 consecutive starts.
“The best thing you can say about an offensive lineman is that you don’t notice him,” Dennison said. “You want to notice the guys who pass, catch and run with the ball, but not the guys up front. And Chris hasn’t been noticed. That’s a good thing. He’s done everything we’ve asked him to do.”
It’s yet to be seen if Myers will hold onto his starting spot next season should both Nalen and Hamilton be recovered and ready to play. Myers knows he’ll face a battle to stay on the field.
“Tom is one of the strongest human beings I’ve seen and he can play for another 5-10 years,” Myers said. “Ben is a very consistent player. We want those guys back.”
A restricted free agent, Myers might be in position to land a long-term contract should the Broncos view him as someone who can give them quality playing time at either guard or center for years to come.
“I’m not worrying about money or the future,” Myers said. “I can’t believe I’m playing in the NFL. I’m having so much fun.”
Whatever happens, Myers is comfortable knowing he can be a big part of a youthful offense.
“We do have a lot of young talent,” Myers said. “This is going to be our team down the road and we’re helping out as much as we can now.”
Bill Williamson: 303-954-1262 or bwilliamson@denverpost.com
Chris Myers
Stats: 6-feet-4, 300 pounds
Broncos: His third season, and
first as a starter. Began year at
left guard, moved to center when
Tom Nalen was injured. Has started
all 14 games. In 2006, played
exclusively on special teams. In
2005, saw action on special
teams in final 10 games.
College: Three-year starter at University
of Miami. Played right
tackle, left guard, center and
right guard during his career.
Second team all-ACC as a senior
right tackle.
Background: Began playing football
in the 10th grade at Palmetto
High School in Miami. Graduated
with a bachelor’s degree
from Miami. Broncos drafted
Myers in the sixth round.
Bill Williamson
