To say the Broncos were surprised that Ryan Clady was available 11 picks into the NFL draft would be like saying the economy is a little sluggish.
As in, it would be a huge understatement.
When Clady still was sitting there at No. 12, the Broncos didn’t listen to any offers. They wrote his name on a piece of paper, called him on the phone and breathed a collective sigh of relief.
In the process, they may have secured Jay Cutler’s blindside for the next decade.
Clady has lived up to every expectation, and that’s saying something, what with Mike Shanahan having ordained him a starter moments after the draft. And while we’re on the subject, the rest of the Broncos’ offensive line isn’t exactly disappointing, either.
This is getting downright amazing. Through five games, the Broncos have allowed two sacks. And one was more technicality than real, live sack. You remember the play. It was when Cutler fumbled vs. the Chargers, only to have referee Ed Hochuli save the Broncos’ bacon with an inexplicable whistle.
Other than that play, the Broncos’ line has allowed one sack. One. I’m not going to say it doesn’t get any better than that, but it doesn’t get any better than that. Not with all that speed and quickness coming off the corner every Sunday.
For all the Broncos’ defensive issues, their offensive line has emerged as a major strength. Cutler for the most part has time to spot receivers and gun the ball downfield. Good thing, because if the Broncos are going to go places this season, he’s going to have to keep doing it.
Follow Jim Armstrong’s sports updates on The Jimmy Page morning and afternoon Monday-Friday. And read his columns on Sundays at .
He can be reached at 303-954-1269 or jmarmstrong@denverpost.com.
