The strong side has not been all that strong for the Broncos in their struggling run game.
The strong side, usually where a single tight end would line up in the formation, makes offenses predominantly right-handed when running the ball. Right tackles and right guards are usually power-first players and offenses looking to make tough yards will often go that way.
It’s where the Broncos wanted to go on the much-discussed fourth-down play from the Titans’ 1-yard line Sunday. Broncos right guard Chris Kuper said he wanted the play to go that way and Kuper is largely considered the Broncos’ toughest, most physical lineman up front.
The Broncos drafted rookie right tackle Orlando Franklin in the second round last April because they considered him one of the best drive blockers on the board.
The Broncos have lined up at least one, and often two tight ends on the strong side when they want to try to power a defense off the line of scrimmage, but their strong-side results are beyond disappointing.
When the Broncos have run the ball right of center this season, either over the right guard, right tackle or around the right end, they have averaged less than 3.4 yards per carry. Around right end they have averaged less than 1 yard per carry.
The Broncos must be far stronger on the strong side to survive in the coming weeks.
