The development of Broncos left tackle Garett Bolles is undoubtedly important and he will be tested Sunday by Seattle defensive end Frank Clark. Same for settling in at right guard, a musical chairs position last year.
But left guard may be the lynchpin to the offensive line.
If he stays available and effective, the Broncos could accomplish their goal of being an offense that runs to set up the play-action pass and then once they get a lead, can extinguish the fourth quarter clock with that same run game.
If Leary is in and out of the lineup, the continuity the Broncos tried so hard to create in training camp will be semi-shattered.
No pressure, Ron.
“I think we’re headed in the right direction,” Leary said. “We’ve got a couple of new faces but this group right here is probably one of the hardest-working O-line groups I’ve been a part of.”
The right direction would include getting 16 games from Leary, which he has done only once (2013). He will make Bolles better. He knows how to keep interior pass rushers away from quarterback . And he knows how to lead. When he’s been on the field.
Leary, entering his seventh NFL season, missed the entire offseason program because of a knee injury that required surgery. Leary missed the first preseason game last month because of an ankle issue. And he missed the third preseason game when his knee flared up.
Those problems meant Leary is heading into the regular season with only 24 snaps, all against Chicago, including allowing a pressure when he was caught flat-footed while kicking out to pass protect.
Problem?
“Thatap all I needed,” Leary said. “I’ve been playing for a while so I don’t need a whole lot of preseason reps to be ready to play ball. My biggest thing is making sure my wind is right for Sunday.”
Leary said he could have “definitely” played last week if the Broncos were in the regular season.
Any worry he would not be ready for Seattle?
“I wouldn’t say I was concerned, but it took a little longer than I thought,” Leary said. “That was a little frustrating. But I stayed the course last week and it was feeling really good. Now it feels great.”
Leary was managed by coach during camp, his 58 regular season starts a nod that he didn’t need to be pushed in August. A left guard for Dallas before joining the Broncos, Leary played right guard for 11 games last year before a back injury shut him down.
The Broncos moved Leary back to his natural spot in the offseason, part of a reset that included trading for right tackle Jared Veldheer and settling in McGovern at right guard instead of trying to force free agent flop Menelik Watson into a new position. Watson was ultimately released.
“Right (guard) was a little uncomfortable at first,” Leary said. “Itap good to be back on the left. But if I had to play right in a pinch, I could do it at a high level.”
Bolles wants Leary to stay on his inside hip.
“Ron’s a heckuva player,” Bolles said. “I’m grateful he’s my guard. He’s like my brother. We communicate on everything. It makes it easier for me knowing I have somebody next to me that protects me on the (defensive line twists and stunts). Itap a special thing and itap going to get better and better.”
Said Leary of Bolles: “The sky’s the limit for him. He has all of the physical tools. He’s not where he wants to be and thatap a good thing.”
Bolles is still a newbie, entering his second season. Leary is about to start his seventh year, but his excitement level is similar to a young player.
“I’m geeked for this game,” he said. “Those emotions don’t ever go away. When they do, itap time to leave the game.”
