knew his role on the Broncos’ offensive line would increase Sunday against the Rams in an effort to bolster their run blocking and pass protection.
What Garcia could not have predicted, though, is how necessity would breed even greater opportunity.
Denver fell, 23-20, to the Rams, their fourth consecutive loss, and adding injury to insult was a third-quarter snap that put its depth at offensive line squarely in the spotlight. Starting left guard stumbled awkwardly defending a bull-rush from Rams’ interior defensive lineman and left the game with what’s feared as a torn right Achilles, a team source told The Denver Post.
“I think we have confidence in anyone whose number is called,” Garcia said. “Obviously, it sucks to have Ron hurt right now. But we’re just going to have to circle the wagon and really lock arms — especially at a time like this losing four straight games.”
The Broncos began the day already thin up front. Right tackle Jared Veldheer (knee) missed a second consecutive week with in his place. Denver rotated Garcia and at right guard in the first half, Garcia with three series and McGovern with two series, before Leary’s absence thrust Garcia in at left guard full time. Coach Vance Joseph described the first half rotation “fine” without studying the tape. Veldheer’s status for Thursday night’s game at Arizona will gain more clarity starting with Monday’s practice report.
The Broncos rushed for just 60 yards against the Rams while quarterback took a pair of sacks.
“I think we’ve got seven or eight guys that have done a great job for us,” Keenum said. “With Jared out today, I thought Billy did a great job, and thatap a great defensive line. … I thought they played really well today, especially stepping in when Ron went down.”
Garcia, a fourth-year pro out of Florida, embraces the challenge.
“I just wanted to take advantage of the opportunity,” Garcia said. “Coach (Sean Kugler) told me all week that my time was here. That I needed to just play my game, go out there and play football. Itap nothing that I haven’t done.
“Now, we have a tremendous opportunity to get this nasty taste out of our mouths on Thursday in front of the whole world.”
