One matchup in Sunday’s game at St. Louis could concern the Broncos.
The previous two seasons, the Rams led the NFL with a total of 105 sacks. This year, they have 16 sacks in their past four games.
Denver’s offensive line, meanwhile, has had a significant shake-up. Sunday’s game will be played on artificial turf, so Rams pass rushers Robert Quinn and Aaron Donald will be getting off the ball quickly.
Then again, Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning has been sacked only nine times, fewest in the league. Also in the Broncos favor: Their best blocker, Ryan Clady, is a left tackle, while the Rams’ best pass rusher, Quinn, is primarily a right defensive end.
Denver’s offensive line now has former right tackle Orlando Franklin at left guard, Will Montgomery set to start his second game at center, former center Manny Ramirez at right guard and former right guard Louis Vasquez at right tackle.
Is offensive coordinator Adam Gase concerned about the Broncos’ new-look offensive line?
“I’m concerned as far as our group jelling together and figuring who are the right five guys to have out there,” he said. “If we can come in and execute, get our run game going, stay full in pass protection, give Peyton all the time that we can — for the most part, I’m trying to find out who those five guys are that we want to finish this year with.”
Irving update. It took 10 days for the swelling to subside in linebacker Nate Irving’s injured knee so the Broncos’ medical team could make a better determination about his recovery.
Once the medical team saw the full damage, including a partially torn medial collateral ligament, from the blow Irving took during the fourth quarter of the New England game Nov. 2, it became clear that he would require season-ending surgery.
“We wish him all the best as far as in his rehab and as he prepares for his surgery,” said coach John Fox.
A third-round pick in the 2011 draft, Irving will be an unrestricted free agent in March.
The Broncos replaced Irving on their roster with linebacker Todd Davis, who was claimed off waivers from New Orleans. Davis, an undrafted rookie who played in three games for the Saints this year on special teams, planned to join the Broncos in St. Louis on Friday night.
Injury report. Tight end Virgil Green is listed as doubtful for Sunday’s game. He has a strained calf that sidelined him the previous two games.
Running back Ronnie Hillman won’t play against the Rams because of a sprained foot. Clady (groin), Franklin (knee) and offensive tackle Paul Cornick (shoulder) are listed as probable.
Footnote. The team store at the Broncos’ new Dove Valley field house will be open for business at 10 a.m. Saturday.
