Mile High Report
Alex Forsyth may have just secured the starting center spot with the Denver Broncos after his performance against the Carolina Panthers.
Over the course of Denver Broncos training camp there was a bit of a position battle at center. With Lloyd Cushenberry III securing a fat paycheck in Tennessee, what was left was a seemingly wide-open spot for either Luke Wattenberg or Alex Forsyth to grab.
Wattenberg had the edge heading into camp and pretty much held the starting spot throughout the summer and preseason. Forsyth was good, but the experience of Wattenberg and slightly better play was too much to overcome.
But now with Wattenberg stuck on the IR for at least one more week, Forsyth has started the last three games and has proven to be of starting caliber. And Sunday may have placed him in the starting spot even when Wattenberg comes back.
We already judged Forsyth’s first start when they played the Chargers, now let’s take a look at how Forsyth performed against the Carolina Panthers — specifically in the passing game.
The Broncos had 40 designed passing plays in total (including plays where Bo Nix scrambled). Of those Nix dropped back 18 times, ran a play action 17 times, and threw a screen seven times.
The Panthers hardly blitzed, and they only stunted to Forsyth twice.
Forsyth only gave up one sack, and besides that did not give up a single pressure or QB hit.
According to the RGS, Forsyth finished Sunday (passing game only) with 36 “good” blocks, three “meh” blocks, and one “bad” block.
One of his “meh” blocks and his “bad” block (sack) came on a drop back pass. His other two “meh” blocks came on a screen and play action pass (one each).
Forsyth has continued to show growth, just like his quarterback Nix has, the last few weeks. His first start against the Los Angeles Chargers was a solid showing, and it looks like he is getting more comfortable.
His first test with Los Angeles is the biggest one he’s seen so far, given the level of talent they hold within their front seven compared to the Saints and Panthers, but he has still hardly faltered against lesser talent and the last two games are still a good measuring stick.
Forsyth looks stronger than I thought he was. He was lined up against a nose tackle that was playing head up or in a shade over him for the majority of the game, and did well against that. If you remember, that is something Wattenberg had an issue with. His hands are solid and he’s good at driving his base into the ground to anchor himself and prevent himself from getting driven back.
Forsyth does a great job of handling the 0 tech on this play. Immediately you have to expect him to slant to one side so you have to quickly work your hips...
