Sean Payton Praises Young Broncos' OL Ahead of Tough Vikings Matchup

The Denver Broncos will need Quinn Meinerz in fine form with the blitz-happy Minnesota Vikings in town.

There's no secret to head coach Sean Payton's offensive game plan of late. Controlling the ball has clearly been a key to the Denver Broncos' recent success, but Payton is keen to make even more improvements after his team's upset win on Monday Night Football.

"We ran it a lot the other night," Payton referenced his approach in Buffalo. "I didn't think we ran it particularly as well as I would have hoped. From the efficiency standpoint, it wasn't, maybe, as high as other weeks, and yet, it was important in that game... I felt time of possession was important."

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Broncos' running back Javonte Williams continues to carry the bulk of the load, while the team's continuity along the offensive line has been crucial in moving the sticks consistently. Upfront, Broncos' right guard Quinn Meinerz is flourishing into one of the most talented and physical interior blockers in the NFL. 

Indeed, many analysts are suggesting the 25-year-old could receive Pro Bowl recognition if he continues his strong performance. In Meinerz, Coach Payton sees a player who is not only doing his job but is also diligently putting in the work required of an elite player behind the scenes.

"He's physical, and you notice it on some of these individual blocks inside," Payton said of Menierz on Thursday. "He plays with really good pad level. He's strong. There are certain times when you really need a yard, and you're going to get a couple of different fronts. He's playing really well. He had his 25th birthday yesterday. I'm glad he's on our team. To have a right guard with his strength and power—it's important to him. He loves football. He's in that weight room. He's studying. It's a good group."

.@Broncos @QMeinerz this is how you drive block. TEXTBOOK. #BaldysBreakdowns pic.twitter.com/L9xbEV3TzI

— Brian Baldinger (@BaldyNFL) November 14, 2023

The Broncos are proving to be an ultra-physical team when they need to be, which was especially helpful in pulling out back-to-back wins against quality defenses. Meinrez is quickly becoming the Broncos' tip-of-the-spear aggressor and ruthless dispenser of highlight-reel pancake blocks.

Better get out of @QMeinerz's way. 😳

(h/t @BaldyNFL) pic.twitter.com/1qAQO8LpZO

— NFL (@NFL) November 14, 2023

However, using the other Quinn as a reserve guard, as well as blocking tight end Chris Manhertz in the jumbo package, has also been a statement of Payton's bully-boy mentality upfront.

"Well, he's strong," Payton noted of Quinn Bailey. "You generally—when you're using him, it involves him in a block related to a defensive end. Then you have Chris Manhertz. It's strength and weight and size relative to the run scheme."

Starting left guard Ben Powers' worrying foot injury might indeed see Bailey inserted into the Broncos' lineup as his replacement, but the former practice-squad player is used to taking snaps in sub packages. Hopefully, any disruption will be kept to a minimum.

On Sunday night, the Minnesota Vikings' ultra-aggressive, blitz-happy defense will provide a stern challenge for Meinerz and the Broncos' O-line, but it'll be a useful barometer as we march into the business end of the season. 

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