A substitution-filled Broncos’ offensive line didn’t adequately protect quarterback Peyton Manning last October in a 39-33 loss against the Colts at Indianapolis, but multiple changes since then suggests Manning won’t be under so much heat in Sunday’s 2014 season opener against the Colts in Denver.
All-pro left tackle Ryan Clady and starting left guard Orlando Franklin didn’t play against the Colts because of injuries on Oct. 20, 2013, but both are scheduled to play in Sunday’s rematch. The Broncos’ offensive line is at full strength, and the Colts’ pass rush is not.
Indianapolis linebacker Robert Mathis — who sacked Manning twice and was credited with four QB hits — will begin serving his four-game suspension Sunday for violating the league’s performance-enhancing drug policy.
Overall, Manning was hit nine times by Colts defenders, suffering four sacks. He still managed to throw for 386 yards and three touchdowns.
“On paper, we will way more comfortable going into this game than we did a year ago,” Broncos coach John Fox said of his offensive line after Thursday’s practice. “We had lost Clady and on top of that Orlando Franklin didn’t play so (backup guard) Chris Kuper came in, and we moved (guard) Louis Vasquez to tackle … We have a different group this year.”
Mike Chambers: mchambers@denverpost.com or twitter.com/mikechambers
