The hope of the 2021 Denver Broncos was that a ground game led by a Mike Munchak-coached OL with star backs Javonte Williams and Melvin Gordon, when paired with a stellar Vic Fangio defense, would be enough to propel Denver into a playoff bid.
Unfortunately, the investments made in the trenches have been a bust so far, and nothing showed that more than the disappointing game against the Raiders in Week 16. The offensive line was virtually overwhelmed all game, and the defensive line got pushed around.
This game was just one of a season-long trend of middling play in the trenches on both sides of the ball that has cost this team in several key games.