MARK KISZLA

would argue the bigger problem was lack of player talent.

Since the Broncos last played a game that counted in the standings, Kubiak has retired as coach, general manager John Elway rebuilt the offensive line, and Mike Mccoy and Bill Musgrave were hired as assistant coaches to give Trevor Siemian a quarterback whisperer in each ear.

Although it’s always an inexact science to find any absolute truths in NFL preseason games, this much seemed obvious after examination of the three exhibition games before Denver starters took a seat and began preparation for the Los Angeles Chargers: The work Elway did on the offensive line will reap one immediate benefit.

With veteran veteran Menelik Watson and rookie Garrett Bolles installed as new starters at tackle, as well as the guard position being refortified by free agent Ronald Leary and veteran Allen Barbre, the Broncos will run the ball more effectively than a season ago. Denver averaged a meager 3.6 yards per rush in 2016, which ranked 27th in the 32-team league. A reasonable goal this season seems to be 4.2 yards per carry, which would rank the Broncos in the middle of the NFL pack.

Whether the revamped offensive line can protect Siemian, however, seems to be very much in doubt. Denver quarterbacks were sacked on 6.56 percent of their dropbacks in 2016, which ranked 24th in the