Highlighting the maturity of the Denver Broncos starting center and other NFL news

The Broncos’ team site has been doing some good work for a long time, but one of my favorite pieces they’ve come up with is their “Rookie Diaries” series. Take a peek at this week’s issue as we get the thoughts from Lloyd Cushenberry III reflecting on his first season, what he thinks of the offensive line, and most importantly what kind of attitude he has heading into the offseason.

I can tell you, the talk is refreshing to hear from a young NFL player that our team is relying on to start at Center for the foreseeable future. Here are the things you want to see from a rookie heading into his 2nd year:

1) Accountability

2) Understanding of how to get better

3) Reality-based confidence in what he’s done in his first season

It was surprising to see also that he took 100% of the center snaps for the season. That’s what you want from your linemen: durability.

At the end of last season, I was pretty down on the offensive line heading into the draft. I do think there’s always room for improvement, but I don’t think we’re missing 3-4 players like we were last year. Heck, I could even argue that we have 5 starters ready to go.

That’s one area that I’m very thankful as a fan for from the 2020 NFL season: we saw our offensive line start coming together and looking like a real foundation for the first time in what seems like ages.

Broncos News:

Rookie Diaries: Lloyd Cushenberry III reflects on Year 1 in Denver
In this year’s edition of “Rookie Diaries,” third-round pick Lloyd Cushenberry III offers us a first-person look at his rookie season in Denver. During the inevitable ups and downs of his first year with the Broncos, Cushenberry has reflected on big moments, defining plays and his growth as a player and person.

Sacco Sez: Goodbye to Jack Murphy Stadium
Broncos Team Historian Jim Saccomano looks back on the Chargers‘ former home and the Broncos’ memorable history there.

Other NFL News:

Seahawks part ways with offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer
The Seattle Seahawks announced Tuesday they have parted ways with offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer.

Ex-Texans WR Andre Johnson sides with Deshaun Watson, takes public shot at exec Jack Easterby
Following reports last week of Deshaun Watson’s unhappiness with the Texans and the process that led to the hiring of new general manager Nick Caserio, Andre Johnson publicly sided with the franchise quarterback and took a not-so-subtle shot at embattle

Wild-Card Quick Reads | Football Outsiders
We once again remind you that Philip Rivers has spent his entire career down by one score in the last two minutes of the game — and point out that he hasn’t fared very well in those situations. Plus the best passers, runners, and receivers of the first round of the postseason.

Why Deshaun Watson is unhappy with Texans and what comes next – Houston Texans Blog- ESPN
The Texans’ star QB is displeased and his future is suddenly murky. How did we get to this point and what options do the team and Watson have?

Sources: Chuck Pagano to retire, while Chicago Bears likely to retain Matt Nagy, Ryan Pace
Bears defensive coordinator Chuck Pagano has decided to retire, while the team is likely to retain head coach Matt Nagy and general manger Ryan Pace, sources said.

Baltimore Ravens’ Lamar Jackson wary of potential first snow game vs. Buffalo Bills
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson acknowledged having “zero” experience playing in the snow and said he’d prefer not to gain any on Saturday in Buffalo.

Biggest offseason needs and priorities for all 32 NFL teams: What to watch for in 2021 free agency
A QB plan in Philadelphia. Offensive help for Miami. A rebuild plan for Detroit. What does each franchise have to have over the next few months?

The sounds of a Seahawks playoff game when there are no fans – Sports Illustrated
The hum of an air conditioner. The rustling of leaves. A quiet whisper. Tracking the decibel levels for Seattle’s quiet playoff exit.

What led to Doug Pederson’s firing in Philadelphia – Sports Illustrated
Early thoughts on obvious candidates to replace Doug Pederson in Philly and where he could be headed next. Plus, changes to the Senior Bowl, how the Browns shuffled their gameday coaching staff, a connection Tua Tagovailoa has to a leading Texans’ candidate, praise for Wink Martindale and more.