Examining how RT Elijah Wilkinson is Holding Back the Broncos Offense
Many Denver Broncos fans want to focus on the play of Garett Bolles, but the real issue at offensive tackle this season has been Elijah Wilkinson and the absence of Ja'Wuan James.
Wilkinson has allowed the most sacks this season, not just for the Broncos but in the NFL, and is at a disadvantage playing tackle because of his lack of athleticism.
Wilkinson was awful in Week 6 against the Tennessee Titans, and there were multiple plays that stood out revealing how miscast he is as a tackle in the NFL.
Play 1: 12:14 | First Quarter
Situation: 1st-&-10
There is a wide 9 rusher that is Wilkinson's responsibility, but the Titans run a delayed twist. Wilkinson initially takes a wide stance, leaving the inside wide open. When the Titans go to execute the twist, Wilkinson has a lot of ground to make up because of how wide his initial set is.
The edge rusher takes out RG Ron Leary, as the interior defender cuts it outside. Wilkinson is unaware of what is going down and by the time he is able to catch the defender, Joe Flacco is already getting rid of the ball.
There is a terrible job of communication between Leary and Wilkinson to call out the twist, and Wilkinson's lack of athleticism (recovery) really hurt the play. If this was played better, and Flacco was given just an extra second longer, he had a chance at hitting the tight end for a touchdown.
Play 2: 6:45 | Second Quarter
Situation: 1st-&-10
There is a lot wrong with this play. LT Garett Bolles allows the penetration, but TE Noah Fant arrives to help him out. RG Ron Leary gets stood up and his defender blows up the play. At least Wilkinson has the hole sealed with the edge, but this really isn’t a good play from him.
Wilkinson only seals the hole because the defender is taking the outside lane. This limits what Royce Freeman can do with the ball. He is forced to stay inside, where most of the Titans defense is. Not only that, Wilkinson is put on his heels and has little contact with the edge defender. The ED's length wins the rep, and completely shuts Wilkinson down, and when Freeman sticks inside, the edge shoves Wilkinson to narrow the hole.
If Wilkinson was a bit more athletic, or even quicker, he could have gotten to the edge sooner. The ED is given the advantage because of how slow Wilkinson is. He lost this rep before it every began. Slow, unathletic tackles are easy prey for wide 9-techs.
Play 3: 12:37 | Fourth Quarter
Situation: 1st-&-11
Wilkinson has a defender face-up on him, so he isn’t immediately at a disadvantage. However, he still loses this rep and nearly causes the play to be completely blown up for a huge play for the Titans, which could have possibly led to points on the board.
Wilkinson has good contact with his assignment, but his hand placement isn’t the best. Wilkinson goes to shove the defensive lineman, but that just frees up the defender. The defender now has the gap, where Freeman was aiming to go, and if it wasn’t for Freeman cutting it outside of Wilkinson, this is a potential safety.
Every other offensive lineman did their job, but Wilkinson fails. If he succeeds, it isn’t a huge play for the Broncos, but it gives Freeman a one-on-one with a linebacker and there isn’t even a chance for a Titans safety.
The Takeaway
It's rather simple. Elijah Wilkinson is not an NFL tackle. He is a guard being asked to play tackle.
Getting Ja’Wuan James back can’t happen soon enough. Wilkinson has been one of the worst, if not the worst, tackles in the NFL and it all stems from his physical limitations.
He is limiting the Broncos offense because he can’t be relied on to maintain his blocks to really take shots downfield.
Follow Erick on Twitter @ErickTrickel and @MileHighHuddle.
