Monday Night Football: Cincinnati Bengals and Denver Broncos team needs

Cincinnati Bengals and Denver Broncos team needs.

The Bengals and Broncos are battling for playoff seeding at this point in the season. Both teams would obviously prefer to land a 1st-round bye and/or home-field advantage. Unfortunately, these two teams have a problem at quarterback with their opening day starters out with injury.

No team is happy to lose their starting quarterback, but it does provide an opportunity to evaluate the roster. These scenarios require other players to step up and help the team keep winning. It also could expose some players as less important pieces to the puzzle.

In Denver, it’s apparent that the lack of a running game and issues along the offensive line need to be addressed. These problems existed when Peyton Manning was in the lineup but have come to the forefront with Brock Oseweiler under center.

The Broncos considered upgrading just about every position along the offensive line. Michigan State’s Jack Conklin is someone that would really fit nicely. He has experience playing left tackle, but also features the power and build to move inside to guard.

Conklin is a nasty player who excels at opening running lanes and moving defenders off the line of scrimmage.

The Cincinnati Bengals have also seen their running game stall as of late. However, their struggles aren’t because of a lack of talent at running back or offensive line. They could use another explosive playmaker on the outside to draw defenders out of the box.

Cincinnati could also focus on building some depth along the defensive line. Domata Peko is starting to slow down and could use some more rest. Penn State’s Austin Johnson is a late 1st-round prospect who would be a great long-term replacement for Peko.

Johnson is a big-bodied defender who excels at occupying blockers and stuff the run.