ENGLEWOOD, Colo.—Wide receiver Troy Franklin’s perimeter blocking impact was clearly on display during a recent game at Empower Field at Mile High, where his effort helped set up a 58-yard run by Evan Engram. Franklin’s strategic block disrupted Dadrion Taylor-Demerson, enabling Engram to sprint down the sideline and gain significant yardage early in the play. This initial block turned a modest 10-yard gain into a substantial advance, showcasing the importance of perimeter efforts in the Broncos‘ offensive scheme.
Following Franklin’s contribution, rookie receiver Pat Bryant further extended the run by effectively blocking cornerback Denzel Burke, allowing Engram to add another 20 yards to the play. These combined actions underscored how perimeter blocking plays a pivotal role in setting up explosive plays and advancing field position for Denver.
Coach Sean Payton Emphasizes Blockers’ Role in Long Runs
Head Coach Sean Payton highlighted the significance of smart perimeter blocking both in the run game and after receptions. According to Payton, successful long runs often come down to the receivers managing the outer edges of the field and executing their blocks with precision. He explained that strong blocking angles and awareness of rules are essential for extending plays beyond initial yardage.
“We talk about it in the run game, but it also occurs [with the] run after the catch,”
—Sean Payton, Head Coach
“That was a big play, just in that series, of really flipping field position, if you will. We started at our own 3[-yard line] and within the matter of a play, we’re literally on the other side of the field.”
—Sean Payton, Head Coach
Payton also praised Bryant for his willingness to embrace run-blocking responsibilities. He called Bryant an unselfish player who is essential to the Broncos’ goal of improving rushing efficiency in the upcoming season.
Physicality and Size Vital for Effective Perimeter Blocking
Payton stressed that receivers‘ physicality matters greatly when it comes to executing blocks during running plays. He noted that bigger receivers tend to be more durable and are better suited to handle the force when running plays develop near the line of scrimmage or on outside runs.
“I think in this league, look, there’s going to be certain statured receivers that are going to be further away from the ball,”
—Sean Payton, Head Coach
“We’ve always favored a bigger receiver. They’re more durable. That’s not to say that we don’t have players who maybe aren’t as big, but certainly if you want to run the football, you’ve got to be able to handle the force with those guys. You just have to. Now, you can run RPOs [run-pass options] and there’s other things you can do, but when you’re going to run it and they know you’re going to run it, you’ve got to be able to block the force properly.”
—Sean Payton, Head Coach
Adam Trautman Highlights The Strategic Edge of Perimeter Blocking
Tight end Adam Trautman, a consistent force in both run and pass blocking, stressed the critical nature of perimeter work in turning modest runs into substantial gains. He explained that the perimeter blocks help a running back break through tackles or push past defenders to extend plays well beyond initial contact.
“It turns the 4-yard runs into 8-yard runs, into 12-yard runs,”
—Adam Trautman, Tight End
“Now, you have a receiver on the body that’s tackling whoever the running back is, and now he can run through that tackle. … It’s also just a mentality thing. … San Francisco, they always have that. They always have guys who are putting their face in there and getting safeties. … They block hard as [heck], no matter who it is. The Lions are the same way — and those teams run the ball really well. There’s a reason.”
—Adam Trautman, Tight End
Trautman emphasized that without effective perimeter blocking, the possibility of explosive runs diminishes significantly, leading to stagnant yardage production.
“We can game plan whatever we want, but if you don’t have guys on the outside that perimeter block, your explosives are gone,”
—Adam Trautman, Tight End
“And then you’re living with 3.7 yards per carry in a game or something like that.”
—Adam Trautman, Tight End
Broncos Prioritize Enhanced Run-Blocking Techniques This Season
The Broncos have placed heightened focus on refining their run-blocking strategies, dedicating considerable practice time to improving the coordination and physicality required on the perimeter. Trautman noted that the team’s training camp involves rigorous drills designed to simulate real-game situations as closely as possible, which includes practicing in pads to better prepare for physical contact.
“Obviously, it’s been an emphasis with everything we’ve done, and I mean, we’ve been drilling the [heck] out of it,”
—Adam Trautman, Tight End
“Which is why we’ve been in pads, so that we can simulate it best we can.”
—Adam Trautman, Tight End
Despite receivers Troy Franklin and Pat Bryant combining for eight catches totaling 137 yards and two touchdowns, it is their contributions beyond catching—specifically their blocking—that have stood out as pivotal in the Broncos’ offensive production.
“It’s definitely a huge deal, and I know it’s been an emphasis for them in their [receiver] room,”
—Adam Trautman, Tight End
We’ve seen it progress.
—Adam Trautman, Tight End
Perimeter Blocking Key to Broncos’ Offensive Growth Moving Forward
The perimeter blocking impact made by players like Troy Franklin and Pat Bryant exemplifies the Broncos’ broader commitment to establishing a dominant run game. Their ability to gain extra yards after the catch and sustain drives will be essential as Denver seeks to improve its overall offensive efficiency this season. With Coach Sean Payton‘s emphasis on size, technique, and mental toughness, the Broncos’ wide receiving corps looks prepared to contribute both in receptions and in critical blocking to help extend plays and create scoring opportunities.