Denver Broncos center Alex Forsyth was inactive for all 17 of the team’s games last season while Lloyd Cushenberry anchored the offensive line. After Cushenberry left during free agency this spring, Forsyth will now have the opportunity to compete for the starting job this summer. His competition will include Sam Mustipher and Luke Wattenberg.
Last week, Broncos coach Sean Payton praised Alex Forsyth’s intelligence, emphasizing that the order of first-team reps at center should not be overanalyzed. Payton highlighted Forsyth’s high football IQ, which he recognized when they drafted him. Payton mentioned that both Forsyth and Luke have demonstrated intelligence on the field, an essential trait for the center position.
Forsyth’s familiarity with Nix, whom he played with at Oregon in 2022, could potentially benefit the Broncos if Nix wins the quarterback competition. Payton is allowing both the quarterback and center competitions to unfold naturally during summer practices, with quarterbacks and centers rotating first-team snaps to evaluate their performance.
It appears that Payton’s focus is on creating the best combinations of players for the team, rather than predetermined rotations. Forsyth’s intelligence and football IQ could be significant assets in securing the starting center position for the Broncos this upcoming season. The competition for the starting center job will intensify as the summer progresses, but Payton seems confident in Forsyth’s abilities based on his past experience and understanding of the game.
