Left tackles are tasked with being protectors and Garett Bolles is just that when it comes to his quarterback.
That’s what made 2022 so difficult for the Broncos veteran.
As Russell Wilson was harassed by defensive opponents, sacked 55 times, hurt twice and struggled to find his footing with a new franchise and city, Bolles could only watch.
As the public discourse pile-on stacked up on Wilson through each viral moment and his roughest season as a professional, Bolles couldn’t anchor down, get his hands in position and stop the oncoming rush.
“It’s like a forest fire,” Bolles said of the torrent of criticism toward Wilson last year. “It starts in one corner and then the wind blows, it just blows all over and burns thousands and thousands of acres. That’s pretty much what happened.”
Though criticism of Wilson’s on-field performance – and the Broncos’ historically poor offense – was warranted, certainly the discourse also featured plenty of hot air.
Bolles said Thursday he was “angry” about that because he takes it personally.
“When you put your heart on the line, your focus and things go rocky, you look like the bad guy. But he’s not,” Bolles said. “He’s the same dude every single day, he works his butt off and I’m ready for that stuff to go away.
“When it does, everybody’s going to eat crow.”
If Wilson and Denver do indeed put bird on the menu this fall, Bolles will likely have something to do with it. His sixth year in the NFL was off to a solid start in 2022 when he went down late against Indianapolis in Week 5 with a fractured lower leg. Bam. Season over.
Now in OTAs, he’s out there participating and settling back in on the left edge of a line coach Sean Payton this week likened to an edition of “Extreme Home Makeover.”
“I’m hungrier than ever,” Bolles said. “Last year was rough, but you know, everything happens for a reason. I’m a big believer in that. I got to focus on my family and the things I needed to focus on, I got to spend a lot of time with my kids, which I don’t really get to do. I love them dearly. My relationship with my wife, I love her dearly. I’m very thankful to be back on the football field. I knew I was going to be.
“I’m just the type of guy that puts my head down and goes to work.”
Payton sees early returns for a veteran who could provide a big boost with his return.
“He’s doing well. Obviously, he’s putting in the time with the rehab and the recovery. … I think the relationships and all the things that go into play in that position, he’s been very impressive. Then there’s a new offense, terminology and all those things that go along with it, but I’ve been really pleased.”
Bolles is also adjusting to a lot of newness in his room. There’s coach Zach Strief and assistant Austin King. There’s right tackle Mike McGlinchey. And there’s new left guard Ben Powers, a fresh running mate for Bolles after four seasons and 45-plus games playing next to Dalton Risner, who hit free agency and has yet to sign with a new team.
“It’s nice to have a dog in my room,” Bolles said of Powers. “This group is special, especially him. Just knowing where he’s at, he’s a true vet, he knows what he’s going to do. I love him dearly. I think highly of him. We’ve got to know each other very, very, very well. We text each other, talk to each other all the time.
“I’m excited to have a guy that’s just all about ball, his energy, the way he does things, it’s just all about family and football and that’s the kind of guy I want to be around.”
Bolles isn’t afraid to predict a bounceback for Wilson or a big jump for Denver’s offensive line. He’s also approaching something of a career crossroads. He’s got two years left on his deal, but after 2023 no guaranteed money left and a $20 million cap number in 2024, his age-32 season.
So, what does he have in store personally? No hot air, that’s for sure.
“You guys can see that at the end of the season,” he said.
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