Quinn Meinerz was the perfect bodyguard to pave the way for Troy Franklin toward the goal line.

In the third quarter against the Falcons, the Broncos faced a second-and-goal at the Atlanta 7-yard line when quarterback Bo Nix quickly threw a screen pass to Denver’s rookie receiver — and Meinerz turned into a tyrant.

The big-bellied right guard held off inside linebacker Kaden Elliss with his left arm, and when he spotted safety Jessie Bates III trying to close, he dropped Bates to the ground to help Franklin score the team’s second touchdown. his young career in the NFL.

While Nix’s four-touchdown performance dominated the discussion following Denver’s 38-6 victory over Atlanta last Sunday, the offensive masterclass also provided further proof that Denver’s offensive line has transformed into a formidable front.

“The offensive line plays at a very high level,” Nix said. “…It’s not like we’re letting guys go by and getting beat.”

The numbers tell the story.

The Broncos are tied for fifth in sacks allowed (18) and have the fourth-lowest pressure rate in the league at 27.8 percent. Denver gave up an average time under pressure of 2.89 seconds, tied for third in the league, according to the NFL’s Next Gen Stats.

Franklin’s touchdown and Marvin Mims Jr.’s score on another screen pass in the first half provided further proof that the five-man unit has turned a corner. Entering Sunday, Denver had a 36.8% success rate on screens, according to Next Gen Stats.

“I won’t say we were stunned, but ultimately,” coach Sean Payton said, relieved, of the scripted touchdowns.

Both scores were a result of the Denver offensive line’s ability to block in space. In the second quarter, Meinerz and right tackle Mike McGlinchey drove down the field, each blocking a defender to open the door for Mims to score on a 12-yard reception.

“I don’t like being in space very much,” Meinerz said. “I’m a guard so I like being in a small box, but we detail these plays really well. That’s a credit to our (offensive line) coach Zach Strief, who helped us train our cues, go for points and strategize on these plays.

The Broncos gave up one sack and five pressures in pass protection, which amounted to another day at the office for the offensive line. This was the sixth game Denver allowed fewer than 10 pressures. In those games, Nix totaled 1,237 yards, 10 touchdowns and no interceptions.

Broncos left tackle Garett Bolles played at a high level. He allowed one sack and 21 pressures on 396 pass-blocking snaps, according to Next Gen Stats. His pressure rate (5.3%) is tied for fifth among offensive tackles with a minimum of 250 pass-blocking snaps.

Denver’s 9-play, 70-yard drive, which featured Nix throwing a touchdown pass to tight end Nate Adkins to take a 7-0 lead in the first quarter, featured Bolles overpowering defenders.

“What makes (Nix) so special is that when he has time to throw the ball, he gets it to our playmakers,” Bolles said.

Denver’s success up front is even more impressive when you factor in the time McGlinchey, center Luke Wattenberg and backup offensive tackle Alex Palczewski missed due to injuries. McGlinchey (MCL sprain) was placed on injured reserve following the Week 2 loss to Pittsburgh. Wattenberg also sat out four games after injuring his ankle in Week 5 against Las Vegas.

While McGlinchey was out in Weeks 3-6, the offensive line did not falter. Denver has allowed a 28.3% pressure rate and five sacks – the second-lowest in the league during that span.