Denver Broncos
Offensive linemen rarely get the credit for when teams win the big games. Mostly that’s because there’s no tangible stat to help determine exactly how well they played. It’s often why offensive lines are considered successes or failures in a group. However, there are rare cases where an individual can stand out. Tony Jones was that man for the Denver Broncos.
One can unequivocally say that their first two Super Bowl championships took place thanks to the singular efforts of Jones’ blocking. To help understand this, a little context is needed. In his first three Super Bowl appearances, John Elway was sacked a combined 12 times. An average of four per game. It’s little wonder he struggled in those defeats. In the two victories in 1997 and 1998 though? He sacked zero times. Big difference.
Jones was a focal point of that success. In the first Super Bowl against Green Bay, he was tasked with blocking future Hall of Fame defensive end Reggie White. This he did to tremendous effect. White didn’t even register on the stat sheet. A year later Jones went up against star Atlanta Falcons pass rusher Chuck Smith in the Super Bowl. Smith, like White, accomplished nothing.
Elway won MVP honors and rode off into the sunset. Jones could be thanked a ton for that.