When the Broncos benched right tackle Michael Schofield midgame in Week 17, the offense ran smoother and many assumed that Tyler Polumbus would be the team’s starter going forward.

Then Schofield received reps with the first-team offense in practice. He’s also still listed as a starter on the team’s official depth chart.

Earlier this week, former Broncos offensive guard Mark Schlereth went on 104.3 The Fan and was asked what he thought about Schofield starting in the playoffs.

“You’re saying Schofield might start?” Schlereth questioned. “Lord, have mercy. You have got to be kidding me. He doesn’t belong in the NFL. He’s not a backup in the NFL at this point in time.”

Those are strong words from a three-time Super Bowl champion.

“I’m sure he’s doing the best he can, [but] he is completely over matched in every way possible. To start him goes to show what they think about anybody else on their roster,” Schlereth said.

“I’m not trying to bash the kid because I know that he’s trying hard—he’s overmatched. There’s some people that can’t play at this level. At this point in his career, he doesn’t belong in the game.”

In 13 starts this season, Schofield has allowed 10 sacks, according to STATS.

“I’m shocked [that he’s expected to start]. When I saw Polumbus come in in Week 17, I saw a kid that got off the ball, that played with some aggression. Now, he’s got his shortcomings as well, don’t get me wrong. But at least—it looked like—he’s coming off [the line of scrimmage] with a little enthusiasm and passion.”

Schofield has struggled all season, and was largely responsible for Khalil Mack’s five sacks in Denver’s 15-12 Week 14 loss to the Raiders.

“Confidence in this game is one of the greatest things you could have. When you lack confidence, man, it’s miserable. When you lose your swag, it is hard to play. There is no possible way that that kid, as an offensive lineman, can walk out there and feel confident that he can get the job done.

“That kid is in trouble.”

Schlereth’s full interview can be heard below.

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