The Good and the Bad: Denver Broncos Preseason Game Number Two

Aug 17, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Denver Broncos tight end Julius Thomas (80) celebrates with running back C.J. Anderson (22) after catching a touchdown pass against the San Francisco 49ers in the second quarter at Levi

If you are a fan of the Denver Broncos, then you have to be pleased with what you are seeing through two preseason games. Yes it’s only the preseason and the scores don’t matter, but how a team plays does and the Broncos are playing extremely well.

Three things I liked:

• Toughness: The Broncos spent the offseason trying to get tougher on both sides of the ball and to this point, it has worked. The defense is flying around and making plays all over the field. They forced four turnovers which has also been a focal point of training camp. The offensive line is a completely different unit with a healthy Ryan Clady at left tackle. They gave Peyton Manning all day to throw and opened up some big holes in the running game.
• Quarterbacks: Manning looked fantastic and ready for the regular season. His arm is stronger as evidenced by a pinpoint throw to Wes Welker between two 49er defenders. Brock Osweiler played his best game as a Bronco, putting up Manning like numbers. The touchdown throw to rookie receiver Cody Latimer was perfect, and Osweiler displayed a complete grasp of the offense. Even Zac Dysert played well and threw a touchdown pass of his own.
• Brandon Marshall: It’s only one preseason game but the linebacker took a big step in showing that he will be able to handle that spot while Danny Trevathan heals. He filled the hole very well and was around the ball while he was in there. The Broncos should be fine with Marshall going into the regular season.
• Bradley Roby: Ok I know I said three things I like but when you win 34-0, you get a bonus. The rookie cornerback was very active versus the run and did not get beat. This is how deep the Broncos are, Roby may very well be the fourth cornerback on opening night versus the Indianapolis Colts.

Things I didn’t like:

• Kickoff coverage: The Broncos allowed far too many yards on kickoff returns and that needs to be cleaned up. It should be noted that Matt Prater did not handle many of the kickoffs and when he did, he boomed them out of the end zone. That being said, the coverage units must do a better job. The Broncos look like they are going to have a great defense, don’t give opposing offenses a short field.
• Injuries: Both Lamin Barrow and Gerell Robinson left the game with knee injuries and neither looked good. However, as of now, it appears as if both injuries are fairly minor. Barrow suffered a severe bruise and Robinson hyper extended his knee. There will be more tests on Monday but the early indications are positive.

The Broncos are now halfway through their preseason schedule and are doing a good job of checking things off their preseason to-do list. They’ve played tougher, they’ve not turned the ball over and they’ve stayed relatively healthy.

The starters have roughly one half of preseason foot ball left versus the Houston Texans, and then the backups with close out the preseason versus the Dallas Cowboys. There’s still work to do but the Broncos have to be thrilled with their progress to date.