Let me begin with a well-worn but appropriate qualifier. All together now…“It’s only one preseason game….”
Now that the formality is out of the way, the Broncos have to be thrilled with how the preseason started in Thursday’s 31-3 win over the Bears. I know, it means nothing in the standings. See the qualifier above.
But the game does mean something when it comes to getting an idea of where the Broncos stand. It means something when it comes to getting a glimpse of their overall talent. It means something when it comes to continuing to claw their back towards the top of the NFL.
Make no mistake, I’m not a huge fan of preseason football. It’s necessary but it’s not usually that compelling. I was, however, interested in Thursday’s preseason opener. I was also anything but disappointed in what I saw, which included:
1) A QUARTERBACK THAT STILL HAS PLENTY LEFT IN THE TANK. Ever since the Broncos signed Peyton Manning, I have not been all that worried about his health or his ability to play at a high level. First off, every NFL player is one big hit away from having his career end. More than one team of doctors pronounced Manning fit to resume his career. Secondly, there is no way he would have resumed it if he didn’t believe he could still play at a high level. Why would he bother to come back if he knew he couldn’t, at some point, at least get close to the way he has always played?
Even though defensive lineman Julius Peppers and linebacker Brian Urlacher didn’t play for the Bears, I loved what I saw the Broncos’ do on their first drive. That drive simply confirmed my belief that Manning will be really fun to watch this year. As he gets more snaps, he’ll only get better. He is still amazing and there is a little part of me that still finds it a touch surreal that he is wearing Broncos’ colors.
2) A DEFENSE THAT COULD BE REALLY GOOD. Again, we all know the Bears didn’t play three of their offensive stars in quarterback Jay Cutler, running back Matt Forte and wide receiver Brandon Marshall. But the Broncos absolutely dominated the game on defense. Seriously, the Bears hardly mounted any kind of legitimate offensive threat. As things stand now, we know the Broncos’ defense is likely going to be pretty good against another team’s second-teamers and below. Given where the Broncos’ defense has been in the not-so-distant past, this is actually something of an accomplishment.
I like the feel of where this defense is and where it can go. While reps were somewhat limited for some of the starters, I love the revamped secondary. I love what I saw out of Derek Wolfe up front. I love the attacking style…and remember, teams usually stick with very basic schemes in the preseason.
I hesitate to even bring up statistics from a preseason game but the Bears had only 132 yards of total offense and averaged a microscopic 2.7 yards per play. I know, it’s only one preseason game against a team that held out three prominent offensive players. But it’s a great start.
3) THE FEELING OF HOPE AND OPTIMISM ABOUT CONTINUING THE TURNAROUND SEEMS TO HAVE A FOUNDATION. This is a big picture point. It is one thing to see a team make some moves in the offseason and think those moves were pretty good. It is something else entirely to start to see that the moves were actually good ones based on what is happening on the field.
Admittedly, the Broncos have a ton of work to do. One more time…as we all know, they are one game into the preseason. I won’t get too excited or too down about much of anything.
But I was encouraged to see the Broncos play a good game. If they hadn’t, I would still believe they made some offseason moves to improve their team.
All they can do is go play well against whoever steps on the field for the opposition. The Broncos did just that. I believe it’s better to be in that place than in the place of explaining why a 31-3 preseason loss doesn’t matter that much in the first place.
What players stood out to you in the Broncos win? Thanks for reading and sharing your thoughts.
Sincerely,
Mike
Tags: Mike Rice
Hey Mike, thanks for the read.
Wolfe really impressed me…………I think he has a really bright future and he displayed why JE decided to take him with the first pick. He has a great motor and looks like he’s gonna work his tail off to be an effective player………and I think he has DROY potential.
I’m really excited to see the number ones play more in the upcoming game against Seattle. It’ll give the O more opportunity to gel in game situations……..which is something they need more and more of to be truly ready for the first game that really counts.
But like you said, preseaon or not, how could you not be pleased with the way this team played against the bears from top to bottom. We’re in for one heck of a ride………….and not just in the last 5 miuntes of games either! haha
GO BRONCOS!
Mike, I agree with you! Wonderful to read your thoughts on the subject. Especially love what you said about Peyton because I have been saying the same thing for months!
It was REALLY good to see Nate Irving justify us drafting him last year. Also, if I’m not mistaken, Mike Mohamed made a few plays. I don’t think Mike is gonna make the cut either way, but maybe we can keep him on the practice squad again?
Oh, and hello everyone. I kinda feel like I know you guys already since I’ve been inhaling almost every blog post and article posted on this site for the past few years, I guess I just didn’t feel qualified to post before now. And even know I’m not too sure.
OSS, I think I have another bbbp but I’m not sure. If I do: Derek Wolfe wins Defense Rookie of the Year!
Onetrackmind, heck, I’m not qualified to post my thoughts either, but it sure is fun!
Kod, I don’t want Chad on the team @ all, but I am going to say one more time I don’t think he did this. Waaaay out of character. Yes, he’s annoying and has one of the biggest e
Egos in football, but he’s been playing what? 12-14 years? He has never been arrested WHILE a member of the NFL. I think the dolphins should have waited. I’m glad we waited when it came to Elvis, he didn’t do anything and was cleared… It’s a bummer really.
Jeremy Beal, Derek Wolfe, Nate Irving, Cornelius Ingram, Danny Trevathan, Mike Mohamed, Rahim Moore and some others stood out too me. I loved how Orlando Franklin ‘body’ slammed his man on the Manning to Decker on the left sideline pass. Treated him like a ragdoll…Can’t wait ’til Saturday.
Ha, that makes me feel a bit better, cat. (: I’ll probably be around quite a bit, although I’m going back to bed for the time being. Don’t have to work til Wednesday.
bfree, there was also another point where Franklin was literally holding the defender trying to get to Peyton. He took his “Protect Peyton” job very seriously!
welcome to the blog onetrack…………and I believe bfree is a new name to me as well. welcome to the wonderful world of Denver Broncos Blogging! lol
and a great morning to you cat!
I have to make one correction for you, Rice. Marshall did play! He had one catch for four yards. But anyway, I really liked the performance of Oz, Hill, Omon, and Ingram on the offensive side as standouts. As for the defensive side, everyone seemed to be superb, though I feel our pass coverage might have been the weakest as far as depth of roster goes. If our team plays like this again next week, it will be really hard to make cuts.
As for the rb discussion from the other day, I think we keep 4 tailbacks and 1 fullback. My picks would be:
McGahee
Hillman
Moreno
Omon
Gronkowski
Although I like Johnson and Ball’s effort, I don’t think either of them is near as complete a back as either Moreno or Omon has shown. Omon looked to be a good mix of Johnson speed/quickness and Ball’s size/strength, while Moreno is still the best pass catching option we have in the position and is probably the most complete back when healthy. Just my thoughts.
Thanks for the posts, folks. I like the discussion. I agree with those who mentioned Nate Irving. It looked like he played pretty well and it’ll be interesting to watch him the rest of the preseason.
onetrackmind…welcome! The fact is, all of us just have our opinions. Yours are just as valid as those of anyone else. Thanks for joining in.
dgapinski…thank you for the correction. You are absolutely right, Marshall played sparingly and caught the one pass. I inadvertently overlooked that and appreciate your pointing it out. Thanks.
Mike
I couldn’t agree more Mr. Rice. I think, for a preseason game, we couldn’t have asked for more. Great to see Peyton looking well and ready to play. On defense Wolfe was a beast and is going to add another dynamic for offenses to deal with. Oman proved very strong with some great feet on the offense. I hope to see more this week. I say its time to bid Moreno goodbye. Thanks for the article
The players that stood out to me was Nate Irving, Jeremy Beal, Derek Wolfe, Danny Trevathan, Jaime Blatnick he got held on a couple plays that shoulda been sacks but the refs didnt call it and Rahim Moore he really stepped his game up, him an Carter gonna be monsterous together in the backfield. I feel Robert Ayers to he’s definitly trynna get that starting job back, well deserved in my opinion. @dgapinski B. Marsh was also in when Von Meal beat him on that fumble recovery Marshall a beast no doubt but he aint ready fo V. Miller, I call him Von Meal cause he love to eat aint a Aggie but GIG’ EM. First time on here, like the article keep em comin, BRONCO NATION, ORANGE CRUSH, I LOVE ME SOME DENVER BRONCOS/DEFENSE!!!!!
I must say, The defense as a whole impressed me! On the offense, I really liked what I saw in the following players… Adam Webber, Hill, and willis. Those were the stand outs to me, even though mostly everyone looked good. Except Hanie… He looked terrible!
Like onetrackmind I too have followed the blogs on the site for a few years now and finally decided to register so I could post as well. Been a die hard Broncos fan since 1992 when my dad got us season tickets for my 10th bday. (Best gift ever).
As for Thursday nights game I have to say the two that stood out most to me were Wolfe and Osweiler. Both looked very good for their first NFL game and I now see why they took Wolfe over a few others that were available in the draft. In my opinion I would not be surprised if Osweiler takes the backup job from Haine if he keeps playing the way he did and improving on it. Don’t want to say too much about the number 1′s at this point as they didn’t play very much, but we will get a much better idea of where they are all at on Saturday.
Thank you all for your kindness in welcoming me. Also, welcome to my fellow newbies, Moye, Eric and bfree if you are indeed new as well.
I’m really getting tired of trying to defend Moreno, I liked him when we drafted him and I’ve tried to continue liking him but it’s hard. As one of the few remaining (and least successful out of those) vestiges of the McDaniel’s regime, and considering his past injuries and the depth we have at RB, I think it may be time to let him go. Maybe another team will grab him off of the bargain bin and he can salvage his career, but if Hillman is a good receiver out of the backfield like a lot of people are projecting, keeping him may be a bit redundant anyway.
It’s definitely an exciting time to be Bronco’s fan, this is our reward for watching every game 2006-2010 hah…
Hi Mike,
The most outstanding player was Adam Weber! In my humble opinion, Weber is a keeper and Heiney is not.
I agree with most here that Irving, Osweiler, Wolfe, Omon, Trevathan, Beal, Weber, Ayers, Moore and Ingram impressed on Thursday night.
BUT….
How about a little love for our Samoan Warrior – SEALVER SILIGA!!
Welcome to all that are new here!
Hi Mike! Didn’t get on early enough to respond while this was the active blog.
While I still disagree that Manning ought to be QB in the NFL and while it surely was the most shaky I’ve ever seen PM. I am seeing the PM era of leadership really pay dividends. I would love to see an article on the confidence and sophistication of the Broncos. There is a different ‘smell’, swagger, something I just can’t put my finger on.
Yes it was a good start but we all know that preseason games don’t mean to much. I’ve seen teams win all four preseason games then in regular season do not so well & I’ve also seen the opposite. So lets hope they do well in regular season. I hope Coach Fox decides to keep the two young QB’s let Hanie go or trade him. Three years under Manning they should learn alot. Can’t hardly wait for the season to began!!!
D Wolfe DROY, Moreno makes the team,Xavier Omon puts up great numbers,Weber over Hanie.Want to see #1′s play more vs. Seattle.Go Broncos!!
Let’s get the home crowd in training with loud noise on defense and silence on offense and PM working the no huddle.Go Broncos!!
Been a Bronco die hard since 1974 and have not missed a game yet,have thrown the remote a few times while watching some past games but never gave up on being a loyal die hard Bronco. My home is filled with bronco items as well as my office in Fla. I have been reading these blogs for years so I finally decided to jump in. My take is the offense will be fine as we have had receivers for about 2 years now that only a Bronco fan knew how good they where but they still remained under the radar to all the rest of the world while we lacked a quarterback of Elway caliber, but now we have that handled so again the offense will be as good as we think. I was most impressed with the D,not only did Wolfe get it done like I thought he could but then you look at Beal and Nate, they are coming, throw in Miller and Dumerville with a little bit of Tracy Porter(did you see his tackle,lot better than Goody did last year) along with champ and Adams or Leonhard when he is recovered. But most of all let’s not forget we now have one heck of a DC in DelRio. This teams not hoping playoffs but rather expecting it this year because they know they have the right pieces
I know i’m new on here, but definitely not a new Denver Bronco fan.
Just wanted to get thoughts on something, was I the only one that saw how active Rahim Moore was last Thursday? I know his stat column wasn’t obviously high, but he was moving all over the field.