My preseason patience lasted three games. If it were up to me, I’d say let’s get right to the Steelers and the opening act of the 2012 season.
While there is the final preseason game for the Broncos to work through, I have seen enough to know that I think they’ll at least be pretty good this year.
Of course, injuries, the unknown and the unexpected all usually come into play at some point or another but overall, I really like where the Broncos stand as the regular season is about to get started.
1 – PEYTON MANNING IS READY. It is so completely obvious that he can still play at a really high level and his performance against the 49ers again showed what I already believed. Some of his passes were simply crazy good. None was better than the 38-yard completion to Lance Ball, a pass he delivered with pinpoint accuracy while taking a faceful of defensive lineman.
In the preseason, it has been refreshing to see the Broncos again have an offense that can move the ball and score points. By no means was it perfect but it didn’t have to be to convince me.
As long as Manning stays healthy, the Broncos will score plenty of points in 2012.
2 – THE BRONCOS HAVE DEPTH ALONG THE DEFENSIVE LINE. When is the last time this happened? It appears the Broncos have 10 quality defensive lineman that could make the team, even though that number likely won’t be on the 53-man roster after the final cutdown this Friday. Those ten include, in no particular order, Elvis Dumervil, Ty Warren, Derek Wolfe, Kevin Vickerson, Justin Bannan, Robert Ayers, Jeremy Beal, Malik Jackson, Sealver Siliga and Ben Garland.
This group doesn’t even include Jason Hunter, who went on injured reserve and is out for the season.
With the improvements the Broncos made in secondary along with the depth at defensive line, I see a defense that is in position to continue to get better. Rest assured, there are issues. The linebacker position is a work in progress. But I see the Broncos being strong up front on defense and that will only serve them well as the season goes along.
The Broncos will put the finishing touches on the preseason this week. They’ll make their cuts to get down to the 53-man roster.
Then the fun really begins.
What has stood out to you this preseason? Thanks for reading and for sharing your thoughts.
Best,
Mike
Tags: Mike Rice
Thanks for the article Mr. Rice. I agree let’s just skip right ahead to the Steelers. Peyton looked just like Peyton always has and he is ready. The defense is strong and I have my fingers crossed that it will stay that way. Mcgahee is running strong and though I would have liked to have kept Oman around, I trust the FO judgement. Lets go into the next two weeks with the focus being on the Steelers game plan and start our season off right. GO BRONCOS and Champ for president
Watching the 49er game, I was thinking “Peyton doesn’t look as jittery or “happy feet-y” as he has in the past; he looks more relaxed and fluid. 2 minutes later, one of the commentators said something to the effect that ‘they must have been working with Peyton on settling his movement down in the pocket’ (or something). If that’s true, that he does feel more stable and secure, that can only mean awesome things for our season, and it’s also a credit to our O line.
I hope you’re right about the D line depth. It seems like everyone else, including Coach Fox, is pretty concerned about our defensive depth. Although, I have to admit, that list of names you put up is not too shabby.
Does anyone have any ideas about who (individuals or positions) we might be looking to poach off the waiver wire in the next week? (Haven’t been too deep into these blog comment discussions, so sorry if this has been answered elsewhere.)
You forgot one Mr. Rice…
Mitch! I know it’s easy to forget about the Wyoming boys. Heck, I sometimes forget I was born in Wyoming!!!
D-Line in Denver is-
Broncos Country Strong 2012!
Great article – thanks for touching base with us Mike!
Good point re: the D line.. they looked pretty stout on Sunday!
Last season Broncos carried 4 DT’s and 4 DE’s, so if history repeats itself, we’ll see the same number. Broncos did carry two DT’s on practice squad last season as well… Mitch Unrein & Sealver Siliga and one DE, Jeremy Beal. Unrein was activated when Vickerson went down. Here’s what shaping up so far, but we’ll see after the Cardinals game…
DT’s for this year:
Ty Warren
Justin Bannan
Kevin Vickerson
Mitch Unrein or Sealver Siliga??
DE’s for this year:
Elvis Dumervil
Derek Wolfe
Malik Jackson
Jeremy Beal or Ayers??
Ben Garland is the dark horse but think he’s coming along well. Some tough choices coming up. I’m sure the FO will field the best of the best!
In reference to your question Mike, no doubt having Peyton Manning at QB has stood out, especially his last outing!!
GO BRONCOS!!!
It’s been a great progression for our offense. They’ve found rhythm and the best thing of all is that we’ve only had a glimpse of the playbook. I’m so looking forward to the identity this team creates on both sides of the ball. While I think our D will be solid, it’s reassuring that they won’t be relied on to limit teams to 13 points or less to have a chance to win. I can’t wait to see how JDR uses the D when we have the lead. UNLEASH VONDOOM!
The Broncos are going to be solid on both sides. And with a smal play book and not using the no-huddle offense, still stuck it to San Fran very hard. If the D can hold to a16-17 point ave. we will have a chance in every game, so I am pumped to get this season rolling. And we should have a high quality practice squad to boot too. Go Broncos, Beat the Steelers!!!
I think when it comes to cuts on the D line and at RB they could be the hardest cuts to make if it is about versatility Ayers could be in trouble as he has only played at DE so far while guys like Jackson and Garland have been all over both Unrein and Siliga look solid and should only get better plus they are some big bodies to plug up the middle and Beal has improved so much from last year. Ayers has alot to prove in this last week or he could be the odd man out which could be sad because I actually like him. At RB McGahee Hillman and Gronkowski are locked in and as much as I hate to admit it Ball has been solid so it is between JJ and KM if we decide to keep another one and even though I dont think Knowshon is as bad as everyone thinks he just cant stay healthy so I would have to go with JJ. And in letting go both Ayers and Moreno a draft class we once thought was so promising with so many picks leaves us with Bruton a special teams ace. God McD sucks
wow, extremely slow day on the blog……….I guess the discussion will pick up after our last preseason game and the final cuts are made. Can’t wait to see our final roster and of course, our opening game against the steelers.
GO BRONCOS!
Heres a question that isnt really Broncos related. But if the Jets end up with the #1 overall pick next year do they go after Matt Barkley?
Now for a Bronco related question after watching 3 of the 4 preseason games, what position looks the weakest and should be shored up next offseason? (As of right now) IMO its LB. Everywhere else just looks like its pretty solid.
New blog.
Mike, I agree with everything you said, but you forgot about Mitch. And I know sndvl said something, but I HAVE TO TOO! I mean, I know there are no guarantees, but he really has played well this preseason, which makes me real happy!