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Offensive standouts:
Backup offensive lineman: Ben Garland +2.4, Shelley Smith +2.0, and Michael Schofield +1.3
It was a good game for the Broncos reserves on the offensive line. All three of these guys had rough showings against the Seahawks, so it's good to see them grade out well.
Ben Garland and Shelley Smith both graded out positively in the run blocking department. Garland had a +1.6 while Smith had a +1.2.
Backup right tackle Michael Schofield graded out positively in the pass blocking department. The second-year player was given a +1.1 pass blocking grade.
Center Matt Paradis +1.7
The Broncos starting center continued to stand out on the offensive side of the ball with another solid performance on Saturday night.
According to Pro Football Focus, Paradis was given a +0.6 pass blocking grade, a +0.5 screen blocking grade, and a +0.5 run blocking grade. It was a pretty consistent showing for the Broncos young center.
Wide receiver Andre Caldwell +1.1
The veteran wide receiver caught a 57-yard touchdown from quarterback Brock Osweiler. He finished the night with 2 receptions for 61 yards.
Offensive Players who need to improve:
Quarterback Peyton Manning -1.5
I don't think his night was all that bad. He finished the night 8 for 14, for 52 yards, but penalties and drops really ruined the night for the Broncos signal caller.
I'm not too concerned.
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Tackle Ryan Harris -2.5
It was a rough night for the Broncos starting right tackle. He had a team-low -2.8 run blocking grade. That's something that will need to improve going forward.
Defensive standouts:
Outside linebacker Shaq Barrett +5.6
For the second straight week, Broncos outside linebacker Shaq Barrett had an impressive showing during the team's preseason game. He finished the night with 2 tackles, 1 sack, 2 QB hits, and 2 QB hurries.
He was given a +5.1 pass defense grade, and a +1.8 run defense grade. Barrett has earned himself a roster spot on the Broncos.
Outside linebacker Shane Ray +2.7
The Broncos first-round pick had himself a good night as well. He finished the night with 4 tackles, 1 sacks, and 2 QB hurries.
Ray was given a +1.8 run defense grade and a +1.3 pass defense grade. The Broncos have an embarrassment of riches at the edge rusher position.
Inside linebacker Zaire Anderson +2.1
The undrafted rookie continued to have a solid summer for the Broncos. He finished the game with 3 tackles, and 1 QB hit.
He was given a +0.8 pass rush grade and a +1.3 coverage grade. The 5'11, 220lb rookie linebacker has a future as a sub-package linebacker in the league, and could be earning himself a roster spot. He out snapped Lamin Barrow and Reggie Walker.
Other notable standouts on defense:
- Linebacker Brandon Marshall +2.5
- Cornerback Chris Harris Jr. +1.7
- Nose Tackle Darius Kilgo +1.7
- Cornerback Lorenzo Doss +1.3
Defensive players who need to improve:
Cornerback Kayvon Webster -1.1
Despite getting a sack, it wasn't a great night for the Broncos cornerback. He earned himself a -1.6 in pass coverage.
With the cornerback competition as fierce as it is with the Broncos, he needs to step up his game or else he could lose his roster spot.