Broncos 49ers game: 3 observations and Horse Tracks

Saturday night's game between the Denver Broncos and San Francisco 49ers was the first game I actually got to watch on my television, so it was good for me to see the Broncos pull out that 19-12 win late. We've had tons of reactions already to the game, but here are three quick observations I've had about these Broncos through three preseason games.

1. The defense is legit. A cousin of mine who happens to be a 49ers fans asked me after the game if the Broncos defensive line was that good or if he needs to start freaking out about his teams offensive line. I told him not to worry, because the Broncos have 15 sacks from roughly 12 different players through 3 preseason games. The defensive line is that good.
2. Peyton Manning still looks rusty, but its worth noting that he had roughly the same game statistically as Brock Osweiler last night. That surprised me, so maybe its not as bad as we all think. Manning finished 14/21 for 124 yards and one interception. Osweiler finished 15-20 for 104 yards. One thing I noticed about Manning's interception was that the cornerback changed his pre-snap position right after Manning looked away from him. I believe that changed where Manning thought the corner would end up, so instead of being caught outside the corner was able to retain inside position for the easy interception.
3. Brandon McManus is the guy. Forget that 55 yard shank. His accuracy on the long ball will come more slowly than the shorter kicks. We must remember that he changed his motion only weeks ago. So far, I really like what I have seen from him inside of 50 yards. He finished 3/4 with a long of 45 and was really good on kick offs.

What did you learn from Saturday nights' game?

Horse Tracks

49ers vs. Broncos highlights - NFL Videos
Your Denver Broncos highlights from Saturday's 19-12 victory over the San Francisco 49ers.

Postgame: Three Things vs. 49ers | DenverBroncos.com
The offense's attempt to find a rhythm was one of the three things to watch in Saturday's game. Find out how that played in out in the Broncos' 19-12 win.

Broncos evaluate progress after extensive first-team looks | DenverBroncos.com
Three games into the preseason and just two weeks away from the first game of the regular season, the Broncos have shown glimpses of brilliance and areas for improvement.

Ups, downs for Peyton Manning and the Broncos' first team | DenverBroncos.com
The Broncos mounted some long drives but struggled with finishing and blitz pickup. Meanwhile, the defense was stout, as usual.

Broncos improve to 3-0, but touchdowns remain in short supply - Denver Post
The second-quarter play symbolized the challenge of change. Peyton Manning took a shotgun snap Saturday and looked right. Wide receiver Cody Latimer cut hard on a slant. He was covered, but tight end Owen Daniels was not.

Paige: It's a bad idea to give ax to Broncos center Matt Paradis - Denver Post
A year ago today, Matt Paradis was cut by Broncos Planet. Today, he is the center of their universe.

Five takeaways from Broncos' win over 49ers - Denver Post
Teams struggle in preseason. But teams led by Peyton Manning, who spent the last three seasons mocking the record books, don’t.

Denver Broncos' defense dominant against 49ers - ESPN
A few thoughts on the Denver Broncos' 19-12 victory over the San Francisco 49ers Saturday night at Sports Authority Field at Mile High.

Von Miller shows he is more than ready for regular season - ESPN
Here are some highs and lows in terms of individual performances from the Denver Broncos 19-12 victory over the San Francisco 49ers Saturday night in Sports Authority Field at Mile High.

Broncos offense sluggish but defense beats 49ers, 19-12 | 9News
These 2015 Denver Broncos are making it difficult to come up with a catchy slogan. C.J. and the Wade Machine. Phillips, Peyton and the Punt.

San Francisco 49ers at Denver Broncos - CBSSports.com
Sure, Peyton Manning said, he'd like to have played more this summer - and better. He swears he's not worried.

Offensive 'Ones' Struggle Again In Denver Win - Mile High Huddle
The Broncos first-team offense struggled in the redzone, while the defense continued to dominate in their 19-12 preseason victory over the 'Niners.

That offensive line has some issues - Niners Nation
The San Francisco 49ers lost to the Denver Broncos on Saturday, and the offensive line was a major issue. We take a look at the changes in the lineup, and what Jim Tomsula had to say after the game.

9 things we learned - Niners Nation
The San Francisco 49ers dropped to 1-2 in the preseason, losing to the Denver Broncos by a final score of 19-12. Here are 9 things we learned in the team's third preseason game.

Philip Rivers leaves game against the Seahawks with hand injury - SBNation.com
Rivers seemed to jam his thumb after making contact with Seattle linebacker Kevin Pierre-Louis late in the first half of the Chargers' third preseason game Saturday night.