Rams 10, Broncos 6: What they said after preseason loss

After a 10-6 road defeat to the Los Angeles Rams, Denver Broncos Head Coach Vic Fangio met with the media to discuss the game and what it means for the team moving forward. There were a few main points from his presser that are worth noting that could have bearing on the final preseason game coming up Thursday.

Here is what you need to know.

• Fangio is hoping for more from the reserve quarterbacks on the roster as both Kevin Hogan and Brett Rypien struggled to get the job done in this game. Fangio said: “You know, kind of like it’s been all preseason. Saw some good stuff, some that wasn’t as good. I thought our protection, for the most part, was pretty good. It gave our quarterbacks a chance to operate. We just got to be more consistent. Obviously six points isn’t enough.”
• Interestingly, when asked if he was satisfied with Hogan or needed to see more, Fangio chose to mention Rypien’s name instead: “We’ll see more. We’ll play (Quarterback) Brett (Rypien) more this week. Give him an opportunity and play them both and make our decisions.”

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• For the first time in a long time, we all got to see tight end Jake Butt play in a game. He finished with two receptions for 17 yards, but it was things he did when the ball didn’t come his way that Fangio noticed: “I thought he did well, caught a couple balls, was active in there. I saw him run some good routes where the ball didn’t even go to him. Based on what I saw, live action – which isn’t everything – I think he’ll probably be pleased with his play.”
• Butt added that it felt good to get back out there and compete after so many setbacks: “Yeah, it felt good. I don’t want to get too excited, I got 11 plays in the preseason, but it’s definitely a step in the right direction. I’ve got to look at the tape but I feel pretty good about what I did out there. I had a couple catches, I thought I blocked well, and came out healthy, so it’s all good.”
• Offensive line depth is always a concern and one of the key players might just be Elijah Wilkinson. Fangio liked what he saw with the caveat that he still has to watch that tape for a final determination: “I think he did ok, but, again - I got to see the tape. The one time the guy blew by him early, I think, our snap count was off. I think the center snapped it a count early. So, probably he played pretty good, but then again – ask me that in a day or two.”
• In the Something Something Broncos podcast, we talked about someone making a play on special teams to secure a spot on the roster. Rookie wide receiver Juwann Winfree did just that in this game and Fangio took notice: “It will help. Help his cause a lot, help us. If you’re going to dress five receivers on game day, one or two of them are going to have to make a contribution in the kicking game. Hopefully that will become the norm for him and not just the flash play.”

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