Mile High Report - Los Angeles Rams at Denver Broncos 2016 preaseason: Everything we knowBy Fans, For Fans....Your Source For Denver Broncos News and Commenthttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/50905/mhr-fav.png2016-08-30T08:00:11-06:00http://www.milehighreport.com/rss/stream/124351852016-08-30T08:00:11-06:002016-08-30T08:00:11-06:00Broncos vs Rams: The No Bull Preseason Review
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<p>The L.A. Rams came to Denver for a week 3 showdown with the Denver Broncos. Here’s my take on what we saw and my opinions and analysis on the players.</p> <p id="1JRoNN">I have to say that as much as I was hyped to see <a href="http://www.milehighreport.com/2016/8/27/12671144/rams-broncos-everything-we-know">our </a><a href="http://www.milehighreport.com/2016/8/27/12671144/rams-broncos-everything-we-know">W</a><a href="http://www.milehighreport.com/2016/8/27/12671144/rams-broncos-everything-we-know">eek 3 preseason action</a>, the fan in me sure was bored to tears with the “action” we saw. It probably had a lot to do with our first two offensive series being all runs.</p>
<p id="lLKp47">Also, for whatever reason, it seems like most games I watch in the past few years involving the Rams is a ho-hum affair. They seem to get really good consistent play from their lines which makes for a lot of close games.</p>
<h1 id="UJKZUA">Offense</h1>
<p id="oH5NMA">This offense was a whole lot of what we have been used to for all of 2015 from the Denver Broncos: great defense with some spurts of decent run game showing up in between to seal the win.</p>
<h2 id="Pa5lo9">Quarterbacks</h2>
<h3 id="yi83I3">Trevor Siemian</h3>
<p id="G5ftrC">Can I just give both QBs a cow patty and call this review good? They both pretty much sucked, though to be fair, overall Trevor Siemian <a href="http://www.milehighreport.com/2016/8/29/12692322/broncos-name-trevor-siemian-the-starting-quarterback">was the superior QB</a> if the word “superior” could be used in reference to the offensive performance by the team.</p>
<p id="RtKRp7">That being said, it wasn’t all bad and I had a few good notes on Siemian:</p>
<ul id="2XibnS">
<li>Did a solid job situationally drawing the Rams offsides. I like seeing this in a NFL QB.</li>
<li id="qNlptH">Sold play action fairly well to seal a really easy TD pass</li>
<li id="8K5Die">Had some fairly accurate throws that were dropped (Knock it off, DT!)</li>
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<p id="JRnA2k">That being said, I felt like he left a lot out there. He overthrew some fairly mediocre NFL passes. His bomb to Latimer was a great gutsy throw, but he underthrew that one a hair (more on that later).</p>
<h3 id="H7Us29">Paxton Lynch</h3>
<p id="o4GXdX">I really felt like Lynch left quite a bit to be desired in this game. His production was low, his accuracy was all over the place, and not a lot of boats around him were being raised.</p>
<p id="d02bp2">There’s room here to say he’s just a rookie after all. There’s also room to say that he was playing with the scrubs. Both are fair. At the end of the day though, you aren’t ready to start if your passing looks as poor as it did in this game. I still think this guy is going to more likely than not be something special in the near future at QB for us, but he just needs more seasoning.</p>
<h2 id="gmDUlu">Line</h2>
<p id="rCuUxz"><a href="http://www.milehighreport.com/2016/8/28/12681330/broncos-o-line-woefully-fails-in-dress-rehearsal">If you aren’t worried about the play of our offensive line, you aren’t watching them very closely.</a> Against the Rams’ starters they were completely owned play after play. They got no movement off the ball and opened only slivers of holes for the backs to run through.</p>
<p id="wuXyGe">Max Garcia looked especially poor on the left side. He honestly looked like a liability which is a step back for him as I thought he looked solid in most of his action last year.</p>
<p id="7I2Gig">The one thing I want to point out is that there were a lot of man run calls going on that I noticed (not ZBS). It happened enough that I made a note of it about half-way through the game. I don’t know if this is us not tipping our hand before the regular season or if Kubiak has some new twists in store for the 2016 season, but I lean more toward the former rather than the later. </p>
<h2 id="unl4UB">Running Backs</h2>
<p id="CJdwF0">Once the 2nd string Rams players got in, I thought our backs looked great. C.J. Anderson looked in mid-season form and I liked a lot of what I saw from Ronnie Hillman later in the game. Hillman’s showing might have just saved his spot on the roster as before this week, I was pretty sure he was going to get cut.</p>
<p id="C2uMa0">I do want to give props to Devontae Booker even though his stat sheet isn’t that impressive. The one thing the stat sheet won’t tell you is that one of his runs was a dreaded 3rd and 1 that he converted handily and in the other runs he had he got positive yards after contact. Also interestingly enough, Elway in the booth noted that the team had a 2nd round grade on him in the draft.</p>
<h2 id="zcWAzS">Receivers</h2>
<p id="F7M9gx">First off, what the heck, DT!? Early in the game we saw something Broncos Country saw a lot of last season: dropped passes. Hit the Juggs, son.</p>
<p id="rHCkZD">Luckily Emanuel Sanders was on the field to remind Demaryius Thomas how one catches a NFL pass. Regardless of the quality of QB we have, I really think Sanders is going to have a very nice year in 2016. He’s honestly our most dangerous weapon on the offense and most consistent offensive player.</p>
<p id="qTxa2D">The player I was most bummed about in this game was Jordan Taylor. He’s had a great preseason, but had an off game with 2 dropped passes. For a guy that was “catching everything thrown his way” every day in training camp, I sure didn’t see that in this game. I do think his position on the team is safe though. He is at the very least a red zone weapon and looks like he has the skill to beat most team’s #3 CB.</p>
<h1 id="cyuChW">Defense</h1>
<p id="iKmCgT">We sat our starters pretty quickly much like the Rams, but they <a href="http://www.milehighreport.com/2016/8/29/12689644/broncos-rams-recap-game-balls">sure did look pretty darn good to me.</a> I still think we’ll win a lot of games in 2016 due to the great defensive play this unit is capable of.</p>
<h2 id="Kgssrd">Front 7</h2>
<p id="Y72ymh"><a href="http://www.denverbroncos.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/Next-Day-Notebook-Von-dances-defense-stays-stingy-/4d74b21d-64d1-482b-bfdd-d1cc4411ac92">Von Miller...’nuff said</a>.</p>
<p id="1LzluX">Darius Kilgo has the chance this year to pass Sylvester Williams on the depth chart. He’s playing that well in the middle and that consistently. We’ll use a rotation of course, but if he keeps being disruptive, the coaches will have no choice but to move him up the depth chart.</p>
<p id="yLVoN1">For a guy that saw 37 snaps in the game, Shane Ray sure did disappear in this game. He didn’t even log a stat that I could see. I was wondering about who was going to be making an impact from Ware’s side of the field with Ware out, and I got no answers in this game.</p>
<p id="HqUMhL">Similarly, Shaquil Barrett didn’t show a whole lot outside of a really good pass defense. That being said, he only got 17 snaps so he gets a pass from me in this one.</p>
<p id="VQzegs">The one player who absolutely played his way onto the team this year in my eyes is Dakota Watson. He’s a versatile LB who has found big success in this defense as a pass rusher. He’s looks to me like really valuable depth for the Broncos.</p>
<p id="RnLfzv">Sadat Sulleyman absolutely played his way onto our practice squad to with some stand out play late in the game. He’s not ready quite yet to go up against the 1s, but he’s the kind of talent line Barrett who can develop in a year or so into a really impactful NFL player.</p>
<p id="mp3lea">Zaire Anderson is a guy I’m pounding the table to see as a starter at ILB. He has in every way outplayed Todd Davis this preseason. His size is a knock against him, but I just think Davis’ pass defense is a liability that good teams will take advantage of where Anderson has no such weakness and is just as good in run defense.</p>
<h2 id="DVtNVS">Secondary</h2>
<p id="AD8AQu">Chris Harris, Jr. looked silly on the first crossing route to his guy that the Rams completed. Then he got pissed and shut down everything coming his way.</p>
<p id="gsDfzE">I thought Darrian Stewart had probably the most impressive game of the whole defense. He was in on run plays, had 2 PDs, a TFL, and would have had a pick-6 if his hands didn’t turn to jelly when the ball got there (he must be spending too much time with DT).</p>
<p id="b4fQDG">It was good to see Aqib Talib back out on the field. For the record, that flag was complete BS. I tell my guy to lay the QB out every time they slow up in the field of play like that. It sends a message and sets the tone, and was in every way a completely legal hit that was in my eyes VERY necessary.</p>
<p id="yD97i2">Like I said in our Game Balls post, Kayvon Webster impressed the heck out of me in this game. He had two spectacular pass defenses that would have made Champ Bailey proud. His technique on both was just spectacular riding his guy’s hip and poking the ball away as it gets there. </p>
<h1 id="4ZIZVN">Special Teams</h1>
<p id="EgH9nL">Riley Dixon got all of the punting work this game and looked in every way superior to what I saw from Britton Colquitt last year. This really has become a no-brainer move for the Broncos to let Colquitt go and keep the cheaper and likely more productive punter in Dixon.</p>
<p id="JRrnJu">Just like the other two preseason games, we saw no indication of a special returner show up in any phase of the game. That means by default we’ll likely be seeing a lot of Jordan Norwood this year in the return game. </p>
<h1 id="JGcvzA">Final Thoughts</h1>
<p id="YbCiDx">The end result of this game was overall positive. We got to see a whole lot of action from players in the 2nd and 3rd tiers to see what they had. Some guys stepped up and probably landed themselves a steady job (Watson, Hillman, Sulleyman), while some seemed to disappear and really not do much of anything to help their position (Sanchez, Ross, Neal, Posey).</p>
<p id="DMnrRP">I really think the refs in this game were completely tuned out to what actual NFL rules mean. The call on Talib was crummy...that’s just giving the QB a bonus 15 yards for being a chump. The INT call on Siemian’s throw obviously wasn’t reviewed with any seriousness. The ball hit the ground and rolled. It wasn’t a catch in any reality whatsoever. Good thing this game doesn’t mean anything, though.</p>
<p id="9DLrMk">It has been a very interesting and exciting preseason for our defending Super Bowl Champion Denver Broncos. They’ve got quite an interesting reloading season ahead of them as they develop a ton of new, young talent.</p>
<p id="q9lvhC">The big worry I have is what our offense is really going to look like. My encouragement on this is that it is the preseason we’ve been watching. Everything that has been called has been vanilla Kubiak WCO. Hopefully against Carolina we’ll see more creative playcalling and a run game that helps set up the pass.</p>
https://www.milehighreport.com/2016/8/30/12706000/denver-broncos-los-angeles-rams-the-no-bull-preseason-reviewsadaraine2016-08-29T08:30:03-06:002016-08-29T08:30:03-06:00Broncos Rams recap: Game balls given for the pass rush
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<p>When the Denver Broncos win (even in preseason) we give out game balls to the standouts. With a 17-9 victory over the Los Angeles Rams, we mostly give out game balls to the pass rush.</p> <p id="FNZ4k7">The Denver Broncos defense shut another team out of the end zone this preseason <a href="http://www.milehighreport.com/2016/8/27/12671144/rams-broncos-everything-we-know">with a convincing 17-9 effort</a> over the Los Angeles Rams. Though there are concerns on offense, there certainly isn’t any on defense.</p>
<h3 id="6FInKJ">Von Miller</h3>
<p id="WRzXQ3">The pass rush is spearheaded by Von Miller and he isn’t letting the preseason go to waste. Not only did <a href="http://www.milehighreport.com/2016/8/27/12678980/watch-von-miller-explode-off-the-edge-for-a-sack-of-case-keenum">he explode off the edge for a third down sack</a> of Case Keenum, he also notched a quarterback hit and two hurries before leaving the game. It’s good to have Miller for many more years to come. <em>- Tim Lynch</em></p>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" align="center">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">When <a href="https://twitter.com/Millerlite40">@Millerlite40</a> gets the edge on you ... <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Horsepower?src=hash">#Horsepower</a> <a href="https://t.co/injR7INRJN">pic.twitter.com/injR7INRJN</a></p>— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) <a href="https://twitter.com/Broncos/status/769707173366657024">August 28, 2016</a>
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<h3 id="ouyk3L">Kayvon Webster</h3>
<p id="s5KP54">Kayvon Webster gets my game ball. I've been a doubter for a long time of his, but I think there may be some truth to the statement that he just has too many great players ahead of him in the depth chart. His coverage was on point in this game and he made several perfect technique plays to deny passes. He's showing that he definitely can fit into the No Fly Zone if needed as the season wears on. <em>- Sadaraine</em></p>
<h3 id="lTeS9l">C.J. Anderson</h3>
<p id="pXUj3z">CJ Anderson looked to be in top form to start the preseason game, seeing the field open up to average 4.5 yards per carry in the first quarter of the game. On just 11 carries, Anderson gained 50 yards including one 18 yard break. He was pulled after cutting his ear, but he set the tone for the season. He stayed in shape this off-season, he wants to win the competition with the new rookie, and he's ready to earn his new paycheck from the Broncos. <em>- Kelly Flemming</em></p>
<h3 id="5XE1NW">Dekoda Watson</h3>
<p id="G64nCv">As if the Broncos defense needed another pass rusher. But it looks like Wade Phillips now has one more weapon in his arsenal he can use to wreak havoc, if he so chooses. Watson proved to his coaches yet again that he deserves a roster spot. The seven-year veteran <a href="http://www.milehighreport.com/2016/8/28/12682724/in-focus-broncos-receivers-and-fullbacks-graded-out-well-against-rams">finished with two and a half sacks against the Rams</a>. For the preseason, Watson now has four sacks, a safety and forced fumble. Watson knew he had an opportunity to get a roster spot with this defense and has taken full advantage of it. <em>- Ian St. Clair</em></p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">As if the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Broncos?src=hash">#Broncos</a> defense needed anymore pass rushers, here comes <a href="https://twitter.com/dekodawatson57">@dekodawatson57</a>. Has busted his ass. <a href="https://t.co/ZMHucXthwA">pic.twitter.com/ZMHucXthwA</a></p>— Ian St. Clair (@IanStClair) <a href="https://twitter.com/IanStClair/status/769968378710728704">August 28, 2016</a>
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<h3 id="mCjrgx">Devontae Booker</h3>
<p id="zLsolv">DeVontae Booker gets my game ball. His legs never stop. He gets hit in the backfield and turns it into positive yardage. Listen to the sound that comes off his pads when he makes contact with the defender. There is real violence in it, and he rarely ends up being the guy moving backwards. Every time he plays he gets a little better. CJ Anderson owns the starting job, but Booker has played his way into the mix in the backfield. He put the hurt on more than a few Rams defenders, and it looks like he will be bruising guys up in the regular season pretty soon. <em>- Adam Malnati</em></p>
<h3 id="NBgamF">Third Team Defense</h3>
<p id="Ge92uc">My game ball goes to the third team defensive unit. I know some folks are highlighting a few of those players individually, but that entire crew got taken to the woodshed last week against the 49ers and tonight came up with several key stops, a great goaline stand and a strip sack to close things out. They were harassing the QB all night. Way to bounce back after a poor showing a week ago. <em>- Jeff Essary</em></p>
<h3 id="88FjRG">Sedat Sulleyman</h3>
<p id="Cnzwd6">I started to give my game ball to Virgil Green, but Sadat Sulleyman was a monster out there, and with all our depth, he may not have another opportunity to earn a game ball for the Broncos. Plus, Von called him a "sackmaster" and that works for me! <em>- Laurie Lattimore-Volkmann</em></p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Broncos?src=hash">#Broncos</a>' <a href="https://twitter.com/Millerlite40">@Millerlite40</a> gives huge props to <a href="https://twitter.com/sulleyman_42">@sulleyman_42</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/dekodawatson57">@dekodawatson57</a>. Calls them "sackmasters." <a href="https://t.co/CSs1zltsx4">https://t.co/CSs1zltsx4</a></p>— L.Lattimore-Volkmann (@docllv) <a href="https://twitter.com/docllv/status/769758908143534080">August 28, 2016</a>
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<p id="CKvtPW">Who gets your game ball from the Broncos win over the Rams?</p>
https://www.milehighreport.com/2016/8/29/12689644/broncos-rams-recap-game-ballsTim Lynch2016-08-28T18:00:06-06:002016-08-28T18:00:06-06:00Defense relentless as it holds Rams to no TDs
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<figcaption>Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Where the Broncos' offense was vanilla in its 'good enough' win over the Rams, the defense was "32" flavors (yes 32!) of dominance all over the field.</p> <p>It was only a preseason match up, but the <a href="https://www.milehighreport.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Broncos</a>' defense made it look like a regular season tune up as they once again kept their foes from stepping a single toe inside the end zone all night.</p>
<p>"The starting defense hasn't given up any touchdowns. This is the second game in preseason that we didn't give up a touchdown at all," <span>Brandon Marshall</span> pointed out. "I think our defense is good. Our pass rushers are good, and I think we have a chance to be something special."</p>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">When <a href="https://twitter.com/Millerlite40">@Millerlite40</a> gets the edge on you ... <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Horsepower?src=hash">#Horsepower</a> <a href="https://t.co/injR7INRJN">pic.twitter.com/injR7INRJN</a></p>
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) <a href="https://twitter.com/Broncos/status/769707173366657024">August 28, 2016</a>
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<p>They are going to need to be if this team has a shot at all of contending for the division, the conference or the league, but that's a worry for the head coach, not the defense.</p>
<p>"Whatever decision the head coach and the leadership make, I'm going to be comfortable with it," <span>Von Miller</span> said of the starting QB choice. "It's not going to really change how we play defense. We still need to get after the quarterback, go after the ball. We're still going to have fanatical effort and relentless pursuit."</p>
<p>That's all going according to plan.</p>
<p>"We look at ourselves as one of the biggest roles on the team. If we're not doing our job and applying pressure on the edges and getting to the quarterback, we're not doing our job," said second-year contributor <span>Shane Ray</span>. "To see everybody just take that in and focus on that from the one's, two's and three's is excellent; that's what we want."</p>
<p>And those edge rushers -€” all 142 of them -€” seemed to find a <a href="https://www.turfshowtimes.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Rams</a> quarterback to lay out at some point Saturday night.</p>
<p>Together the Broncos defenders had six sacks, three hits and 20 hurries on the night.</p>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/Millerlite40">@Millerlite40</a> = 1 sack<a href="https://twitter.com/dekodawatson57">@dekodawatson57</a> = 2.5 sacks<a href="https://twitter.com/sulleyman_42">@sulleyman_42</a> = 2 sacks<a href="https://twitter.com/DatDudeNameDora">@DatDudeNameDora</a> = almost a sack<br><br>Thank goodness for the defense.</p>
— L.Lattimore-Volkmann (@docllv) <a href="https://twitter.com/docllv/status/769748253092880384">August 28, 2016</a>
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<p>Six-year journeyman <span>Dekoda Watson</span> looked like Miller in his 14 pass rushes (and a lot like the man whose No. 57 he bears on his back), bringing the quarterback down on his own twice and combining with <span>Darius Kilgo</span> on a third, plus adding a quarterback hurry to his stats.</p>
<p>Undrafted rookie <span>Sadat Sulleyman</span> added another two sacks while quarterback sacking monster Miller sprinted right past <span>Case Keenum</span>, dropping the Rams' starting QB somewhere along the way in a move so fast and so smooth, you almost had to see the dance to know Miller made a play on the quarterback.</p>
<p>"It feels good, man. Sacks are what I'm supposed to do. That's in the description," said Miller after the game. "Whenever I can go out there and do my job, it's always great."</p>
<p>But the terrorizing edge rusher didn't want to talk about his game; instead he wanted to give props to the young guys taking up the charge, many of whom may not even be able to make the Broncos roster because it oozes with depth.</p>
<p>"I don't want to sit here and talk about myself all day. Sadat Sulleyman had a great day today. Dekoda, he's not young, but he went out there and looked like a sack master, so I'm proud of those guys."</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Please, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Broncos?src=hash">#Broncos</a>...can we keep <a href="https://twitter.com/DatDudeNameDora">@DatDudeNameDora</a> too? <a href="https://t.co/ztSw3kUNdS">pic.twitter.com/ztSw3kUNdS</a></p>
— L.Lattimore-Volkmann (@docllv) <a href="https://twitter.com/docllv/status/769735119254855680">August 28, 2016</a>
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<p>Another undrafted rookie, <span>Vontarrius Dora</span>, nearly brought home the Broncos' seventh sack on the night when he drilled <span>Jared Goff</span> just a millisecond after the rookie QB got the ball away late in the game.</p>
<p>Last night's victory is another testament to Wade Phillips' genius as his linebackers continue to shine. Watson, who did all he could do last night to stay on the team, absolutely loves this approach from the defensive coordinator.</p>
<p>"I've been waiting and wishing for an opportunity, like, ‘why can't I be just like Von?' I remember being in Tampa and thinking, why can't you let me go? Von goes. He doesn't have to think. He just goes," Watson said. "Now that I'm here and they're telling me that I can go, it's lovely."</p>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/dekodawatson57">@dekodawatson57</a> has been waiting "to go like Von goes" & now he's found a team that will let him: "It's lovely." <a href="https://t.co/TMGdfCl0Ji">pic.twitter.com/TMGdfCl0Ji</a></p>
— L.Lattimore-Volkmann (@docllv) <a href="https://twitter.com/docllv/status/769997788058939396">August 28, 2016</a>
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<p>What's lovely is seven sacks, no touchdowns and a defense wanting to stuff the other team on every play.</p>
<p>"It's a great mentality. That's what we go out there and try to do every game. We don't want any team to put points on us," <span>Ray</span> added. "It doesn't matter how long we're on the field or how many times we get put back out there, we going to do our job."</p>
<p><span>Aqib Talib</span>, playing for the first time this preseason after recovering from an offseason gunshot wound, had a solid game despite notching a 15-yard personal foul for hitting Keenum as he was running out of bounds.</p>
<p>Miller defended his teammate - whose hit, for the record, on the quarterback looked legal on replay - even if not a good look for a preseason game.</p>
<p>"I don't want to say that I encourage the 15-yard flag, but I do encourage the aggressive behavior from my guys out there," said Miller. "It's a man's game."</p>
<p>And the defense knows it will be playing men when the <a href="https://www.catscratchreader.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Panthers</a> come to town Sept. 8 for the Week 1 contest, and they need to be ready.</p>
<p>"We just want to rest up, make sure everyone is fresh and study Carolina," <span>Marshall</span> said about the defense's game plan for the next 10 days. "They are coming in here, and I think they are going to try and get some revenge."</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">In-com-plete! <br><br> 's from <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LAvsDEN?src=hash">#LAvsDEN</a> " <a href="https://t.co/chrYmeaRhE">https://t.co/chrYmeaRhE</a> <a href="https://t.co/1cfH7qpyLf">pic.twitter.com/1cfH7qpyLf</a></p>
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) <a href="https://twitter.com/Broncos/status/769976098637643776">August 28, 2016</a>
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<p>Talib believes the defense -€” the No Fly Zone, in particular -€” has started right where it left off last season and is therefore ahead of its game for Week 1 competition.</p>
<p>"I think we have a great grasp of all the concepts now," Talib said, adding that they weren't always sure of things during several of their zone blitzes last season. "In a couple of our third down calls, we were up in the air the whole year. I feel like as a defense and as a team, we have a great grasp of all our calls."</p>
<p>If Miller plays lights out like he has so far, "his guys" follow suit, and the secondary keeps the zone "no fly," <span>Cam Newton</span> will have another tough day in two weeks.</p>
<p>"I feel good. I feel better than I've ever felt before in my conditioning with the speed of the game," Miller said. "I'm feeling comfortable out there and I'm ready to go back to the regular season. I don't want to sit here and say ‘We're ready to go right now,' but come [Sept. 8], we'll be ready to go."</p>
<p> </p>
<p><b> </b></p>
https://www.milehighreport.com/2016/8/28/12683660/denver-broncos-defense-shines-in-win-over-los-angeles-ramsLaurie Lattimore-Volkmann2016-08-28T15:00:03-06:002016-08-28T15:00:03-06:00Broncos O-Line woefully fails in “dress rehearsal”
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<p>One has to wonder if Jeff Fisher had not pulled his starters how bad the second quarter would have unfolded for Denver’s offense.</p> <p id="1tnMNg"><span>Gary Kubiak</span> has had sleepless nights. When you’re a head coach in the NFL, it’s not uncommon. In fact, it’s far too common. After the performance of his offense on Saturday night against the <a href="https://www.turfshowtimes.com/">Los Angeles Rams</a>, it’s safe to assume he had another sleepless night. </p>
<p id="U8sW7i">Yes, the <a href="https://www.milehighreport.com/">Denver Broncos</a> won the game 17-9. How they <em>really</em> won the game is they escaped with no major injuries. </p>
<p id="7JVo80">But offensively, specifically along the offensive line? This team has a lot of work to do. A lot of work. And not much time before the Sept. 8 opener. </p>
<p id="iAYuOu">In the first quarter the Broncos registered 24 yards. Total. You can’t win games in the NFL with output like that. Period. No matter how good or historic your defense is. </p>
<p id="VjapaB">Not until the Rams second-string defense went on the field did Denver do anything offensively. One has to wonder if Jeff Fisher had not pulled his starters how bad the second quarter would have unfolded for the Broncos. </p>
<p id="9RqaPI">No doubt it was great to see Denver start to move the ball and at least show it had some life. But you have to take into account what happened in the first quarter and what would have continued to happen had the Rams starters stayed on the field.</p>
<p id="eni27z">Above all this season, the Broncos must control the ball. However they do it, the offense needs to eat time off the clock and drive down the field. If Denver turns those possessions into points, great. But let’s not get carried away. The point is to keep the Broncos defense on the sideline as long as possible. </p>
<p id="OOe9rq"><a href="http://www.milehighreport.com/2016/8/28/12680104/can-broncos-overcome-a-major-offensive-defect">The Denver defense needs help.</a> The offense has to do whatever it can to keep the defense as fresh as possible. That cannot happen when the Broncos get 24 yards of offense in a quarter and go three-and-out on the first two drives. Heck, on that second drive, the Rams jumped offside and Denver still couldn’t get a first down. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Took 25 minutes and a 2nd team defense... But Broncos found some offense. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/4Broncos?src=hash">#4Broncos</a></p>— Mark Haas (@markhaastv) <a href="https://twitter.com/markhaastv/status/769717358323564544">August 28, 2016</a>
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<p id="K88mIg">If Saturday is indeed a “dress rehearsal” for the regular season, Denver’s offense is in big trouble come Sept. 8. Regardless of who is at quarterback this season, as long as the offensive line plays as it did against the Rams in the first quarter, it won’t matter. </p>
<p id="cl69xI">That aspect improved when Fisher pulled his starters to begin the second quarter, but is that really “better?” That shows how far the Broncos still have to go. Sure, Denver got that touchdown drive, but, again, the Rams had its second stringers on the field. Does the offense want a cookie? </p>
<p id="wtYJIY">Will the <a href="https://www.catscratchreader.com/">Carolina Panthers</a> pull <span>Luke Kuechly</span> and a front seven that’s similar to LA to start the second quarter of the opener? Some have convinced themselves that the Broncos can win no matter what the offense looks like. They use the tired line of “well, they did it last season, so ...”</p>
<p id="3S2tUp">What happened last season means nothing in 2016. Just look at the words of Kubiak: “We’re not defending anything. We’re chasing the next one.” </p>
<p id="UW4nEV">I’ve said since March it doesn’t matter who plays quarterback for the Broncos in 2016 as long as the offensive line pass protects and run blocks, with an emphasis on the latter. </p>
<p id="cg5DCY">We saw zero evidence the Denver offensive line is capable of that in the “dress rehearsal” of the preseason. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">A defense that holds teams to FGs is wasted, when you have an offense that can't get first downs.</p>— Benjamin Allbright (@AllbrightNFL) <a href="https://twitter.com/AllbrightNFL/status/769713275336470528">August 28, 2016</a>
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<p id="ITQHm5">That’s not to say it can’t and won’t get better as the season progresses. What helps with cohesion and confidence is to struggle, keep fighting and finally see some success. It gives them areas to improve but also build upon. The players see what it takes to have success as a unit, what the guy next to them does well and likes to do, but also what they don’t do well.</p>
<p id="zGAfl1">Think of it like this: An offensive line in the NFL is a dance. When it works, it’s a beautiful sight. Picture the back-to-back <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/super-bowl">Super Bowl</a> seasons. When it doesn’t work, it’s a unit that has two left feet and trips over each other. That’s Denver’s offensive line right now. </p>
<p id="Oa02I9">The old adage in the NFL, “it’s not how you play in September but in December and January” fits with the Broncos offense and offensive line. In that sense, there is reason for hope and optimism. </p>
<p id="fk4FxM">In the meantime, there is a lot of work to do to get there. And with it, a lot of sleepless nights. </p>
<p id="7gMNb8"> </p>
<p id="dANLfC"></p>
<p id="Z0QpC9"> </p>
https://www.milehighreport.com/2016/8/28/12681330/broncos-o-line-woefully-fails-in-dress-rehearsalIan St. Clair2016-08-28T13:30:03-06:002016-08-28T13:30:03-06:00PFF has concerns about Trevor Siemian
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<figcaption>Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>PFF gives their thoughts on last night's preseason game vs. the L.A. Rams. </p> <p>Pro Football Focus gave their grades and takeaways from the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.milehighreport.com/">Broncos</a> 17-9 victory over the L.A. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.turfshowtimes.com/">Rams</a> last night.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Top takeaways and highest-graded players from the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Broncos?src=hash">#Broncos</a>' preseason win over the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Rams?src=hash">#Rams</a>: <a href="https://t.co/tcGkSchVC6">https://t.co/tcGkSchVC6</a></p>
— Pro Football Focus (@PFF) <a href="https://twitter.com/PFF/status/769961250101071872">August 28, 2016</a>
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<p>Grading out well was the Broncos fullbacks, wide receivers, and the Broncos starting right tackle, but there are some concerns about the quarterbacks.</p>
<h4>Quarterbacks</h4>
<p>Here are the grades that PFF gave to <span>Trevor Siemian</span> and rookie <span>Paxton Lynch</span>: <i>Trevor Siemian, <b>44.7</b>; Paxton Lynch, <b>59.7</b></i></p>
<p>Despite having a better day on the stat sheet and scoring a touchdown, Pro Football Focus gave the rookie quarterback a higher grade(still not a very good one) and have some concerns about Siemian despite saying he's the likely starter.</p>
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<p><span>With his competitor <span>Mark Sanchez</span> not playing a single snap in the dress-rehearsal game, the job of starting quarterback seemingly belongs to Trevor Siemian. While he did throw his first touchdown pass of the preseason, Siemian was far from good in Saturday’s outing. He had a handful of misfires, and under-threw his receiver on his lone interception. He also got away with a terrible throw late in the first half that bounced right off a defender’s hands. Siemian frequently checked down even when he didn’t necessarily have to, as he averaged just 5.4 yards per attempt when not under pressure.</span></p>
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<p>No one is debating that Siemian is the starter, but his play last night was not all that good as PFF states above. He had some accuracy issues, checked down some again, and was lucky to leave with just one interception(though that one probably shouldn't have counted). This play from your likely starting quarterback should be concerning for all Broncos fans.</p>
<p>Hopefully, Siemian will fair better against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.catscratchreader.com/">Carolina Panthers</a> in a few weeks. They have a defense similar to the Rams who gave the Broncos offense fits Saturday night.</p>
<h4>Juwan and Janovich impress</h4>
<p>The fullback is making a comeback to the Denver Broncos offense this year and the Broncos have two very good options available for them. Both Juwan Thompson and rookie <span>Andy Janovich</span> received high grades from PFF.</p>
<p>Janovich earned the highest grade on offense with an <b>87.3 </b>and Thompson had the second-highest grade with <b>75.4</b>.</p>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Kubiak said Andy Janovich got a banged up shoulder tonight. Not sure how serious.</p>
— Cameron Wolfe (@CameronWolfe) <a href="https://twitter.com/CameronWolfe/status/769768187869003776">August 28, 2016</a>
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Both players seem like locks to make the roster, but how serious Janovich's shoulder injury is could be an issue.</p>
<p>Juwan is likely the Broncos third string running back and subbing in at fullback at times as well. His play on special teams and versatility at running back and fullback makes him a lock to make the team as well. A solid showing in the preseason only helps his case even more.</p>
<h4>DT and Sanders could carry the offense</h4>
<p>Behind the fullbacks, starting wide receivers <span>Demaryius Thomas</span> and <span>Emmanuel Sanders</span> were the next two highest graded offensive players for the Broncos. Sanders received a <b>73.8</b> grade while Thomas received a <b>73.7</b> grade from PFF.</p>
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<p><span>The Broncos’ WR duo of Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders are easily one of the best receiving pairs in the NFL, and they showed why last night. They were targeted 12 times (only eight were catchable) and finished with seven receptions combined for 108 yards. All three of Sanders’ catches went for first downs, and two of those he caught behind the sticks and had to work to move the chains. Thomas’ incredibly casual one-handed catch while being interfered with by Rams CB Marcus Robertson was a reminder of how easy he can make catching the football look. If these two play like this all season, they should be able to bail Siemian out more often than not.</span></p>
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<p>Thomas looked like his usual dominant self by bringing in an excellent one-handed snag and made it look very easy. He was even being interfered by the Rams cornerback, so it makes the play even more impressive. This was <span>Trevor Siemian's</span> best pass of the preseason as well.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Demaryius Thomas made a ridiculous one-handed catch late in the first half. Solid. <a href="https://t.co/NWgzxwFsPu">https://t.co/NWgzxwFsPu</a></p>— MileHighReport (@MileHighReport) <a href="https://twitter.com/MileHighReport/status/769728958950731776">August 28, 2016</a>
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<p>Emmanuel Sanders was his usual self last night. Tough as nails, explosive, and the playmaker we all have grown to love.</p>
<p>If the Broncos and Trevor Siemian want to have any success in 2016, these two will need to be big time playmakers for the Broncos offense.</p>
<h4>Broncos pass rush remains elite</h4>
<p>This should come as no surprise, but the Broncos edge rushing unit remains elite and by the far the best in the NFL. Three Broncos edge rushers were in the top five highest graded Broncos defensive players from last night's game. Those players being <span>Shaquil Barrett</span>(<b>84.4</b>), Dakoda Watson(<b>84.4</b>) and <span>Von Miller</span>(<b>81.6</b>). The other two players were <span>Kayvon Webster</span>(<b>88.8</b>) and <span>T.J. Ward</span>(<b>81.1</b>).</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">When <a href="https://twitter.com/Millerlite40">@Millerlite40</a> gets the edge on you ... <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Horsepower?src=hash">#Horsepower</a> <a href="https://t.co/injR7INRJN">pic.twitter.com/injR7INRJN</a></p>
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) <a href="https://twitter.com/Broncos/status/769707173366657024">August 28, 2016</a>
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<p>Von Miller looked to be in midseason form last night.</p>
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<p><span>Denver’s pass-rushing ability was on display in full force against the Rams last night. It seemed as though they were in the backfield every single snap; the Broncos pressured the Rams quarterbacks on 21 of 44 dropbacks, and five of those resulted in sacks. Von Miller was as strong as expected, notching one sack, one hit, and two hurries on the night. But it was reserve edge defender <span>Dekoda Watson</span> who stole the show, recording three sacks, a QB hurry, and an additional play in which he beat his man rushing the passer—all in just 14 pass rushes. Overall, Denver’s defenders combined for six sacks, three hits, and 20 additional hurries on the night.</span></p>
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<p>The dominance of the Broncos edge rushers carried over into the preseason. They totaled 6 sacks, 3 hits, and 20 hurries during last night's game. This unit is just fun to watch.</p>
<p>If the Broncos want to have the same type of success they had last season they will need this sort of play from the group all season.</p>
https://www.milehighreport.com/2016/8/28/12682724/in-focus-broncos-receivers-and-fullbacks-graded-out-well-against-ramsScotty Payne2016-08-28T10:30:07-06:002016-08-28T10:30:07-06:00Can the Denver Broncos overcome a major defect?
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<p>Hunting for the next Super Bowl may prove to be difficult. The defense is still great, but there may be a fatal flaw. The question becomes can the 2016 version of the Denver Broncos overcome a major shortcoming on the field?</p> <p id="Ne7uRb">After the <strong>Denver Broncos</strong> <a href="http://www.milehighreport.com/2016/8/27/12677334/broncos-rams-final-score-recap-trevor-siemian-paxton-lynch">third preseason game</a> against the <strong>Los Angeles Rams</strong>, it appears the offense will continue to be a step behind the defense. It could be more than one step. Obviously, Gary Kubiak and his staff are trying to put the team in the best position to win, but the offense feels stagnant. </p>
<p id="col9W4">How long can we expect the defense to do the yeoman's work, saving the offense from themselves. Preseason games are not always a great measuring stick, but the amount of vanilla in the first few series of the game left a bitter taste in this fan’s mouth. It wasn’t that the offense did anything terrible, but they didn’t do anything great.</p>
<p id="KKuDxr">The offensive line looked more than a little suspect on the first four series. The holes were not really there for Devontae Booker or CJ Anderson. Trevor Siemian was not given much time to throw. It was sloppy. The biggest need in the offseason aside from quarterback, had to be offensive line, and the play in the preseason has been less than reassuring.</p>
<p id="uAsCvd">Here is where that defect kicks in. Ball control is the name of the game. As great as the defense is, the offense keeps putting them back on the field. The snaps are going to add up, and that will take it’s toll. We won’t see it in the preseason because the starters put their baseball hats on pretty quickly. </p>
<p id="Ap72QK">That means the second half of games will become crucial. Tired teams make mistakes. Fatigue could become a major factor if the defense is asked to do too much. </p>
<p id="yUSJ2x">There were bright spots for the offense. Trevor Siemian led the team down the field for a touchdown. Anderson had some big runs. Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders <a href="http://www.milehighreport.com/2016/8/27/12679188/watch-demaryius-thomas-with-a-one-handed-catch-from-trevor-siemian">made some nice plays</a>, and Virgil Green capped off the fifth drive with an easy catch in the end zone. </p>
<p id="hJQRjF">The defense stood firm, allowing only field goals. Siemian seemed to settle in, and the Broncos were able to put themselves in a position to allow Brandon McManus to kick a long field goal and take the lead going into the half. That’s all great, but can it be sustained?</p>
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<p id="TJEQ0m">It won’t matter who the starting quarterback is when the season starts. Whether you are a fan of Siemian, or hoping Paxton Lynch gets the ball, there should really be only one concern. Can the offense control the ball, and give the defense a break? Will the O-line make holes for Anderson and Booker? Will they block for the quarterback?</p>
<p id="UOcaLx">Will the offense stay on the field long enough to allow the defense to recover? Greatness can overcome the blemishes around it, but fatigue leads to injury, and injury can be the difference between good and great. The difference between good and great is the difference between making the playoffs and winning it all.</p>
https://www.milehighreport.com/2016/8/28/12680104/can-broncos-overcome-a-major-offensive-defectAdam Malnati2016-08-28T09:10:32-06:002016-08-28T09:10:32-06:00HT: Hillman and Watson did most to earn roster spot
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<p>The third preseason game was immensely important for guys on the bubble. The two bubble players that did the most with that opportunity was linebacker Dekoda Watson and running back Ronnie Hillman.</p> <p id="eBW8AV">The <b>Denver Broncos</b> topped the <b>Los Angeles Ram</b> <a href="http://www.milehighreport.com/2016/8/27/12677334/broncos-rams-final-score-recap-trevor-siemian-paxton-lynch" target="_blank">17-9 as the defense held another team to zero touchdowns</a> in the preseason. Though Trevor Siemian <a href="http://www.milehighreport.com/2016/8/27/12679228/instant-reactions-siemian-cements-starting-position-in-victory" target="_blank">appears to be the clear starter now</a>, it was the players on the bubble who had a chance to shine last night.</p>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">As if the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Broncos?src=hash">#Broncos</a> defense needed anymore pass rushers, here comes <a href="https://twitter.com/dekodawatson57">@dekodawatson57</a>. Has busted his ass. <a href="https://t.co/ZMHucXthwA">pic.twitter.com/ZMHucXthwA</a></p>
— Ian St. Clair (@IanStClair) <a href="https://twitter.com/IanStClair/status/769968378710728704">August 28, 2016</a>
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<p id="nx54fW">The first to do so was outside linebacker <b>Dekoda Watson</b> with an impressive 2.5 sacks on the night.</p>
<p id="wzKKH1">"He did well," head coach Gary Kubiak said. "We got after the quarterback pretty well. I think all phases we rushed the quarterback pretty well. For a third preseason game, this is a really good game. It was physical, they were really physical up front offensively and defensively. Me and [Rams Head Coach] Jeff [Fisher] were talking after the game, for a third preseason game, it was a really good football game."</p>
<p id="rjEucR">Watson knows where he is at on the roster and is making his case not only to the Broncos, but to the entire NFL with his play.</p>
<p id="YRdXTZ">"Commitment, if anything," Watson said of what he’s shown through three preseason games. "Just showing that whatever the circumstances are, running down or doing stuff on field goal block, whatever the case is, I’m able to contribute. I’m committed to put my best foot forward, whatever the case is. A lot of older guys come in thinking that they shouldn’t have to play special teams, but I love it personally. For me, not only playing on special teams, but actually playing on defense, it’s a phenomenal opportunity and I’m trying to make the most out of it."</p>
<p id="mg3gOt">He attributed his success this offseason to Wade Phillips’ scheme where he just gets to play ball.</p>
<p id="5NBZxA">"Just being able to go without thinking," Watson said of his experience in Denver. "There have been a lot of teams where I have to think. I’ve been waiting and wishing for an opportunity, like, Why can’t I be just like [OLB] Von [Miller]. I remember being in Tampa and thinking, why can’t you let me go? Von goes. He doesn’t have to think. He just goes. When can I have that opportunity? I never got there. Now that I’m here and they’re telling me that I can go, it’s lovely."</p>
<p id="1fkiGD">Then there was <b>Ronnie Hillman</b> who finished the night with several big runs on his way to five carries for 45 yards and a touchdown. A 9.0 yard per carry effort is exactly what he needed.</p>
<p id="M0eDCp">"Ronnie has played well the last two weeks," Kubiak said of Hillman’s performance. "Ronnie is in a battle, I think everybody knows that. [RB] Kapri [Bibbs] has done some good things and Ronnie has responded as a player the last two weeks. That’s what you’re looking for. I’m very proud of him, he did some good stuff tonight."</p>
<p id="xX1gJ7">The Broncos could certainly use a speedster on the roster, though he will likely fall in line behind both C.J. Anderson and Devontae Booker at this point. Hillman certainly beat out Kapri Bibbs who had five carries for just 11 yards against the Rams.</p>
<h3>Horse Tracks</h3>
<p>The Denver Post is already calling Trevor Siemian the heir to Peyton Manning. The legend grows.</p>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Broncos?src=hash">#Broncos</a> maybe, finally, found their heir to Peyton Manning: <a href="https://t.co/Ikcn4Ebbne">https://t.co/Ikcn4Ebbne</a> via via <a href="https://twitter.com/NickiJhabvala">@NickiJhabvala</a></p>
— Denver Post Broncos (@PostBroncos) <a href="https://twitter.com/PostBroncos/status/769764272410796032">August 28, 2016</a>
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<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.denverbroncos.com/news-and-blogs/article-mase3keys/Broncos-17-Rams-9-Three-keys-unlocked/78e49056-50b3-45e5-b027-87ea205d12ff">Broncos 17, Rams 9: Three keys, unlocked</a><br>A closer look at the storylines from the Broncos' 17-9 win over the Los Angeles Rams.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.denverbroncos.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/Very-calm-Trevor-Siemian-steadies-offense-gives-it-momentum-heading-into-regular-season/ea902695-8eb2-40c4-8048-77622bff1fb6">'Very calm' Siemian steadies offense, gives it momentum heading into regular season</a><br>After a shaky first quarter, Siemian and the offense found a rhythm in the second quarter before finishing its preseason work.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.denverbroncos.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/Dekoda-Watson-shows-urgency-with-big-night-vs-Rams/b1b190ea-09bd-4fab-afc5-112ada6fec87">Dekoda Watson shows urgency with big night vs. Rams</a><br>After a 2.5-sack night against the Rams, Dekoda Watson says he's not done yet.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.denverbroncos.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/Broncos-running-back-competition-heats-up/74af79d6-3421-4c24-baeb-3ab007da5c32">Broncos running back competition heats up</a><br>C.J. Anderson is the Broncos obvious No. 1 back, but how does the rest of the rotation fill out?</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.denverbroncos.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/Injury-Update-Cody-Latimer-suffers-knee-injury-CJ-Anderson-gets-stitches/8b66be72-cc40-49af-9c72-8c70dd0f7511">Injury Update: Cody Latimer suffers knee injury, C.J. Anderson gets stitches</a><br>In Saturday's preseason game against the Rams, C.J. Anderson returned from a cut under his helmet, and Cody Latimer suffered a knee injury.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.foxsports.com/nfl/story/mark-sanchez-cut-preseason-trade-denver-broncos-quarterback-qb-romo-49ers-cowboys-082716">Mark Sanchez is the odd-man out in Denver | FOX Sports</a><br>The former Jet and Eagle could soon be a former Bronco, too.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://sports.yahoo.com/news/juggernaut-index-no-11-the-super-bowl-champion-denver-broncos-190337011.html">Juggernaut Index, No. 11: The Super Bowl champion Denver Broncos</a><br>When you have a trophy and a ring, maybe a lousy quarterback situation probably stings a bit less. The Juggernaut Index is our annual ranking and review of NFL teams for fantasy purposes — repeat: FANTASY PURPOSES. When Mark Sanchez is among the candidates, it makes sense to explore all possible options</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-live-updates-rams-broncos-final-broncos-17-rams-1472358204-htmlstory.html">Rams fall to Broncos, 17-9, as their offense struggles in Denver - LA Times</a><br>The Rams never found the end zone in Denver and lost to the reigning Super Bowl champs, 17-9.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.espn.com/blog/denver-broncos/post/_/id/21796/broncos-trevor-siemian-throws-for-122-yards-touchdown-in-first-half">Broncos' Trevor Siemian throws for 122 yards, TD in first half - ESPN</a><br>Trevor Siemian made a solid case to be the Broncos' starting QB when the regular season opens, going 10-for-17 passing in the first half on Saturday.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://gazette.com/paul-klee-denver-broncos-still-champs-just-not-in-fantasy-football/article/1583862">Broncos still champs, just not in fantasy football | Colorado Springs Gazette</a><br>What's your fantasy? It shouldn't be the Broncos. That's what the expert tells me. He lives here, too.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/17407651/denver-broncos-coach-gary-kubiak-impressed-qb-trevor-siemian-expects-name-starter-week">Kubiak 'impressed' by QB Trevor Siemian, expects to name starter this week</a><br>Quarterbacks Trevor Siemian and Paxton Lynch both saw action for the Broncos in Saturday's preseason win, while Mark Sanchez did not play. Coach Gary Kubiak expects to name a starter this week.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://broncoswire.usatoday.com/2016/08/27/denver-broncos-los-angeles-rams-halftime-score/">Siemian fails to score against Rams first-team defense in first half | Broncos Wire</a><br>The Denver Broncos are leading the St. Louis Rams 10-9 at halftime in the Mile High City.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://broncoswire.usatoday.com/2016/08/27/instant-analysis-broncos-offense-struggles-despite-preseason-win/">Broncos defense shines in 17-9 win over Rams | Broncos Wire</a><br>The Broncos defeated the Rams 17-9 Saturday night. Instant analysis and general thoughts for the third preseason game of the season.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.sbnation.com/2016/8/27/12642702/tracking-2016-nfl-roster-cuts-75-man-deadline">Tracking all the 2016 NFL roster cuts for the 75-man deadline - SBNation.com</a><br>NFL teams have until Aug. 30 to cut rosters down to 75 players.</p>
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<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.sbnation.com/2016/8/27/12672316/nfl-gif-bears-chiefs-negative-7-passing-yards-first-half">The Bears finished a preseason first half with -7 passing yards - SBNation.com</a><br>Dear Chiefs fans, your team is doing great on Saturday’s preseason game against the Bears. Spencer Ware shrugged off many defenders here to give Kansas City its first touchdown of the game:</p>
https://www.milehighreport.com/2016/8/28/12681088/ronnie-hillman-dekoda-watson-did-most-to-make-case-for-53-man-rosterTim Lynch2016-08-27T22:30:06-06:002016-08-27T22:30:06-06:00Siemian cements starting position against Rams
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<p>It wasn't the best performance by the second-year quarterback out of Northwestern, but Trevor Siemian showed enough to prove he is the quarterback to lead the Broncos on the field when they open the season against the Carolina Panthers on September 8.</p> <p><b>Alea iacta est.<br></b><br><span>Trevor Siemian</span> will be the <a href="https://www.milehighreport.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Denver Broncos</a> starting quarterback when they open up the regular season against the <a href="https://www.catscratchreader.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Carolina Panthers</a> on September 8 — <i>whether you like it or not</i>.<br><br>Throughout the course of the 2016 campaign, there will be highs and lows, but that is to be expected when you have a second-year player leading the team into battle on the gridiron.<br><br>The exact same sentence above would be applicable if rookie <span>Paxton Lynch</span> was the starting quarterback for the squad. It most certainly would ring true if the team would have opted for mistake-prone veteran <span>Mark Sanchez</span> as well.</p>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">If <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Broncos?src=hash">#Broncos</a> coach <span>Gary Kubiak</span> needed to see <span>Trevor Siemian</span> lead a TD drive, he saw it. Have to think Siemian's hold on the job got tighter</p>
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapSheet/status/769718029039075328">August 28, 2016</a>
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<p>It is what it is. If you have extraordinary high expectations for the former Northwestern product (or any quarterback who might see significant playing time on the field this year), you might want to lessen them down a notch. If not, any emotional roller coaster that you go through will be your own burden to bear and realize that albatross around your neck is of your own accord.<br><br>A cloud of ambiguity was an absolute certainty heading into the preseason and still exists now as the regular season draws near. Nobody at the position was ever going to blow the pants off the competition or be a world-beater performer in 2016. Clearly, this is a transitional year for the Denver Broncos, especially at the quarterback position.<br><br>You may not feel confident in Siemian’s abilities, but how confident would you be trotting out a rookie who doesn’t have a complete grasp of the Broncos’ playbook? What would you expect the coaches to do if Lynch were to be the day one starter, but struggled immensely in his first several outings?</p>
<p>It is an easy decision for the coach to make to start a player, albeit a raw one, who has a full year of knowledge regarding Gary Kubiak’s system over someone who is just getting their feet wet in the NFL. It is also a much easier PR move for the Broncos to bench such a player and then throw in a rookie if they fail to perform.</p>
<p>Those are simple facts that many fans seem to ignore or unable to grasp regarding the quarterback situation. At the end of the day, all we can do is hope for the best and at times tonight against the Los Angeles Rams, you saw glimpses of what Seimian brings to the table: poise, accuracy and more often than not, sound decision making.</p>
<p>He struggled against the Rams' first-string defense and made a few errant throws, but looked calm in the pocket, stepping up and making a handful of quality throws as the first half rolled along.</p>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">This <a href="https://twitter.com/TrevorSiemian">@TrevorSiemian</a> dart to <a href="https://twitter.com/VGreen85">@VGreen85</a> put us ahead in the second quarter.<br><br> " <a href="https://t.co/AC0ByxXqLp">https://t.co/AC0ByxXqLp</a> <a href="https://t.co/vu7Ndgq3qm">pic.twitter.com/vu7Ndgq3qm</a></p>
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) <a href="https://twitter.com/Broncos/status/769722425395347456">August 28, 2016</a>
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<p>He helped lead the Broncos down the field for several long drives that resulted in 10 points for the offense. Overall, Siemian was 10 of 17 for 122 yards with a touchdown and an interception in his one half of play against the Rams. Not a stellar performance and certainly not a terrible one. The Broncos can win with that type of play at the position, especially if their defense plays lights out like they did a season ago.<br><br> Speaking of the defense, the Broncos’ first-team defense played the entirety of the first half against the St. Louis Rams and looked as good as ever. They allowed less than 150 total yards and only 9 points in two quarters of play, and came up with a handful of stops on third down to limit the Rams' offensive attack and played very strong in the red zone.</p>
<p><span>Von Miller</span> started off the game by sacking Rams quarterback <span>Case Keenum</span> on the game's opening drive and looked stellar and in mid-season form in the snaps he participated in.</p>
<p>The team's defensive line saw a lot of rotation early on with <span>Adam Gotsis</span>, Jared, Crick, <span>Henry Melton</span> and <span>Billy Winn</span> seeing a lot of shared time snap wise in the first half. <span>Derek Wolfe</span> was absent from the game and did not participate, as he was given time away from the team this week to deal with a personal matter.</p>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Adam Gotsis has looked better tonight. Has a QB pressure, and has been more disruptive off the snap.</p>
— Andrew Mason (@MaseDenver) <a href="https://twitter.com/MaseDenver/status/769735658243928064">August 28, 2016</a>
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<p>The team's second half defensive performance was just as impressive, if not better than what the first-team defense displayed in the games opening half. They got continuous pressure on the Rams' offensive line and forced them into a myriad of third and fourth down situations they could dig themselves out of. <br><br>Denver is incredibly deep on the defensive side of the ball and there will be a lot of hard cuts to make in the near future. The players deserve a lot of credit for the fire and intensity they play with, but hats off to Defensive Coordinator Wade Phillips and the rest of his staff for continuing to create fantastic game plans week in and week out and moreover, putting their players in the best situations possible in order for them to succeed.</p>
<p>When it was all said and done, the team wound up beating the Rams by a score of 17-9, improving their preseason record to 2-1. The Broncos will wrap up their preseason on the road against the <a href="https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Arizona Cardinals</a> next Thursday, September 1.</p>
<h4>Hart's Quick Hits:</h4>
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<li>Based on what I have witnessed thus far, I believe the team's offense will be predicated on ball control, a strong rushing attack and a short-to-medium route passing game that is relatively conservative. They will play it safe and take risks down the field on play action calls once the run is established.<br><br>The team can win a lot of games in 2016 if the limit the amount of turnovers on the offensive side of the ball and play stellar defense. For whatever it is worth, I find it hard to imagine that Siemian will play worse than <span>Peyton Manning</span> did at the quarterback position last season. </li>
<li>Paxton Lynch showed why he won't be starting for the Broncos any time soon. He had a poor performance tonight going 6/13 for only 57 yards. He doesn't have the experience or the knowledge of the playbook necessary to lead to the team into battle right now.</li>
<li>There is an immense competition happening at the running back competition. Many analysts have pegged veteran <span>Ronnie Hillman</span> as the odd man out, but he isn't ready to be dismissed from the team yet. He performed well in the carries he was given and showed good vision and cutback ability, especially on his seven yard touchdown run that gave the Broncos a 17-9 lead early in the third quarter. <br><br>He finished his evening with 5 caries for 45 yards and a touchdown. A much better performance than <span>Kapri Bibbs</span>, who only had 11 yards on 5 carries. My gut tells me that the Broncos will keep Hillman on the roster as opposed to Bibbs for the third running back spot.<br> </li>
<li> <span>Demaryius Thomas</span> was the team's leading receiver with 4 catches for 63 yards — 43 of which came on an incredible one handed grab. His companion, <span>Emmanuel Sanders</span> hauled in 3 catches for 45 yards.</li>
<li> <span>Virgil Green</span> had 3 catches for 14 yards and a touchdown tonight. In three games, Green has been targeted ten times and hauled in receptions every single time he has had the ball go his way. He should have quite the impact for the team this year and would be a great late-round sleeper pick for all you fantasy football maniacs.</li>
<li>The Broncos starting offensive line did a solid job in pass protection and showed some grit and toughness in the run blocking department against the staunch Rams defensive front seven. Their play helped spring <span>C.J. Anderson</span> (who had 11 carries for 50 yards) for several big runs, but need to be more consistent on a weekly basis. <br><br>However, their play was admirable and improvement over the first two games, given the numerous amount of injuries up front. Technique and chemistry are huge components for success in the zone-blocking scheme and it may take some time for the offensive line to be firing on all cylinders.</li>
<li>On the flip side, the offensive line that played in the second half did an awful job in pass protection and failed to get much push at the line of scrimmage in the run game. If there is any area on the team where the Broncos need better players, it is certainly the offensive line.</li>
<li> <span>Lorenzo Doss</span> might be making some eye-popping plays in training camp, but he is giving too much of a cushion to wide receivers during games and the feast or famine mentality he displayed at Tulane rears its ugly head. There is no doubt the kid has incredible ball skills and a penchant for making turnovers, but his technique and discipline are in serious need of upgrading if he wants to be anything more than an occasional contributor at the NFL level.</li>
<li>Reserve linebacker <span>Dekoda Watson</span> should make the team's final roster. He has the versatility to play inside and outside and came up big with several quarterback pressures and two and a half sacks in his performance tonight. Watson might just be the team's best performer on the defensive side of the ball through three games in the preseason. Another quality free agent addition and find by John Elway.</li>
<li>Veteran punter <span>Britton Colquitt</span> gave way to rookie <span>Riley Dixon</span> tonight, who saw all of the teams action at punter. Dixon had 8 punts with an average of 41 yards per punt.<br> </li>
<li>Wide Receiver Cody Latimer was injured early in the third quarter with an apparent knee injury and did not return.</li>
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https://www.milehighreport.com/2016/8/27/12679228/instant-reactions-siemian-cements-starting-position-in-victoryChristopher Hart