Mile High Report - Vikings 42, Broncos 28: Everything we know from Week 1 of the PreseasonBy Fans, For Fans....Your Source For Denver Broncos News and Commenthttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/50905/mhr-fav.png2018-08-14T09:10:02-06:00http://www.milehighreport.com/rss/stream/174375492018-08-14T09:10:02-06:002018-08-14T09:10:02-06:00Tale of the Tape: Don’t panic on the Broncos’ run defense
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<figcaption>Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The stout Denver run defense of a year ago was nowhere to be found on Saturday night.</p> <p id="TebWMJ">While there’s been a lot of talk about the quarterbacks and the slow start to the offense on Saturday night’s preseason game, the first team (sort of) defense struggled as well, especially against the run.</p>
<p id="I1XLbR">The top 5 ranked run defense from a year ago that once held Ezekiel Elliot to 8 yards on 9 carries and denied <span>Melvin Gordon</span> a touchdown on four straight attempts at the 1 yard line looked downright porous as <span>Latavius Murray</span> ripped off two consecutive 20 yard runs early in the first quarter.</p>
<p id="2wi9GF">I dug into the tape to see what went wrong and if <a href="https://www.milehighreport.com/">Broncos</a> Country should be worried about the run defense this year.</p>
<p id="zfqUQO">Before we dive in, two major caveats - neither <span>Von Miller</span> nor <span>Todd Davis</span> played in this game, arguably our two best run defenders. This should definitely be taken into account when assessing the damage.</p>
<h1 id="akBKNP">Play #1</h1>
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<p id="PqsJMp">The first play, the <a href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/">Vikings</a> overload the right side of the line with two tight ends. The RT and one of the tight ends will combo block Wolfe, and the center and RG will combo Peko. Everyone else is 1-on-1.</p>
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<p id="RSU3J3">From what I can tell, these are the defensive gap assignments. The back will come through the D-gap which has Chubb (55) and Wolfe (95) as the closest defenders.</p>
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<p id="J5kfbh">At this point I would like to extend an apology to <span>Zaire Anderson</span>. I called him out in my post-game recap a few days ago, and although he still didn’t play extremely well, he was not at fault here as I supposed. This is why going back and watching/re-watching the tape is so important, you are able to correct errors and clear up misconceptions - I admit mine.</p>
<p id="3Z9PSe"><span>Anderson</span> is doing just as Denver’s linebackers have been coached to do since last year when they see a double team - shoot the gap immediately to force the O-lineman to chase you, or risk you blowing up the play. This frees the defensive end of a double team and now they are 1-on-1.</p>
<p id="bxfXKM"><span>Todd Davis</span> did this all the time last year with great success. I have written about it multiple times in this series. So <span>Anderson</span> is executing the technique exactly how you want him to.</p>
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<p id="ridA12">It works exactly how you draw it up, the tackle peels off the double team to chase Anderson, leaving Wolfe 1-on-1 against a tight end. Chubb is also 1-on-1 against a tight end. These two guys are the ones who should be making this stop. Stewart is also there, but he plays the edge hard, indicating that he is the force defender.</p>
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<p id="qtSrJC">Lastly, Marshall misses a tackle once <span>Murray</span> has been sprung, but I’m less concerned about that because the back should have never gotten past the line.</p>
<p id="A54c1h">I said on Twitter that Wolfe and Chubb should be embarrassed that they didn’t stop this play. Wolfe was left alone on a tight end. Chubb was alone the entire play on the tight end. Each of these guys should have been able to defeat their blocks easily. </p>
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<p id="OGIVKo">Now, after talking through this with some friends from Mile High Huddle on Twitter, some additional info helps us make a little more sense of this play.</p>
<p id="Pubn1k">Vance Joseph said after the game that one of the big plays, they didn’t fit the run correctly - essentially, that they didn’t play their gaps right.</p>
<div id="ukSowe">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">There was a lot wrong with that play after talking to someone with the team. DL was to crash right and LBs crash left with Stewart taking the outside of Chubb. Anderson was supposed to crash between Chubb/Wolfe but a shift was called. The DL didnt hear it get called out.</p>— Erick Trickel (@ErickTrickel) <a href="https://twitter.com/ErickTrickel/status/1029026987577356290?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 13, 2018</a>
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<p id="LNa8Pv">Apparently, the original call had Anderson slanting to that gap, while the D-line slanted to their right, but a shift was called by the coaches prior to the snap. The linebackers and Stewart got the shift call, but the D-line did not, so they were out of sync. Chubb and Wolfe were holding their blocks expecting Anderson to take that gap, while Anderson was operating under new information and executed accordingly.</p>
<div id="xX3pZX">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">No not Amdersoms fault. He heard the shift call and made his shift. Wolfe or Chubb should've made the play but there was a micomunication with the DL not hearing the call. This came from a defensive staff member.</p>— Erick Trickel (@ErickTrickel) <a href="https://twitter.com/ErickTrickel/status/1029027911708360706?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 13, 2018</a>
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<div id="7uYO0L">
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">So DL still crashed right which went with the flow of the OL and linebackers shifted to what they were supposed to do and so did Stewart. Either way, Wolfe should have been able to get off that TE even just enough to grab the RB. He has made that play many times in his career.</p>— Erick Trickel (@ErickTrickel) <a href="https://twitter.com/ErickTrickel/status/1029027336895778817?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 13, 2018</a>
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<p id="PivXHJ">After hearing this explanation, I am more apt to give the defense a pass on this one as this is what the preseason is for, cleaning up communication and getting on the same page. However, I still would have liked to see Wolfe or Chubb shed their blocks or at least get an arm on the runner to slow him down.</p>
<h1 id="61EQFr">Play #2</h1>
<p id="0cPeAm">Second one is a little harder due to the pre-season footage available. No end zone angle makes it hard to fully see what’s happening, but I took a stab at it.</p>
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<p id="Lrmtbr">Looks like a zone stretch to the right with a fullback leading. Denver is in their base personnel again with Marshall playside this time.</p>
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<p id="QkhEdi">Everyone takes a step towards the playside at the snap.</p>
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<p id="jFwU8N">Now here Wolfe and Ray get a lot of penetration. Wolfe probably has a chance to shed and step back into the running lane to blow this play up if he isn’t wrenched down by his face-mask by the guard.</p>
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<p id="hJSLCI">With Wolfe unable to disengage, it’s an easy cutback lane for the back, and unfortunately the backside pursuit get all tangled up in a pile of bodies as Anderson hits the turf and trips up Peko. </p>
<p id="dSk5sH">This leaves Marshall in the hole with the fullback.</p>
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<p id="8PW380">He is able to shed just in time as the back comes through, but misses a second arm tackle attempt in as many plays.</p>
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<h1 id="tkyqug">Bottom Line</h1>
<p id="eNuLZH">Is it time to panic over these two plays? Not at all. Do you want it to happen? Not at all, and they better clean it up. But this is the same personnel who were absolutely dominant against the run last year, and they were also missing key pieces on Saturday night so I am not worried at all about this signaling some looming drop off in run defense. </p>
<p id="UnNZ0V">Are Marshall’s missed tackles slightly concerning, yes, but he wasn’t the only one at fault and I trust the team as a whole will review the tape and learn from these early mistakes. My guess is we’ll see a fired up first-team defense against the <a href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/">Bears</a> that is eager to prove they are better than what they put on the field on Saturday night.</p>
https://www.milehighreport.com/2018/8/14/17687220/broncos-vikings-tale-of-the-tape-run-defenseJeff Essary2018-08-14T07:00:16-06:002018-08-14T07:00:16-06:00Broncos vs. Vikings: The Preseason No Bull Review
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<img alt="NFL: Denver Broncos-Minicamp" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/6Ts8W_8ZET8KPM19l226UwU6BqQ=/0x48:2638x1807/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/60830261/usa_today_10890049.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The Denver Broncos faced the Minnesota Vikings for their first real football action of the 2018 season. Here are my No Bull thoughts, opinions, and analysis on the Denver Broncos’ most recent game. </p> <p id="68GggT">Welcome to the No Bull Review. A quick intro for all of you who are new to Mile High Report: this is a no-nonsense take where I review our recent games with a focus on what I see from our players, coaches, and how they performed on the field.</p>
<p id="lHfOF9">I’m very much an eye test guy, though I’ll throw in stats here and there that I feel are relevant (my official stance is that most stats used by the media are garbage because they exclude context and paint pictures that normally aren’t accurate, but I digress).</p>
<p id="vmf5mc">This series grew organically here at MHR and I’ve been doing them since 2009. The major focus is for us to dissect the play on the field and stimulate conversation. I encourage all of you to hit up the comment section and share your thoughts!</p>
<h1 id="TS8O2w">Keep Preseason in perspective</h1>
<p id="yTwEh2">Let’s start this off by pointing out that no one should take this game between the Denver Broncos and Minnesota Vikings too seriously. Yes, it does matter, but not nearly as much as many would point out. The coaches aren’t installing a game plan. Not much work is being done on scouting the opponent. Teams are going to run their base packages for the most part and the focus is on putting players in position to show what they can or can’t do for the team.</p>
<p id="qPWrBS">My initial take after the game was that our coaching was as bad as Lynch’s game. Our team looked woefully unprepared to play. Unlike most who I think are still feeling a little too much hate at Vance Joseph for last season, I’m going to temper my anger on this one...if we look that unprepared for 2 more weeks, I’m promise I’ll join the haters on bashing VJ as our head coach.</p>
<h1 id="mQJJzQ">Defense</h1>
<p id="FT94cU">The only serious worry I have with the defense is with the run fits up front. The team had trouble diagnosing run plays and sealing off gaps that the Minnesota offense opened up by design.</p>
<p id="VPn8ng">The coverage was flaky at times, but that’s kinda normal for preseason football. A lot of plays were completed through the air that were just great throws and catches. I didn’t see a lot of guys getting completely beat or out of position which is encouraging.</p>
<h2 id="36ThXe">Front 7</h2>
<p id="5ZLl8L"><span>Bradley Chubb</span> needs to not take notes from the <span>Shane Ray</span> school of run blocking. He did have a great assist in stopping one of the <a href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/">Vikings</a>’ goal line runs, but had more misses than hits. <span>Chubb</span> really did look like a rookie out there with a big weakness in shedding blockers to defend the run. I’m not overly concerned about this...he is after all a rookie.</p>
<p id="Nx6Hvw"><span>Derek Wolfe</span> looked pretty rough up front as well. This is a bit surprising to me as his motor is normally non-stop. He gave ground and got pushed around more than I normally see which hopefully we can just chalk up to shaking the rust off.</p>
<p id="H14XDZ"><span>Brandon Marshall</span> didn’t look great either. In the short time we saw the starters, he misdiagnosed multiple run plays where he could have made the play as a ILB. </p>
<p id="7OLKmZ"><span>Domata Peko</span> looked like a beast in the short action he saw. He completely ruined a screen play early and drew a holding penalty while doing it.</p>
<h2 id="9JkWp4">Depth player notes:</h2>
<ul>
<li id="HwCNaE">
<span>Zach Kerr</span> looked tough versus the run - the guy plays with a ton of power</li>
<li id="oO02i2">
<span>Josey Jewell</span> looked better than the starters - he’s going to be a great player for the <a href="https://www.milehighreport.com/">Broncos</a>
</li>
<li id="upYGdZ">
<span>Jeff Holland</span> reminds me so much of what <span>Shaquil Barrett</span> looked like his first season. His pass rush was very strong and he’s going to be a guy they may have to keep on the 53 man roster before it is all said and done</li>
<li id="LJ0Aw4">
<span>Shelby Harris</span> still impresses me with the push he gets and how active he is with his hands at the line of scrimmage</li>
</ul>
<h2 id="fj17yo">Secondary</h2>
<p id="k550H5">I love me some Darian Stewart. He was probably my defensive player of the game with multiple great plays against the run and some very savvy pass coverage.</p>
<p id="veKnbY"><span>Bradley Roby</span> is one of the guys that got beat by a really great pass and catch. <span>Isaac Yiadom</span> did as well a couple of times. The encouraging thing is that both of them were right where they needed to be in order to make the play. They just need to be a split second faster in knocking the ball away.</p>
<p id="Ds52md"><span>Will Parks</span> overall had a better game than Stewart only because he played far more snaps. <span>Parks</span> really impressed me. I was pretty critical of his play last season, but he looks like a guy that’s really be studying his craft and staying focused this off season. I agree with others that say that the signing of Su’a Cravens lit a fire under him.</p>
<h1 id="NlABTT">Offense</h1>
<p id="Uc6j4d">The offense made it awfully hard to form any kind of opinion on what they are in 2018 based off what we saw from the 1st and 2nd teams. The 1st team were dominated on every play and the 2nd team was plagued by absolutely pathetic quarterbacking (if that’s what you want to call it). </p>
<h2 id="4HrXY3">Quarterbacks</h2>
<p id="PNnwZO">I’d love to wax poetic about <span>Case Keenum</span>, but sadly he didn’t do squat. Until we see it multiple weeks, I’m not going to read too much into this.</p>
<p id="P92bNO">Conversely, <span>Paxton Lynch</span> looked like a dumpster fire to rival anything we saw out of <span>Tim Tebow</span> in his short time with the Broncos...and I think that’s an insult to Tim Tebow. As I said in the post yesterday about the <a href="https://www.milehighreport.com/2018/8/13/17686588/chad-kelly-has-moved-up-the-depth-chart">change in depth chart at quarterback</a>, Lynch looks the same or worse as he did when he came into the league two seasons ago.</p>
<p id="uALGRt">The breath of fresh air for Broncos Country ended up being Chad Kelly. From what I’d heard out of training camp he has been very up and down, but what we saw on the field Saturday night was a guy that loves playing the game and is trying his damnedest. The guy was progressing through reads, taking advantage of blown coverage, and using his feet only when needed after plays broke down.</p>
<h2 id="a5zFNu">Line</h2>
<p id="LChUuB">The first string offense didn’t have much success winning the line of scrimmage. There wasn’t any one guy that really stood out as much as it looked like our guys just couldn’t move the Vikings players off their spots.</p>
<h2 id="jqcm7N">Running Backs</h2>
<p id="ZdEUMb"><span>Devontae Booker</span> shouldn’t be #1 on the depth chart. I’m sorry, but this situation is just as big of a deal as the QB situation to me. I’m tired of seeing the Broncos trot out average running backs just because they have experience. <span>Booker</span> averaged 3.5 ypc. That’s just a hair off his NFL average. It isn’t enough. He doesn’t have the explosiveness or vision needed to be a starting back.</p>
<p id="2cGwnF">Contrast that with <span>Royce Freeman</span> who without his big run averaged 5 ypc. Add in his big run and you saw a potential playmaker. I’m excited to see if he can do more, as again, this is the preseason...hopefully he shows more and more in the next couple of games.</p>
<p id="k5RafD"><span>Phillip Lindsay</span> looks like a powerful weapon if this team can use him properly. His speed and quickness out of the backfield can lead to big plays much like his very impressive TD catch. He’s a guy you need to use like <span>Darren Sproles</span> with plays designed to get open in space.</p>
<h2 id="u5M1mt">Receivers</h2>
<p id="LqvqrL">Honestly, the only guys that saw serious action were a bunch of players that aren’t even likely to make the team. Next week this will change once we see better quarterback play with the 1st and 2nd string offenses.</p>
<h1 id="jw817e">Special Teams</h1>
<p id="yMktVU">Wow...<span>Marquette King</span> is a friggin weapon (and no, I’m not talking about the Scottish variety). The media may hate on the guy because he doesn’t like interviews, but Broncos Country hopefully will embrace the big upgrade he is on the field of play.</p>
<h1 id="GR9waI">Final Thoughts</h1>
<p id="DUHdP3">Football is back. I’m stoked to see our team play and looking forward to spending some time each week digging in with the finest Broncos fans on the planet. </p>
https://www.milehighreport.com/2018/8/14/17687208/broncos-vikings-preseason-no-bull-reviewsadaraine2018-08-13T15:47:30-06:002018-08-13T15:47:30-06:00MHR Live: Back to black
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<img alt="Minnesota Vikings v Denver Broncos" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/wQPpVnSE3CRnQv9bUocqxZnsBZU=/0x0:3510x2340/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/60825935/1015365836.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>How bad was the Denver Broncos loss to the Minnesota Vikings on Saturday? Your opinion may depend on whether you want Chad Kelly to start or not.</p> <div class="c-float-right"><aside id="D9GQYs"><q>“I might wear black for a year straight,” me on October 16, 2017... Care of Jay Z’s song ‘D.O.A.’</q></aside></div>
<p id="ulvyAv">The <a href="https://www.milehighreport.com/">Broncos</a> have sent second season safety Jamal Carter to the injured reserve and signed former <a href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/">Pittsburgh Steelers</a> and <a href="https://www.stampedeblue.com/">Indianapolis Colts</a> safety <span>Shamarko Thomas</span> to make good on the roster assignment. Denver has also <a href="https://www.milehighreport.com/2018/8/13/17685962/report-broncos-sign-free-agent-linebacker-a-j-johnson">cut linebacker Stansly Maponga for linebacker A.J. Johnson</a>.</p>
<p id="Ug5nFS">And, (as neither local radio nor this site itself will allow you to leave without reading) your Monday <span>Chad Kelly</span> update: <span>Chad Kelly</span> finished the first week of preseason 28th in the NFL in QB Rating, among future Hall of Famers Nick Mullens (<a href="https://www.ninersnation.com/">San Francisco 49ers</a>), <span>Robert Griffin III</span> (<a href="https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/">Baltimore Ravens</a>) and <span>Nate Sudfeld</span> (<a href="https://www.bleedinggreennation.com/">Philadelphia Eagles</a>) with as many touchdown passes as <span>Tim Boyle</span> (<a href="https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/">Green Bay Packers</a>), <span>Andy Dalton</span>, <span>Colt McCoy</span> (Washington) and <span>Trevor Siemian</span> (<a href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/">Minnesota Vikings</a>).</p>
<p id="gxuQOM">Here are the third string quarterbacks for the Broncos going back to Peyton Manning’s final season in the NFL: Trevor Siemian, Paxton Lynch, Kyle Sloter and Chad Kelly. Every one of them as good as the last, none of them worthy of starting often in the NFL at this point. Here is a list of quarterbacks drafted or handpicked by John Elway that have gone on to have success in the NFL:</p>
<p id="d8hA6s">Get in where you fit it and join your host <a href="http://www.twitter.com/theorangepage">Ian Henson</a> and the greatest group of Broncos fans on the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/MileHighReport/videos/220867938589650/">internet live, right now</a>!</p>
https://www.milehighreport.com/2018/8/13/17686246/broncos-mhr-live-back-to-blackianhenson2018-08-13T10:00:03-06:002018-08-13T10:00:03-06:00Broncos vs. Vikings preseason snap counts
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<img alt="NFL: Minnesota Vikings at Denver Broncos" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/nlvkjqMGi5NfQyFjy9R5AXigC5I=/0x0:5568x3712/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/60818597/usa_today_11070167.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Here are the snaps counts from the Denver Broncos 42-28 defeat at the hands of the Minnesota Vikings in Week 1 of the preseason.</p> <p id="q0fW9L">With the <a href="https://www.milehighreport.com/">Denver Broncos</a> first team offense playing a grand total of seven snaps and <span>Von Miller</span> not playing at all, many of the guys who are second though fourth string saw plenty of action on Saturday. </p>
<p id="UOBFwS">Here is the offensive snap data: </p>
<div id="gmPbax"><table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Player</td>
<td>O Snaps</td>
<td>O snap%</td>
<td>POS</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>E Wilkinson</td>
<td>54</td>
<td>89%</td>
<td>T</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>M LaCosse</td>
<td>38</td>
<td>62%</td>
<td>TE</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>J Dielman</td>
<td>37</td>
<td>61%</td>
<td>G</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>J Poutasi</td>
<td>32</td>
<td>52%</td>
<td>T</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>A Schlottmann</td>
<td>32</td>
<td>52%</td>
<td>G</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>C Kelly</td>
<td>32</td>
<td>52%</td>
<td>QB</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>C Kouandjio</td>
<td>29</td>
<td>48%</td>
<td>T</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>A Knappe</td>
<td>28</td>
<td>46%</td>
<td>T</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>R Cracraft</td>
<td>26</td>
<td>43%</td>
<td>WR</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>M Garcia</td>
<td>24</td>
<td>39%</td>
<td>G</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>B Parker</td>
<td>22</td>
<td>36%</td>
<td>TE</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>B Turner</td>
<td>22</td>
<td>36%</td>
<td>G</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>P Lynch</td>
<td>22</td>
<td>36%</td>
<td>QB</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>D Williams</td>
<td>21</td>
<td>34%</td>
<td>RB</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>J Leslie</td>
<td>21</td>
<td>34%</td>
<td>WR</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T Patrick</td>
<td>19</td>
<td>31%</td>
<td>WR</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>C Sutton</td>
<td>19</td>
<td>31%</td>
<td>WR</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>J Diarse</td>
<td>17</td>
<td>28%</td>
<td>WR</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>S Jones</td>
<td>17</td>
<td>28%</td>
<td>C</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>D Hamilton</td>
<td>17</td>
<td>28%</td>
<td>WR</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>I McKenzie</td>
<td>15</td>
<td>25%</td>
<td>WR</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>M Chapman</td>
<td>15</td>
<td>25%</td>
<td>WR</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>P Lindsay</td>
<td>14</td>
<td>23%</td>
<td>RB</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>C McGovern</td>
<td>12</td>
<td>20%</td>
<td>C</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>D Henderson</td>
<td>11</td>
<td>18%</td>
<td>RB</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>A Traylor</td>
<td>11</td>
<td>18%</td>
<td>TE</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>R Freeman</td>
<td>9</td>
<td>15%</td>
<td>RB</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>G Bolles</td>
<td>7</td>
<td>11%</td>
<td>T</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>M Paradis</td>
<td>7</td>
<td>11%</td>
<td>C</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>D Thomas</td>
<td>7</td>
<td>11%</td>
<td>WR</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>J Veldheer</td>
<td>7</td>
<td>11%</td>
<td>T</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>E Sanders</td>
<td>7</td>
<td>11%</td>
<td>WR</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>C Keenum</td>
<td>7</td>
<td>11%</td>
<td>QB</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>D Booker</td>
<td>6</td>
<td>10%</td>
<td>RB</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>J Butt</td>
<td>5</td>
<td>8%</td>
<td>TE</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>A Janovich</td>
<td>2</td>
<td>3%</td>
<td>FB</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div>
<p id="WC4nwA"><span>Elijah Wilkinson</span> got a lot of work at offensive tackle. I’m not sure what that means other than the coaching staff obviously wanted to see him play this past game. On the other end of the spectrum <span>Andy Janovich</span> only got two offensive snaps, so if they were using a fullback with the second team offense, it was not him. </p>
<p id="rq7aKl">Now on to the defensive data:</p>
<div id="sKekVM"><table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Player</td>
<td>D Snaps</td>
<td>D Snap%</td>
<td>Pos</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>W Parks</td>
<td>61</td>
<td>78%</td>
<td>FS</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>B Langley</td>
<td>57</td>
<td>73%</td>
<td>CB</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>I Yiadom</td>
<td>46</td>
<td>59%</td>
<td>DB</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>J Jewell</td>
<td>42</td>
<td>54%</td>
<td>LB</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T Marshall</td>
<td>37</td>
<td>47%</td>
<td>DB</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>C Smith</td>
<td>35</td>
<td>45%</td>
<td>CB</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>D Walker</td>
<td>33</td>
<td>42%</td>
<td>DE</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>J Garcia-Williams</td>
<td>32</td>
<td>41%</td>
<td>LB</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>J Holland</td>
<td>31</td>
<td>40%</td>
<td>LB</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Z Anderson</td>
<td>26</td>
<td>33%</td>
<td>LB</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Z Kerr</td>
<td>26</td>
<td>33%</td>
<td>DT</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>S Harris</td>
<td>26</td>
<td>33%</td>
<td>DE</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>M Hunter</td>
<td>25</td>
<td>32%</td>
<td>CB</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>S Barrett</td>
<td>24</td>
<td>31%</td>
<td>LB</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>D Thomas</td>
<td>23</td>
<td>29%</td>
<td>S</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>A Gotsis</td>
<td>23</td>
<td>29%</td>
<td>DE</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>M Rush</td>
<td>22</td>
<td>28%</td>
<td>LB</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>J Carter</td>
<td>21</td>
<td>27%</td>
<td>S</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>D Williams</td>
<td>20</td>
<td>26%</td>
<td>DT</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>K Peko</td>
<td>18</td>
<td>23%</td>
<td>DT</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>K Bierria</td>
<td>17</td>
<td>22%</td>
<td>LB</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>J Simmons</td>
<td>17</td>
<td>22%</td>
<td>S</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>B Marshall</td>
<td>17</td>
<td>22%</td>
<td>LB</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>D Stewart</td>
<td>17</td>
<td>22%</td>
<td>S</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>C Harris</td>
<td>16</td>
<td>21%</td>
<td>CB</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>B Roby</td>
<td>16</td>
<td>21%</td>
<td>CB</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>D Wolfe</td>
<td>15</td>
<td>19%</td>
<td>DE</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>B Chubb</td>
<td>15</td>
<td>19%</td>
<td>DE</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>A Simmons</td>
<td>13</td>
<td>17%</td>
<td>DE</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>S Ray</td>
<td>12</td>
<td>15%</td>
<td>LB</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>P Boyette</td>
<td>10</td>
<td>13%</td>
<td>DT</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>D Peko</td>
<td>10</td>
<td>13%</td>
<td>DT</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>M Rios</td>
<td>8</td>
<td>10%</td>
<td>CB</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>S Maponga</td>
<td>7</td>
<td>9%</td>
<td>LB</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>B Bower</td>
<td>4</td>
<td>5%</td>
<td>CB</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>C Lyons</td>
<td>4</td>
<td>5%</td>
<td>DT</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div>
<p id="0sdMi1"><span>Will Parks</span> played a great deal for a guy who was a de facto starter for part of the year in 2017 (when we went to heavy nickel). <span>Josey Jewell</span> also so a lot of action along with fellow (highly-targetted) rookie Isaac Yiadom. I’m a little surprised at how few snaps <span>Shane Ray</span> got, but I guess he was the starting OLB on one side with <span>Von Miller</span> sitting for the whole game. </p>
<p id="f56fXa">What if anything surprised you about this snap data? Sound off in the comments. </p>
https://www.milehighreport.com/2018/8/13/17683158/broncos-vikings-preseason-snap-countsJoe Mahoney2018-08-13T09:00:01-06:002018-08-13T09:00:01-06:00Chad Kelly is more worried about fixing his mistakes than celebrating his successes
<figure>
<img alt="NFL: Denver Broncos-Training Camp" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/QtI_x029sSLLHPX7pdqt22kIHqc=/0x0:3489x2326/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/60818481/usa_today_11006121.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Denver Broncos have a quarterback with the right mindset in Chad Kelly. Despite a great first game, he is completely focused on fixing his mistakes. </p> <p id="60wU9f">The <a href="https://www.milehighreport.com/">Denver Broncos</a> fell <a href="https://www.milehighreport.com/2018/8/10/17673530/broncos-vikings-online-stream-game-time">42-28</a> to the <a href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/">Minnesota Vikings</a> in the first preseason game for both teams on Saturday. The starting unit on both sides played just a few series, so the game was mostly about the battle on down the depth chart.</p>
<aside id="FEsvZp"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Chad Kelly has moved above Paxton Lynch on the depth chart","url":"https://www.milehighreport.com/2018/8/13/17686588/chad-kelly-has-moved-up-the-depth-chart"}]}'></div></aside><p id="zDQv0v">One move on the depth chart that seems clear is the one that moves <span>Chad Kelly</span> to number two and <span>Paxton Lynch</span> to number three at quarterback. Lynch completely bombed his 2018 debut against backups, while Kelly finished 14/21 for 177 yards, 2 touchdowns and an interception in his. </p>
<div class="c-float-right"><aside id="3X0HpG"><q>“You just gotta go out there and learn from your mistakes and keep grinding because that’s how the game is.”</q></aside></div>
<p id="fGkvt8">Kelly spoke with the media after the game and kept his focus on the details high.</p>
<p id="ZcZayo">“I thought I did some good things today, but I obviously need to review the film,” Kelly said of his performance. “The line did a hell of a job up front, the running backs got open, the wide receivers caught the ball well and made plays. It was just another day, another practice. You just gotta go out there and learn from your mistakes and keep grinding because that’s how the game is.”</p>
<p id="uuqRae">It was more than that, though. <span>Chad Kelly</span> was making all of the NFL throws <em>and</em> NFL decisions a young quarterback should be making naturally. Like this wheel route to a wide open receiver. </p>
<div id="6a298C">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Just like Uncle <a href="https://twitter.com/JimKelly1212?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JimKelly1212</a>.<br>Check out this <a href="https://twitter.com/Chadkelly_6?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Chadkelly_6</a> touchdown toss!<br><br> : <a href="https://twitter.com/nflnetwork?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@nflnetwork</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MINvsDEN?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MINvsDEN</a> <a href="https://t.co/5tXD91zcei">pic.twitter.com/5tXD91zcei</a></p>— NFL (@NFL) <a href="https://twitter.com/NFL/status/1028481948904124417?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 12, 2018</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="gpmFWt">The throw was solid and catchable, both key factors lacking from Lynch’s game right now. </p>
<p id="Z2tFlA">And if that doesn’t impress you, how about this throw with pressure all over him. Kelly stands tall, takes the big hit, and lobs an accurate pass over the middle to rookie <span>Phillip Lindsay</span> for the catch and score to take the lead.</p>
<div id="7jYQ5q">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Colorado native. <a href="https://twitter.com/RunRalphieRun?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@runralphierun</a> alum.<br>Now watch Phillip Lindsay score for the <a href="https://twitter.com/Broncos?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Broncos</a> and complete the hat trick. ⛰️⛰️⛰️ <br><br> : <a href="https://twitter.com/nflnetwork?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@nflnetwork</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MINvsDEN?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MINvsDEN</a> <a href="https://t.co/56rTCuhZ5i">pic.twitter.com/56rTCuhZ5i</a></p>— NFL (@NFL) <a href="https://twitter.com/NFL/status/1028486956513030145?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 12, 2018</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="ORTRJ2">These are two throws we just haven’t seen on a consistent basis from any Broncos quarterbacks in the last two years.</p>
<p id="C4IP6d">That isn’t to say Kelly should be starting any time soon. He is basically a rookie and still a third-string guy, but I see a lot more potential there than I ever saw with Lynch or Trevor Siemian. Even when I was calling for Lynch to start over Siemian, it was more due to my hope he was a better gamer than a practice player. He appears to be neither at this point.</p>
<div class="c-float-right"><aside id="LR07gj"><q>“Even the great ones have to get better each and every day. I can’t wait to watch the film, get back to work tomorrow and keep grinding.”</q></aside></div>
<p id="jDwjOO">For Kelly, he has the football IQ and knows where his weaknesses lie and is working to overcome them. </p>
<p id="51cF97">“Identifying if a man is in zone, read the coverages better,” Kelly said of what he needs to work on. “There’s so much I can get better at. Even the great ones have to get better each and every day. I can’t wait to watch the film, get back to work tomorrow and keep grinding.”</p>
<p id="AbicXJ">He’s competing for a roster spot, but in my eyes he has earned it. It is <span>Paxton Lynch</span> who should be on the bubble at this point.</p>
<p id="xn9Jxw">Kelly is not looking at it the same way. He knows nothing is handed to a seventh-round pick. He still has a lot of work to do if he is going to convince the Broncos to change their course at the backup quarterback position.</p>
<div class="c-float-right"><aside id="2i03HW"><q>“I have to make sure I keep my nose in the playbook and keep studying. I should have studied more on the main zone reads otherwise I wouldn’t have thrown a pick.”</q></aside></div>
<p id="rKXsho">“I can’t look at it that way,” Kelly said when asked if he should be the number two quarterback. “I have to make sure I keep my nose in the playbook and keep studying. I should have studied more on the main zone reads otherwise I wouldn’t have thrown a pick but it’s not about that. We go out there and learn each and every day, each and every practice, each and every snap. The game’s over. We look to the <a href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/">Chicago Bears</a> and get better tomorrow.”</p>
<p id="CitdGD">As we’ve seen from the Vikings, the Broncos have been very patient with Lynch and given up two other quarterbacks who seem to be understanding how to play quarterback in the NFL better than Lynch at this point. It would be a shame if they gave up a third to keep their former first-round pick hopes alive. Pride can be an ugly thing. Just ask the <a href="https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/">Chargers</a> and their three-year odyssey with Ryan Leaf that culminated in a 1-15 record before they finally gave up on a bad first-round pick.</p>
https://www.milehighreport.com/2018/8/13/17679846/chad-kelly-broncos-vikings-gameTim Lynch2018-08-12T12:00:02-06:002018-08-12T12:00:02-06:00Royce Freeman had the best Broncos rookie performance against the Vikings
<figure>
<img alt="NFL: Denver Broncos-Training Camp" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/_tDSSv803hlsWwxHtQ66s8Wa6W0=/8x0:4130x2748/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/60811091/usa_today_11006786.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Denver Broncos rookie who impressed the most was running back Royce Freeman.</p> <p id="CQPUgJ">While <span>Phillip Lindsay</span> had a good night with two carries for seven yards and three receptions for 40 yards and a touchdown, it was <span>Royce Freeman</span> who had the most impressive night of the <a href="https://www.milehighreport.com/">Denver Broncos</a> 2018 rookie class during their first preseason game. </p>
<div id="8yzcPi">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Rollin' in to the end zone!<br><br>We you, <a href="https://twitter.com/rolls_royce21?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@rolls_royce21</a>.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MINvsDEN?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MINvsDEN</a> <a href="https://t.co/Eo1SnQ4Lha">pic.twitter.com/Eo1SnQ4Lha</a></p>— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) <a href="https://twitter.com/Broncos/status/1028463535003656193?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 12, 2018</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="5cGntR">This touchdown run was a thing of beauty. He finished the night with four carries for 38 yards and 1 touchdown in limited work against the <a href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/">Minnesota Vikings</a>.</p>
<p id="hDnDHB">Other rookie performances of note beyond those two running backs:</p>
<ul>
<li id="8X1ags">
<span>Josey Jewell</span> - 5 tackles (3 solo)</li>
<li id="iaVRw6">
<span>Jeff Holland</span> - 1 tackle (solo - TFL), 1 sack, 1 QB hit</li>
</ul>
<div id="pWAC63"><div data-anthem-component="poll:1416989"></div></div>
https://www.milehighreport.com/2018/8/12/17680084/broncos-best-rookie-performance-vikingsJoe Mahoney2018-08-12T11:07:49-06:002018-08-12T11:07:49-06:00Chad Kelly earned a chance. Will he get it?
<figure>
<img alt="NFL: Minnesota Vikings at Denver Broncos" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/hGphZ3HfgZtbs9Yk5MItfh9lTMg=/0x65:3877x2650/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/60811007/usa_today_11070172.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Will Vance Joseph do the smart thing for once and name Kelly the backup?</p> <p id="NoMSRP">We all suffered through two and a half quarters of “we waited eight months for this?” football! The Denver Broncos first-team offense looked no better than last year, and our starting defense hasn’t looked this bad since Mike Shanahan had us all convinced we were “one player away” from a <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/super-bowl">Super Bowl</a> run. </p>
<aside id="kI6yb5"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Chad Kelly has moved above Paxton Lynch on the depth chart","url":"https://www.milehighreport.com/2018/8/13/17686588/chad-kelly-has-moved-up-the-depth-chart"}]}'></div></aside><p id="9h2wNc">I’m not being pessimistic on our offense. The Broncos didn’t gameplan for the <a href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/">Vikings</a> at all, and I have to think that the un-inventive and putrid play calling and execution was a byproduct of this being preseason game 1 and them being vanilla for vanilla’s sake. Otherwise, we’re hosed!</p>
<p id="nZnapw">Our shiny new toy, <span>Case Keenum,</span> looked the part of an NFL QB, except for that pesky “complete a pass” portion of the job description. But again, I’m hopeful. </p>
<p id="WpBubN">Sadly, <span>Paxton Lynch</span> looked worse than he did last year. I’m not sure how that’s even possible, yet here we are, with a complete and utter bust of a first round quarterback. I want to say I was shocked that he couldn’t move past his first read, but I wasn’t. I want to say his interception took me by surprise, but it didn't. In fact, if anything, I figured his interception would have been much, much worse! The only part of Lynch’s game that looked semi decent was him extending his arm to put the football in <span>Royce Freeman</span>’s belly. </p>
<p id="kILBCk">But then there was hope. Down 17-0 there was hope. McKenzie did something and likely earned his roster spot. Which leads me to the next logical question... If McKenzie just earn his roster spot, why hasn’t <span>Chad Kelly</span> earned the backup spot? </p>
<aside id="wTjz23"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"4 winners, 3 losers from Broncos 42-28 loss to Vikings","url":"https://www.milehighreport.com/2018/8/11/17680168/winners-losers-broncos-first-preseason-game"},{"title":"Broncos start preseason with more questions than answers","url":"https://www.milehighreport.com/2018/8/12/17680172/broncos-more-questions-than-answers"}]}'></div></aside><p id="YmRzNf">Here’s the thing, and it’s a complete and total fabricated lie on the part of Vance Joseph. Vance Joseph promised us fans that the #2 quarterback job was a fair competition. But was it? Quick question: How many days left of training camp are there? The answer is two. TWO!!! Not two weeks, but two whole practices (Aug 14 & 15). Vance Joseph said we’d see Kelly with the two’s in training camp. Have we though? Again, two days left. Is he now going to insert him in there with two whole days remaining? </p>
<p id="rcVglR">So what more can <span>Chad Kelly</span> do? He went onto the field and on his first drive, he hits LaCosse in stride down the sideline for a 36 yard touchdown. That’s his first drive out of the gate and the first drive of his NFL career! “But he was wide open”... so what? Just like you never apologize for beating a team on your schedule, you never apologize for hitting a wide open player for a touchdown! There’s usually a wide open receiver or tight end or running back on every single play. It’s up to the QB to find him and get the ball to him. Check and check! Kelly 1, Keenum 0, Lynch 0. Hell, Lynch probably throws that ball out of bounds anyways.</p>
<p id="5iKXUh">Holy crap, what is this called? Is it called hope? Our defense holds and Kelly steps back onto the field. He looks poised and confident. His footwork is good and he stays in the pocket unless there is a wide open running lane and that’s the best option. I loved this kid’s instincts in the pocket.</p>
<p id="k4ThY8">Drive two starts and what does Kelly do? He makes a 3rd & 11 touchdown pass look routine! He hits Lindsay in stride on a crossing pattern for a touchdown. That pass is so easy to either overthrow or under throw. If he throws it behind the WR, it’s an interception. If he throws it 1 foot further, it’s incomplete. He puts it on the money and Lindsay snatches it out of the air and finishes off the drive with a TD. </p>
<p id="2Hdvaz">Chad Kelly: 2.<br><span>Paxton Lynch</span>: negative infinity.<br><span>Case Keenum</span>: 0.</p>
<p id="s75Nni">Not only does Kelly look great, but he just did something that Vance Joseph seems allergic to allow happen... He got the <a href="https://www.milehighreport.com/">Denver Broncos</a> a lead. </p>
<p id="XDexSH">Drive three and the Broncos find themselves in familiar territory under this coaching regime, down by a touchdown. Kelly looks good but throws an interception as he gets sandwiched and tackled to the ground. My Broncos faithful start in with the “Kelly sucks!” “we need a vet” all of that nonsense. </p>
<p id="HmQ3qn">If there is a vet QB available, he’s no better than Kelly. Those wonderful vet’s you all want? Yeah, they throw interceptions too. But worse, they go 3 & out A LOT! There’s nothing a vet backup can do that Kelly hasn’t already done better. And no, <span>Teddy Bridgewater</span> is not going to be the vet backup we get. He’s going to want to be the starter and quite frankly, the Broncos can’t afford him anyways. </p>
<p id="LzJoRt">Again, our coaching staff must think that a one touchdown game is too close, so what’s better than losing by one touchdown? Losing by two touchdowns! </p>
<aside id="WQg7oU"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Instant reactions: Broncos endure series of ups and downs in loss to Vikings","url":"https://www.milehighreport.com/2018/8/11/17679916/instant-reactions-broncos-endure-series-of-ups-and-downs-in-loss-to-vikings"},{"title":"Broncos vs. Vikings: 5 things we learned","url":"https://www.milehighreport.com/2018/8/11/17680044/broncos-vikings-5-things-learned"}]}'></div></aside><p id="VznlYC">Queue up drive four for Kelly. He takes it and marches us down the field with the clock running out. He gets the Broncos to the two yard line, but misses on a touchdown which I don’t even pin on him. I pin that on the garbage play call. </p>
<p id="hH2pI9">Here’s the thing: If Chad Kelly played exactly like this but was drafted in the first round, everyone would be losing their minds with “that’s your franchise QB!” But he wasn’t. If Baker Mayfield, <span>Josh Rosen</span>, <span>Sam Darnold</span>, <span>Josh Allen</span>, or <span>Lamar Jackson</span> looked in their first game the way Chad Kelly looked in his first game, their fanbases, coaches, GM’s, and the media would be tripping over their tongues to praise them and call them the next big thing.</p>
<p id="XwH4lQ">So where is the love for Kelly? He’s a rookie. He was redshirted last year. So where’s the love? Why doesn't he get his earned and deserved shot? Why do we hear this “we need a vet” talk? </p>
<p id="WB4Iye">Vance Joseph, if you have a single redeeming coaching quality in your body, do the right thing and end this backup quarterback nonsense. Name Chad Kelly the backup and get Paxton Lynch out of town. I’m not sure you’ll get anything for him at this point. I doubt you get a backup punter for him at this point. So use him as the camp arm he is and cut him as soon as you can. But end this madness. Chad Kelly has earned his roster spot and he’s earned the backup role. I’ve never seen a backup vet QB the likes of which would be available to us step into a game and play any better than Kelly. Ever! So do the right thing and give this kid his due. He just earned it in his first NFL game. Be grateful that you just got a first round talent in the seventh round!</p>
<p id="zK2kfc">All aboard the $wag Wagon!</p>
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https://www.milehighreport.com/2018/8/12/17680650/chad-kelly-earned-a-chanceBig_Pete19992018-08-12T07:00:04-06:002018-08-12T07:00:04-06:00Broncos start preseason with more questions than answers
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<p>The Denver Broncos finally hit the field. It was meaningless, but meant so much.</p> <p id="zsHjq3">The <a href="https://www.milehighreport.com/">Denver Broncos</a> first preseason game was a loss to the <a href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/">Minnesota Vikings</a>. It was only a preseason game, but it was a pretty big let down. <span>Chad Kelly</span> gave Broncos Country a thrill at the end, but let’s not get too far ahead of ourselves.</p>
<p id="KkIorO">The most important takeaway from the Broncos first preseason game was the flatline performance by the first team offense. <span>Case Keenum</span>’s one completion was just a five yarder to Demaryius Thomas. There were far too many opportunities for Marquette King. Certainly a far cry from the acrobatic touchdown catches from <span>Courtland Sutton</span> during training camp.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Paxton Lynch is in. This is it for Case Keenum’s debut with the Broncos. His line: 1/4 for 5 yards.</p>— James Palmer (@JamesPalmerTV) <a href="https://twitter.com/JamesPalmerTV/status/1028453479482843137?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 12, 2018</a>
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<p id="JDlXsD">The first team defense wasn’t exactly lighting anybody up, either. The Vikings marched right down the field and made the Broncos look all around unprepared. Before we get too concerned, <span>Von Miller</span> never put on his shoulder pads. Can’t disrupt the offense wearing a baseball cap and glasses.</p>
<p id="FJS8yY">The ride didn’t really start in Denver until the backups got on the field. And what happened on that ride was likely the end of <span>Paxton Lynch</span> in Denver. Lynch looked bad, but that is nothing new. The team has grown accustomed to his batted balls at the line, and his interceptions, and his inability to read a defense. What was not expected was how bad he would look next to his competition for the backup job.</p>
<p id="URehDB"><span>Chad Kelly</span> is like the rollercoaster at the amusement park, incredible highs, stomach churning drops, and vomit inducing lows. Lynch is the guy who guesses your weight; disinterested, no fun, and never really accurate. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Chad Kelly hasn't taken a single snap with the 2's this camp.<br><br>Time to change that and see what he can do. Paxton ain't it.</p>— Benjamin Allbright (@AllbrightNFL) <a href="https://twitter.com/AllbrightNFL/status/1028483623438233600?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 12, 2018</a>
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<p id="gM9GEw">Watching Kelly battle with <span>Kyle Sloter</span> down the stretch was actually fun. The game didn’t pick up until their back and forth began. Kelly’s touchdown pass to Philip Lindsey on 3rd and 11 was a thing of beauty. His 4th quarter interception could not have been more telegraphed. Highs and lows.</p>
<p id="1BO3HI">While the Broncos came out second best, Lynch was the biggest loser on the field. Kelly fired up the fans, fired up the players, and put points on the board. </p>
<p id="FnDYjN">At the end of the Broncos first preseason game of 2018, the first team struggles are a concern. They aren’t the end of the world, but clearly something important to watch. The career of <span>Paxton Lynch</span> looks over, and the rise of Chad Kelly has begun. He earned his chance to play with the twos. What is even more apparent? <span>Kyle Sloter</span> never should have been allowed to leave Denver. </p>
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https://www.milehighreport.com/2018/8/12/17680172/broncos-more-questions-than-answersAdam Malnati