Mile High Report - Preseason 2021: Broncos at Seahawks - Everything we knowBy Fans, For Fans....Your Source For Denver Broncos News and Commenthttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/50905/mhr-fav.png2021-08-24T23:04:18-06:00http://www.milehighreport.com/rss/stream/223991212021-08-24T23:04:18-06:002021-08-24T23:04:18-06:00Steve Atwater likes the Broncos’ mentality in the preseason
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<figcaption>Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Denver Broncos Hall of Fame safety Steve Atwater joined Broncos Country Tonight to talk about the last preseason game and the ongoing quarterback competition. </p> <div id="ykCmOr"><iframe src="https://widget.spreaker.com/player?episode_id=46222231&theme=light&playlist=false&cover_image_url=https%3A%2F%2Fd3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net%2Fimages.spreaker.com%2Foriginal%2F73c1847e1b5c9a926c437f5e74b527c7.jpg" width="100%" height="400px" frameborder="0"></iframe></div>
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<p id="6gKbt2"><a href="https://koanewsradio.iheart.com/featured/broncos-country-tonight/content/2021-08-24-steve-atwater-with-ryan-and-ben/">On Broncos Country Tonight</a>, <a href="https://www.milehighreport.com">Denver Broncos</a> legend Steve Atwater joined Ryan Edwards in the studio to talk about the teams’ win over the <a href="https://www.fieldgulls.com/">Seattle Seahawks</a> and the ongoing quarterback competition. </p>
<p id="IGNvaL">Atwater loved their preparation and overall mentality through the first two games. Edwards pointed out that the team just seemed more prepared and ready to play. That has led to offensive and defensive domination from all units that played. </p>
<p id="8EX022">What do you think of the Broncos overall mental preparation and focus to detail in these first two preseason games? We’re talking clean football with no accepted penalties from the starters down to the guys who may be cut next week. You don’t often see that in preseason games and is certainly something we should be looking at. </p>
<p id="dNBVjJ">Of course, they also talked about quarterbacks. Edwards pointed out that several of Teddy Bridgewater’s drives were stalled out, but they went for it on fourth down and turned the narrative. Atwater also noted that Drew Lock’s struggles could have been how poorly the interior offensive line played while he was in the game, which may have caused some regression during the game. </p>
<p id="S9yesX">Both are true in my opinion. And both quarterbacks are about the same, so at this point it doesn’t really matter who is named the starter. This coaching staff will likely need to craft an offense that doesn’t rely on either guy to make the plays. </p>
<p id="TyvoaE">This was a great interview. Steve Atwater really doesn’t pick favorites on this topic and focuses on what he sees having studied quarterbacks for decades as a safety in the NFL and an analyst in retirement. </p>
https://www.milehighreport.com/2021/8/24/22640547/broncos-mentality-preseasonTim Lynch2021-08-23T06:00:00-06:002021-08-23T06:00:00-06:00Broncos at Seahawks: The Preseason No Bull Review
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<figcaption>Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>The Denver Broncos won in sound fashion for their 2nd preseason game of the year. Here are my thoughts, opinions, and analysis of the game.</p> <p id="3MJ9Zc">I’m going to start off by saying that I’m cautiously encouraged by what the Broncos have shown so far in the preseason action we’ve gotten to see. They have in both games looked more talented, prepared, and hungry than the opposing teams. </p>
<p id="VN5CdE">Here’s where the caution comes in: the preseason doesn’t mean anything. We should beat teams by double digits when we start our starting QB and the other team doesn’t. When we have the majority of our starting offense on the field, they should be able to perform well and score touchdowns.</p>
<h1 id="2vUgMV">Defense</h1>
<p id="qbaAp2">You really can’t argue in any way about the defense overall. They played sound football for 4 quarters and created multiple turnovers. That’s a recipe for success in the NFL. Even if we don’t have a top-tier QB on the team, no NFL team wants to play a team that can play defense as well as this unit appears to be playing.</p>
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<h2 id="q9f05r">Front 7</h2>
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<cite>Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports</cite>
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<p id="P9McNo">DeShawn Williams was on a mission in this game to show the coaches his capability on the field. He was the #1 defensive player that flashed insofar as being involved in plays. He got a disgusting pick at the end of the half showing superb effort by the big man to make the reach and snag it before it hit the ground. He broke up a pass and recovered a fumble as well (with dreams of the endzone buzzing in his head for all of ½ a second which gave me a chuckle).</p>
<p id="ggPHsA">Jonathan Cooper also was showing off his ability as a pass rusher in the game. He got 2 sacks, a tackle for loss, 2 quarterback hits, a forced fumble, and a pass defense. That’s a hell of a stat line for a rookie OLB, preseason or not.</p>
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<h2 id="O1vTDU">Secondary</h2>
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<p id="6k8sOV">Justin Simmons kicks off the game with a gorgeous INT on the sideline. McGough never saw him in the flat and it cost him big time. This was a savvy play by Simmons who read the QBs eyes and knew instantly where the ball was going based on the route recognition he got post-snap.</p>
<p id="GpaY2k">Michael Ojemudia almost had a pick 6 at the end of the half and really should have made the catch. You can’t ask for a ball to be in a better place as a defender. He had a solid game with two pass defenses and still looks like a good NFL CB to my eyes. He’s going to be the 5th corner on the depth chart and that is probably correct from what I’ve seen...but with time he’ll push for a starting role (or replace a free agent that leaves which is far more likely).</p>
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<h1 id="GpJClH">Offense</h1>
<p id="lMelJL">There’s nothing really to complain about on the offensive side of the ball, either. When your team scores 23 points and gets some turnovers, that’s going to win a lot of football games. It was a solid all-around effort with a sound running game and some really nice sustained drives by the Broncos.</p>
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<h2 id="w0DPip">Quarterbacks</h2>
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<p id="l7wIc9">Teddy Bridgewater put together another superb-looking game with a QBR of 136. On 4th and 5, Bridgewater shows great patience, climbs the pocket, and delivers the strike to Jeudy across the middle for a huge gain. I loved his TD throw on 3rd and goal on the same drive. His accuracy was on point to get 6 on the board. He also threw a gorgeous corner route at the 1 for over 20 yards that was absolutely perfect.</p>
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<h2 id="HAJFXB">Line</h2>
<p id="VR0QzV">The biggest worry I saw in this game was that the starters were losing to the Seahawk backups more often than not in the 1st half. The run game lacked some of the big holes it got last week and Bridgewater had to work the pocket (better than any QB the past 5 years mind you) to keep from getting sacked a few times.</p>
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<h2 id="hbebtL">Running Backs</h2>
<p id="MvzlPc">There was nothing to write home about with any of the backs, but I will say that Royce Freeman looked good on the field. He was making good runs and catching out of the backfield. He looked like a solid backup option for the team, especially as a 3rd down back. </p>
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<h2 id="miBj7u">Receivers</h2>
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<cite>Photo by RJ Sangosti/MediaNews Group/The Denver Post via Getty Images</cite>
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<p id="8vk8NY">There weren’t a lot of targets to receivers we’ll be utilizing heavily to start the season. Jerry Jeudy is showing a play every game where he makes a small catch turn into a huge gain. \</p>
<p id="oUCgch">The biggest thing I’m seeing is that the offense is utilizing more of the field at all levels and making the defense cover. Our receivers are going inside, outside, crossing the field, and going deep. Seeing an offense with no limitations is good, but the only question is going to be will that hold up with whichever quarterback starts?</p>
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<h1 id="XGa4Ph">Special Teams</h1>
<p id="DSRGy0">Our bad coverage on returns has reared its head again. Given that we’ve kept the same ST coordinator for years now, this doesn’t surprise me in the least. Hopefully, the team won’t lose any games because of it or maybe will utilize better players during the regular season to hide the gaffes there.</p>
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<h1 id="9qCO6k">Final Thoughts</h1>
<p id="j8UqLO">I keep coming back to the phrase “cautiously optimistic.” This team is looking good on paper against backups. That’s as much as anyone can say with any serious weight about the Broncos in 2021.</p>
<p id="Rt5Ii2">The biggest thing is that as a fan, I’m hopeful that this team can be in the mix at the end of the season with a winning record and that’s a big step forward from how I felt going into last season.</p>
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https://www.milehighreport.com/2021/8/23/22636887/broncos-seahawks-preseason-no-bull-reviewsadaraine2021-08-22T16:48:24-06:002021-08-22T16:48:24-06:00The Quarterback Decision No Bull Review
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<figcaption>Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>The Denver Broncos are searching for a QB for the 6th year straight...get the No Bull take on what this decision means to the team and the fans</p> <p id="RNBiG5">We’ve got two preseason games and most of the Broncos 2021 training camp under our belts and still, there is nary a starting quarterback named for the <a href="https://www.milehighreport.com">Denver Broncos</a>.</p>
<p id="mrq4ar">I’ve shied away from speaking directly about the competition in my reviews trusting to the process of training camp and the preseason games to show me the reality of what direction the Broncos will go for their 2021 NFL season. But enough with giving the wily vet and the young buck time...a decision has to be made and here’s what it boils down to from this analyst’s point of view.</p>
<h1 id="579Sk8">The Broncos Standard</h1>
<p id="LhOHgg">We’ve been sold the line about the “Broncos Standard” that Pat Bowlen set as being the guiding force for everything the team does for decades. I’m not going to debate the wisdom of that or rightness of it, but I can tell you what that standard means. When Pat was of sound mind, it meant one word:</p>
<p id="574TPl">Winning.</p>
<p id="4HeROz">If this team is ever going to get back to the form it was back in the 90s and 00s, they have to get back to this goal as directing their path. The Broncos need to win games.</p>
<p id="KgGwEa">Vic Fangio needs to win games or he is going to lose his job.</p>
<p id="CNUgKB">George Paton needs the Broncos to win games or he is going to be ran through the ringer for years for passing on Justin Fields.</p>
<p id="QzjUQP">The “ownership” of the team needs them to win games so they can get the best deal possible on whomever the future owner will be of the team.</p>
<p id="vOsGkK">And last, but certainly not least, The Broncos fans need them to win games. </p>
<ul>
<li id="hXXBRk">2017: 5 - 11</li>
<li id="h7TG9t">2018: 6 - 10</li>
<li id="nuI03k">2019: 7 - 9</li>
<li id="xO8FBC">2020: 5 - 11</li>
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<p id="olGHLN">The Broncos haven’t sucked this bad since 1969 - 1972 by comparison (5-8, 5-8, 4-9, 5-9)</p>
<h1 id="26OOLU">Teddy Bridgewater is named the starter because...</h1>
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<cite>Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images</cite>
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<p id="cICtvp">He gives the team the best chance to win games consistently week in and week out. He’s far more accurate, understands how to move in the pocket, and has leadership in spades.</p>
<p id="mlniVD">He’s shown more consistent play through training camp and in preseason action. </p>
<p id="3VPaNQ">...and most importantly, while he doesn’t pose as big a threat with his arm as Lock does, he puts the team in a position to win instead of putting them in a position to lose.</p>
<p id="HJ2huM">This team is coached by Vic Fangio who is one of the greatest defensive minds in the NFL right now. Fangio’s team is going to win by having a great defense and not making mistakes on offense. That seals the deal in my mind of which quarterback gives the Broncos the best chance to have a successful season.</p>
<h1 id="wChkmH">If Drew Lock is named the starter...</h1>
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<cite>Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images</cite>
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<p id="I6yIaD">It means that George Paton has more weight with the decision than he should. That’s the play that gives you a better draft pick with a very small chance of your young buck turning into a legit starting NFL QB.</p>
<p id="YEjE0s">While both QBs took turns running the 1s and the 2s in the preseason game, Drew fell to pieces without starting talent around him. His pocket presence lacked greatly, and he led the team to field goals instead of touchdowns.</p>
<p id="N8eXKA">The two games we saw him in were a microcosm of what we saw in the past 1.5 years from Drew Lock. If things go right and the defense is easy to read, he’s a wizard. If he gets pressured and doesn’t have players playing great around him, he looks like a backup quarterback at best.</p>
<p id="du1mFg">Drew Lock simply hasn’t earned the privilege of starting from what I’ve seen from his play on the field. Kudos to him for not throwing picks like he’s giving out candy at a parade. That’s one step in the right direction...but for him to get the nod he needed to take two or three more steps.</p>
<h1 id="PrfG68">Final Thoughts</h1>
<p id="90INY0">For me, I see a lot of what I saw around the team in the 2015 NFL season: subpar quarterback play means the offense is not going to be a beast, a front seven that is going to cause havoc for opposing passers, and a secondary that is going to be so good that opposing teams have trouble finding the open man downfield.</p>
<p id="qDIy9j">If this team is going to do anything well this year, it is going to come down to the defense. We don’t need a hero at QB for that game plan. We need a QB who will manage the offense, consistently put points on the board, and help us audible out of bad situations to keep from making big mistakes. </p>
<p id="CPFtWy">Broncos Country has always been pretty crazy when it comes to talking quarterbacks, and this year is no exception. I keep hearing from people about how Lock just needs time and he’s practically a rookie. Nonsense. This is his 3rd year in the league. Everyone else had to deal with Covid last year, too. No head coach with any sense is going to make the call to start Lock if their goal is winning football games... not with what we’ve seen from both Lock and Bridgewater through training camp and in preseason action.</p>
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https://www.milehighreport.com/2021/8/22/22637080/quarterback-decision-no-bull-reviewsadaraine2021-08-22T14:34:57-06:002021-08-22T14:34:57-06:00Upon Further Review: Broncos 30-3 win over the Seahawks
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<figcaption>Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>With two preseason games in the rearview mirror, it’s time to start looking at what the 2021 Broncos will look like. </p> <div id="fC7Bmg"><iframe frameborder="0" height="200" scrolling="no" src="https://playlist.megaphone.fm?e=VMP1475116945&light=true" width="100%"></iframe></div>
<p id="i2Xt1q">With two preseason games in the rearview mirror, it’s time to start looking at what the 2021 Broncos will look like. NFL rules require teams trim the roster down from 85 to 80 players by Tuesday, and 53 by 4 PM EST on August 31st. This film review is basically my notes as I reviewed the <a href="https://www.fieldgulls.com/">Seahawks</a> game with an eye on who stood out, who played what, and what it could all mean. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">The Seahawks started 2 offensive players tonight. <br><br>Broncos started 9 or 10, depending on what happens with Justin Strnad. <a href="https://t.co/VBfgiH5XKu">https://t.co/VBfgiH5XKu</a></p>— Joe Rowles (@JoRo_NFL) <a href="https://twitter.com/JoRo_NFL/status/1429270253708656645?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 22, 2021</a>
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<h2 id="zyBthJ"><strong>Specialist</strong></h2>
<p id="kWdbXY"><strong>The guys: </strong>Brandon McManus, Sam Martin, Jacob Bobenmoyer</p>
<ul><li id="B9ApFt">The three big names are all safe. I do wonder what Tom McMahon’s going to do about the rest of the <s>special</s> teams. Hopefully he can get it right by week one.</li></ul>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr"> Big kick returns<br> Catches<br> Blocked punt<a href="https://twitter.com/DallasDeejay?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@dallasdeejay</a> doing it ALL out there tonight. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DENvsSEA?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DENvsSEA</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/Seahawks?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Seahawks</a> <a href="https://t.co/su2dVyoltx">pic.twitter.com/su2dVyoltx</a></p>— NFL (@NFL) <a href="https://twitter.com/NFL/status/1429295384640114693?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 22, 2021</a>
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<h2 id="SIHOFi"><strong>Defensive back</strong></h2>
<p id="ZrIiHM"><strong>Should be safe:</strong> Kyle Fuller, Ronald Darby, Patrick Surtain II, Kareem Jackson, Justin Simmons, Caden Sterns</p>
<p id="p3oaRz"><strong>Seem safe:</strong> Bryce Callahan, Michael Ojemudia(?)</p>
<p id="eWQeCy"><strong>Fighting in the bubble battle:</strong> P.J. Locke, Jamar Johnson, Kary Vincent, Nate Hairston, Parnell Motley, Mac McCain III, Saivion Smith, Trey Marshall</p>
<p id="uwXsZZ"><strong>PUP:</strong> Duke Dawson, Essang Bassey</p>
<ul>
<li id="XfNztD">Fangio dialed up a blitz that sent six rushers on the Seahawks’ opening drive that led to Alex McGough’s 3rd and 13 pick to Justin Simmons. </li>
<li id="jiUNdp">The first team defense used nickel quite a bit with Jackson, Simmons, Fuller, Darby, and Callahan on the field. </li>
<li id="ELi9cf">Surtain played as the second team defense’s left corner. </li>
<li id="NRj7iE">It speaks to the kind of corner Surtain is that he balled out last night and it meant we basically didn’t hear his name called. The rookie put the clamps down. He allowed one catch on a crossing route where McGough faked a sweep going right before he rolled left to buy himself time against a dropping Cooper. </li>
<li id="Kb10c7">Locke didn’t light up the box score this week, but continued to look good running the alley to help in run defense. </li>
<li id="Pl1unV">Hairston’s been used as a nickel across the Viking and Seahawk games and he pitched in six special teams snaps in Seattle. His status probably depends on Ojemudia’s health and if the coaching staff’s willing to try and sneak Vincent and/or Johnson through waivers to the practice squad. </li>
<li id="UYMXqu">Speaking of Johnson, I’m curious if his potential versatility as a nickel is reason to carry five safeties. You can’t cut Jackson or Simmons, and both Locke and Sterns look too good to dump.</li>
<li id="yGohcH">Motley still seems like a longshot for the roster, barring a significant injury to O.J. It will be interesting to see if both he and Smith make it past Tuesday.</li>
<li id="iVboJ7">As I write this, it looks like Ojemudia did not suffer a torn ACL. </li>
<li id="Xo3i6C">Vincent did not log a special teams snap to go with his 24 on defense. Draft pedigree aside, it’s hard to rationalize a roster spot for a backup nickel who doesn’t play on kickoff or punt coverage units. Something to watch for next week.</li>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Easy pick for Justin Simmons <a href="https://t.co/9xTnqRsIQv">pic.twitter.com/9xTnqRsIQv</a></p>— Joe Rowles (@JoRo_NFL) <a href="https://twitter.com/JoRo_NFL/status/1429266313235533836?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 22, 2021</a>
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<h2 id="DqB0kO"><strong>Linebacker</strong></h2>
<p id="lERNED"><strong>Should be safe: </strong>Alexander Johnson, Josey Jewell, Justin Strnad, Baron Browning</p>
<p id="pPhmzp"><strong>Fighting in the bubble battle: </strong>Josh Watson, Curtis Robinson, Barrington Wade</p>
<ul>
<li id="jhtCRT">Strnad looks like he needs to do a better job at the point of attack and separating from blocks. He also reads up pretty aggressively against play action. </li>
<li id="GT96yf">Browning was very limited with 10 snaps on defense and two on special teams.</li>
<li id="7wJDHE">If Watson winds up seeing time in the regular season, the best way to maximize his skillset on passing downs is blitzing. He’s not as quick to read out on routes as Johnson or (2020) Jewell and lacks the athleticism Strnad and Browning have. </li>
<li id="LmqR97">With Browning’s return, I expect Wade to be cut on Tuesday. </li>
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<h2 id="OktYEq"><strong>Edge</strong></h2>
<p id="nLI1nM"><strong>Should be safe:</strong> Von Miller, Bradley Chubb, Malik Reed</p>
<p id="GJHG9z"><strong>Fighting in the bubble battle: </strong>Jonathan Cooper, Andre Mintze, Derrek Tuszka, Pita Taumoepenu</p>
<ul>
<li id="Z7mlUL">The way Cooper constantly set the edge to box everything in really impressed me throughout the game. With Mintze landing on concussion protocol it looks like the Broncos’ four-man edge room is set. </li>
<li id="OFDGlY">Miller and Chubb gearing up to play more snaps in the Rams game could mean Taumoepenu’s chances at sticking around past Tuesday.</li>
</ul>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Jonathon Cooper with a sack on 4th and 15 <a href="https://t.co/bI4F4DAwH4">pic.twitter.com/bI4F4DAwH4</a></p>— Joe Rowles (@JoRo_NFL) <a href="https://twitter.com/JoRo_NFL/status/1429305592930312200?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 22, 2021</a>
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<h2 id="ZrTTqf"><strong>Defensive Line</strong></h2>
<p id="gN7Uqr"><strong>Should be safe: </strong>Shelby Harris, Dre’Mont Jones, Mike Purcell, McTelvin Agim</p>
<p id="FypvMk"><strong>Seem safe:</strong> DeShawn Williams, Shamar Stephen</p>
<p id="t2wE8T"><strong>Fighting in the bubble battle:</strong> Marquiss Spencer, Jonathan Harris, Isaiah Mack</p>
<ul>
<li id="UQR0EY">Jones’ burst off the line is really something. </li>
<li id="lVhG3A">Stephen’s ability to anchor against a double team stood out in this one. He also does a nice job using his length to disengage or leverage off blockers. </li>
<li id="pUy1h4">Williams, Stephen, and Agim simply owned the Seahawks interior when they tried to run during the second quarter.</li>
<li id="VBAtVD">J. Harris looks like the DL7. I expect the Broncos to keep six defensive linemen. </li>
<li id="yBtUZo">Spencer did not log a single special teams snap and I think the Broncos will try and slip him to the practice squad.</li>
</ul>
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<h2 id="VzWmtQ"><strong>Wide Receivers</strong></h2>
<p id="EGdLze"><strong>Should be safe: </strong>Courtland Sutton, Jerry Jeudy, K.J. Hamler</p>
<p id="Er4hMG"><strong>Seems safe: </strong>Tim Patrick, Trinity Benson</p>
<p id="dFajwU"><strong>Fighting in the bubble battle:</strong> Tyrie Cleveland, Diontae Spencer, Kendall Hinton, Branden Mack, Seth Williams, De’Mornay Pierson-El</p>
<ul>
<li id="zF653P">After Bridgewater’s fourth and five pass on the Broncos’ opening drive, Hinton came onto the field in the redzone. For all three plays he was the left boundary receiver, twice out of 22 personnel and then again when Shurmur dialed up a 2X2 gun set that turned into a touchdown for Hamler.</li>
<li id="oQneqJ">One thing that makes Hinton valuable as a tertiary option is his blocking. It should come as little a surprise a guy who willingly played QB without any real practice is willing to do dirty work to make the team.</li>
<li id="Qpfu90">Benson’s split time between boundary and slot receiver. That combined with his route running and hands make him a really appealing WR5. It may not work out that way because of the number crunch at receiver, however, and Benson’s limits on special teams could hurt him. </li>
<li id="vctFf1">Two receivers did not log a single special teams snap in Seattle: Mack and Pierson-El. Both could be gone Tuesday with Sutton’s return to the lineup for the preseason finale.</li>
</ul>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Bridgewater to Hamler for a Broncos touchdown! <a href="https://t.co/bHhFhMwR27">pic.twitter.com/bHhFhMwR27</a></p>— Joe Rowles (@JoRo_NFL) <a href="https://twitter.com/JoRo_NFL/status/1429268076479008772?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 22, 2021</a>
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<h2 id="lzEblb"><strong>Offensive Line</strong></h2>
<p id="j0MMV3"><strong>Should be safe: </strong>Garett Bolles, Dalton Risner, Lloyd Cushenberry, Graham Glasgow, Bobby Massie, Calvin Anderson, Quinn Meinerz, Netane Muti</p>
<p id="v6BACB"><strong>Fighting in the bubble battle:</strong> Cameron Fleming, Brett Jones, Nolan Laufenberg, Austin Schlottmann, Quinn Bailey, Drew Himmelman</p>
<ul>
<li id="9u9IGx">Probably time to pour one out for the “Muti should start over Glasgow” movement. </li>
<li id="nMKEjR">Glasgow’s run blocking isn’t going to excite anyone too much, what he really brings to the table is in pass protection. He combined a very good anchor with good hands, reactive athleticism, and mental acuity. When you consider right tackle and center are both open questions, having a reliable veteran between them is invaluble.</li>
<li id="hPoQwO">Cushenberry’s a key part of the Broncos’ screen game because he’s routinely left to slide out and get in place to help the receiver. This may be one reason why the coaching staff seemingly remains open to Meinerz eventually taking over here down the road, as the rookie is a better athlete in space.</li>
<li id="0FkRpr">On Bridgewater’s long pass to Saubert to get to the one-yard-line, Anderson had a rep where 51 worked past his hands and the quarterback needed to step up to avoid pressure. While you’d like to see him clamp down the rusher off the initial punch, Anderson flips his hips while resetting his hands to push the edge past the QB.</li>
<li id="7UoCjG">Lock’s second sack of the day came on 3rd and 17 on his first drive in the game. The Broncos came out in 11 personnel, a 3X1 set with Jeudy isolated to the left. Seattle sent four with the one technique occupying Cushenberry and Meinerz while the edge over Anderson rushed wide, which isolated Muti in a one on one. <a href="https://twitter.com/JoRo_NFL/status/1429277676448198661?s=20">He lost quickly. </a>
</li>
<li id="iOd04s">The line did a nice job on Lock’s 3rd and six pass to Spencer. Seattle mugged the line and sent five, which left Anderson, Muti, and Cushenberry isolated in one-on-ones. They all held up, and Lock stood tall in the pocket to find his receiver. </li>
<li id="l8j22J">On Lock’s miss to Freeman right before the end of the half the Seahawks sent four with the interior linemen running a game. Cushenberry got taken out in the wash and Meinerz stayed on the penetrator a bit long, which let the looper free to rush up the middle. </li>
<li id="8YAoXW">For all his faults with quickness and in pass protection, Fleming’s still good on downblocks.</li>
<li id="llIpBT">I can only guess<a href="https://twitter.com/JoRo_NFL/status/1429297493251084294?s=20"> who’s to blame for Lock’s trip-sack at the end of the third quarter. </a>
</li>
<li id="7CT5nR">Himmelman and Laufenberg played seven snaps a piece. Four on offense and three on special teams.</li>
<li id="oDpnc5">Jones did not log a special teams snap, which suggests he’s sweating Tuesday. He’s a center who looked miscast at guard last week, and his lack of versatility will hurt when there’s so much young talent ahead of him on the depth chart.</li>
</ul>
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<h2 id="LDe6uX"><strong>Tight End / Fullback</strong></h2>
<p id="MbTFXq"><strong>Should be safe:</strong> Noah Fant, Albert Okwuegbunam</p>
<p id="HMoZny"><strong>Seems safe:</strong> Eric Saubert, Andrew Beck</p>
<p id="rOIgu0"><strong>Fighting in the bubble battle: </strong>Adam Prentice, Shaun Beyer, Austin Fort</p>
<ul>
<li id="dHZqMD">On the Broncos’ first drive Beck played fullback in a 22 personnel play in the redzone.</li>
<li id="a6MGnQ">If you’re into blocking, you’re going to like watching Saubert. He stood out at the point of attack a number of times, perhaps none bigger than Pookie’s fourth and one carry late in the first quarter.</li>
<li id="ORZiF9">Without seeing Okwuegbunam in the preseason, I can confidently say Saubert is <em>at least </em>the second best blocking tight end on the roster. </li>
<li id="3O05S9">Part of me suspects Prentice’s spot on the roster depends in part on the quarterback. Based on the very limited exposure we’ve had to the Broncos’ offense so far, it seems Shurmur wants to use more 21 and 22 when Lock is under center. </li>
<li id="Idpdeg">Beck played 29 snaps when you add in his special teams duties. He logged time at both fullback and tight end. </li>
<li id="9QZVHB">Prentice played 12 offensive snaps to go with two on special teams.</li>
<li id="2JuTFR">Beyer scored a touchdown on one of his 16 offensive snaps in the second half. He did not play on special teams.</li>
</ul>
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<h2 id="tljwom"><strong>Running back</strong></h2>
<p id="XgX1mu"><strong>Should be safe:</strong> Melvin Gordon, Javonte Williams, Mike Boone</p>
<p id="eWJCrT"><strong>Fighting in the bubble battle:</strong> Royce Freeman, Damarea Crockett, Adrian Killins Jr.</p>
<ul>
<li id="ZTu1Rm">Oftentimes we get caught up in the highlight reels runs with backs and for good reason, they’re fun. One of the things that really stands out about Pookie’s contact balance is how he can turn a tackle for loss into a minimal gain by fighting off a defender in the backfield. He converts a 2nd and two on the Broncos’ second drive that really highlights this.</li>
<li id="UPQBcF">Freeman had himself a pretty nice game, in large part because he’s a reliable outlet receiver. He also did a solid job fighting through or past contact. </li>
<li id="wUjiY3">It’s an open question if the Broncos will carry a fourth back because we don’t yet know how Boone’s recovery from his quad injury is going. Freeman definitely looks like RB4, however. Crocket doesn’t offer the same contact balance or vastly superior vision or elusiveness.</li>
</ul>
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<h2 id="xxmu42"><strong>Quarterback</strong></h2>
<p id="JUuTrv"><strong>Should be safe: </strong>Drew Lock, Teddy Bridgewater</p>
<p id="YcIj9q"><strong>Seem safe:</strong> Brett Rypien</p>
<ul>
<li id="ZDKjqv">It’s hard to tell for sure without the all22 angle, but on Bridgewater’s opening rollout pass to Eric Saubert it looks like he could have found Fant if he hadn’t been under pressure from 44.</li>
<li id="pQmLgU">I’m curious to see Tim Jenkins’ thoughts on Bridgewater’s 3rd and 5 miss to K.J. Hamler. Seahawks mugged the A gaps with backers and wound up sending five with 57 dropping off and man coverage on the receivers. Hamler ran a go and Bridgewater threw behind him, it doesn’t look like Teddy had anywhere else to go with the ball. </li>
<li id="Zub4Wd">On the following fourth and five the Broncos dialed up a Mesh concept out of a 3X1 trips nub (solo tight end on the line of scrimmage to the left) with what looks like Jerry Jeudy on a dig from the boundary. </li>
<li id="GsKPA8">If Bridgewater starts I’m pretty sure I’ll complain about his dumpoffs, as there’s multiple instances where he’s choosing a checkdown over more yards downfield.</li>
<li id="YPZ5sb">How Bridgewater handled pressure bearing down is one area where I thought he clearly outplayed Lock. Part of this was how he slid around the pocket to buy himself time, part of it’s how he maintained his composure on rollouts with a defender in his grill. He received high grades on what falls under my “poise” trait for this reason. </li>
<li id="fO26zG">Lock played more drives than Bridgewater did, which led him to a point where he was surrounded by clear second and third string players before he gave way to Rypien. Early on, that wasn’t the case. On his first snap:</li>
</ul>
<p id="jN5FNP">LT: Calvin Anderson</p>
<p id="Ecy1fY">LG: Netane Muti</p>
<p id="fgcfxx">C: Lloyd Cushenberry</p>
<p id="Ep7jq5">RG: Quinn Meinerz</p>
<p id="ayaAzM">RT: Bobby Massie</p>
<p id="qK38De">WR: Jerry Jeudy</p>
<p id="BEmmmy">WR: K.J. Hamler</p>
<p id="D529wt">WR: Kendall Hinton</p>
<p id="aM0vDb">TE: Eric Saubert</p>
<p id="dUbrWi">RB: Royce Freeman</p>
<ul>
<li id="evylvH">On Lock’s second play he took his first sack of the game. The Broncos came out in 11 personnel with Beck playing H-back. On the snap Lock faked the handoff to Freeman, the protection slid to the right while Beck arced back to pick up the backside edge. <a href="https://twitter.com/JoRo_NFL/status/1429277456855339010?s=20">No one accounted for 52 on the Seahawks.</a>
</li>
<li id="bHmkfL">Thanks to Williams pick off McGough, the Broncos got the ball back with three timeouts and 1:02 on the clock at the end of the first half. Lock’s first attempt was to a tight end running what looked like hank route over the middle. On 2nd and 10 Shurmur dialed up a screen. On <a href="https://twitter.com/JoRo_NFL/status/1429282636795715585?s=20">3rd and six Lock found Spencer on a deep crosser.</a> Fangio used two timeouts and Denver burned 20 seconds on these three plays that got them to Seattle’s 44. On the next play Lock hits Benson on a slant for five yards, and the next snap doesn’t go off until there’s 28 seconds on the clock, a checkdown to Freeman that leads to burning the third timeout. </li>
</ul>
<p id="YzTeDH">Lock’s first and 10 pass falls incomplete. The Broncos get a free five yards on the next play because of an offside penalty on Seattle. </p>
<p id="fTHL8S">Lock follows it with a pass to Benson that leads the receiver out of bounds to kill the clock. On 2nd down Lock misses and McManus winds up booting the ball through the uprights for three to end the half. </p>
<ul><li id="0IulMe">Lock’s supporting cast to begin the second half:</li></ul>
<p id="EW6MFp">LT: Cameron Fleming</p>
<p id="c5TCvQ">LG: Netane Muti</p>
<p id="OGLpoj">C: Austin Schlottmann</p>
<p id="eprGID">RG: Quinn Meinerz</p>
<p id="dEfuu4">RT: Quinn Bailey</p>
<p id="imzI3o">WR: Trinity Benson</p>
<p id="tzl5M9">TE: Shaun Beyer</p>
<p id="GZy48c">TE: Austin Fort</p>
<p id="8kfQ12">FB: Adam Prentice</p>
<p id="RKAvYg">RB: Royce Freeman</p>
<p id="llocJu">The Broncos definitely made more liberal use of 22 and 21 personnel during the third quarter. Freeman and Crockett both saw time. When extra receivers came into the game early in the third we saw Williams, Spencer, Hinton. On the last drive Cleveland and Pierson-El were receiving snaps. By the end of the quarter Meinerz and Schlottmann swapped spots, but the rest of the line stayed in tact. </p>
<ul>
<li id="AbLnUG">One thing I liked about Lock’s performance is that he continued to show improvement at setting the hallway and keeping his upper and lower halves connected.</li>
<li id="2H8F8U">I hope to get the all22 view of Lock’s third and eight pass to Austin Fort in the middle of the third. Broncos came out in a 2X2 set, Lock isn’t under any sort of duress and he checks it down underneath. I’d like to see what the rest of the receivers are doing on the play.</li>
<li id="gbuVgI">Lock’s scramble to the left on 3rd and three was a terrific highlight Fangio called “very good improvisation.”</li>
</ul>
<div id="YkY1ON">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Rolling left Drew Lock finds Seth Williams who makes hay after the catch <a href="https://t.co/CkEuOnbpyt">pic.twitter.com/CkEuOnbpyt</a></p>— Joe Rowles (@JoRo_NFL) <a href="https://twitter.com/JoRo_NFL/status/1429295948816072705?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 22, 2021</a>
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https://www.milehighreport.com/2021/8/22/22636625/upon-further-review-broncos-seahawksJust_JoRo2021-08-22T13:02:23-06:002021-08-22T13:02:23-06:00Denver Broncos at Seattle Seahawks: Winners and Losers
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<img alt="Denver Broncos v Seattle Seahawks" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/nUxqTC309EXdNc4A66m5BJnkGfk=/1x0:4878x3251/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/69760850/1335520598.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Which players came out winners and losers</p> <p id="pcVtUz">The Denver Broncos defeated the Seattle Seahawks 30-3 duri<a href="https://www.milehighreport.com">ng their week </a>two matchup of<a href="https://www.fieldgulls.com/"> the preseason. </a>The Broncos moved to 2-0 in the preseason and have two blowout victories in those games as well. In this one, we may have an answer in the quarterback competition and I go over the winners and losers coming out of this game. </p>
<h3 id="g74bEu"><strong>Winner: QB Teddy Bridgewater - Loser: QB Drew Lock</strong></h3>
<p id="7tXsAb">Last week, I thought Drew Lock ran away with the job. He looked great, he had the big plays, and scored two touchdowns. Teddy played well, but it looked like it was leaning that way,</p>
<p id="441TXr">That all changed last night (and I was wrong to jump the gun) </p>
<p id="oo42wx">Teddy Bridgewater played very well while Drew Lock had a rough showing against the Seattle Seahawks second and third team defense. This performance likely swayed the job towards Teddy Bridgewater. The shift towards Teddy was also evident last night amongst the Broncos media.</p>
<div id="JbxJS3">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Fangio sounds like he’s ready to make QB decision in next couple days. Hard to believe it won’t be Teddy Bridgewater. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/9sports?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#9sports</a></p>— Mike Klis (@mikeklis) <a href="https://twitter.com/mikeklis/status/1429312083976282120?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 22, 2021</a>
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<p id="GHEAC7">Bridgewater led two touchdown drives with the first team offense. The first drive was capped off with a pass to K.J. Hamler who worked his way open in the end zone. The key moment in that drive though was when Bridgewater sensed the pressure, stepped up in the pocket and hit Jerry Jeudy for a big play.</p>
<p id="bXqB9i">The next drive had a big fourth down conversion by Bridgewater where he found tight end Eric Saubert at the one-yard line. This was likely the best pass of the preseason from either quarterback. It was perfectly placed and by far Teddy’s best throw of the night in my opinion. The drive ended with a Javonte Williams/Dalton Risner one-yard touchdown run.</p>
<div id="VRqlZu">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Teddy Bridgewater with a really nice pass to Eric Saubert to get to the 1 <a href="https://t.co/nf8ZOYQxJx">pic.twitter.com/nf8ZOYQxJx</a></p>— Joe Rowles (@JoRo_NFL) <a href="https://twitter.com/JoRo_NFL/status/1429273775405780992?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 22, 2021</a>
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<p id="xrWtj3">Bridgewater finished by completing 9 of 11 passes for 105 yards, 1 touchdown, and had a pass rating of 136.7. It was a pretty impressive showing by Teddy who put together a very solid and consistent preseason.</p>
<p id="b8L2Lt">Head Coach Vic Fangio sent a lot of praise towards Bridgewater after the game as well. He praised him up and down and finished by saying he thought he played “very well”.</p>
<blockquote><p id="vVCrdQ">“Teddy played well, obviously. You guys saw it. Some of his good plays were hard quarterback plays, where he had to manipulate the pocket, step up, step laterally, wait for something to come open late. I thought he did really well. He was helped by the fourth-down conversions, but one of those fourth downs was because we dropped a pass on third down that would have been an easy conversion. So I thought he played very well.”</p></blockquote>
<p id="lvjtRl">He continued by praising Bridgewater’s pass to Saubert and repeated that he thought Bridgewater played extremely well.</p>
<blockquote><p id="h19kBK">“Yeah, it was a great throw. We’ve seen him do it in practice, and obviously it was a good catch, good route by Saubert. I thought Teddy played extremely well.”Fangio who has and been rumored to be of the pro-Teddy camp sure did seem fairly excited about this performance. </p></blockquote>
<p id="6pkUK1">As for Drew Lock, man he really just didn’t have it last night. Last week, Drew fever got me and I thought he was going to run away with this thing. Unfortunately, 2020 Drew Lock showed up last night and ruined that. </p>
<p id="rMdzvu">Yes, the protection wasn’t great, but it was the same protection Bridgewater dealt and played well with last week against the Vikings. He was sacked twice, fumbled the ball twice, look flustered at times, missed some throws, and couldn’t bring the offense into the end zone. </p>
<p id="3ECGbg">It just wasn’t a great showing by Lock and he may of lost the job tonight. </p>
<h3 id="Fgyz8J"><strong>Loser: Broncos offensive line</strong></h3>
<p id="5hClrK">The Broncos offensive line looked great last weekend against the Minnesota Vikings, but that changed last night when he<a href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/"> faced the Seahaw</a>ks defensive line. </p>
<p id="Bi0Uoe">Bridgewater handled the pressure well, but it was certainly there. He looked poised and made plays but the Seahawks were coming. It continued with Drew Lock who faced some unblocked defenders and just a good deal of pressure overall.</p>
<p id="TTyoP9">It was just a concerning to see the first-team unit struggle against most of the Seahawks backups. They did very well against the Vikings backups, but that didn’t happen last night. They haven’t faced a ton of starters and won’t next week against the Rams as well, so their true test won’t come until week one against the Giants.</p>
<p id="4l0z33">Hopefully, the unit improves going forward because they will need them to play better to reach the postseason.</p>
<h3 id="pm9rsT"><strong>Winner: DL DeShawn Williams</strong></h3>
<p id="TFrheZ">Big DeShawn Williams is having a solid summer and continued last night against the Seahawks. He had a big boy interception which we all love to see and also had a fumble recovery as well. It was a big night for someone who could be on the roster bubble.</p>
<div id="siWbYI">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">DT DeShawn Williams with a BIG BOY INT. <br><br>And all the <a href="https://twitter.com/Broncos?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Broncos</a> came to celebrate.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DENvsSEA?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DENvsSEA</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/iamDeShawnW?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@iamdeshawnw</a> <a href="https://t.co/0KvILcnhvC">pic.twitter.com/0KvILcnhvC</a></p>— NFL (@NFL) <a href="https://twitter.com/NFL/status/1429282713681338372?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 22, 2021</a>
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<p id="b1bBFg">Williams who appears to be a key reserve solidified that positon last night with a solid showing. It was a performance by a guy who wants to make the 53-man roster from the beginning for the first time in his career. </p>
<p id="eBx4Bz">According to The Denver Posts Kyle Newman, Williams had a <a href="https://www.denverpost.com/2021/08/22/deshawn-williams-highlight-game-broncos-vs-seahawks/">“here to stay”</a> performance.</p>
<blockquote><p id="uhhM4F">“I got cut by this team four times (before), and I’m still here, still making some type of impact,” Williams said. “Like I said before training camp, I don’t want to leave here. I’m letting it be known and I let it be known last year.”</p></blockquote>
<p id="f7hk9v">I expect the Broncos to keep six defensive lineman and Williams figures to be among that six. You have your starters Shelby Harris, Mike Purcell, and Dre’Mont Jones with Shemar Stephen and second-year McTelvin Agim backing them up. That leaves a spot for Williams with no real competition behind him. He’s a solid player and has been one for the Broncos whenever he takes the field. Unless the Broncos add someone from outside the team, Williams makes the 53-man roster. </p>
<h3 id="KlgEXq"><strong>Loser: CB Michael Ojemudia</strong></h3>
<p id="1iW5dY">It was a tough night for second-year cornerback Michael Ojemudia. He first dropped an easy pick six that did him no favors. Unfortunately for him later, he suffered an injury that required him to be carted to the locker room. The fear was an ACL injury, but thankfully that doesn’t appear to be the case.</p>
<div id="ZUJC8V">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Fangio says the early indication on Michael Ojemudia is that it’s NOT an ACL. That’s good. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Broncos?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Broncos</a></p>— George Stoia III (@GeorgeStoia) <a href="https://twitter.com/GeorgeStoia/status/1429311345879441416?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 22, 2021</a>
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<p id="ygdgFS">It has been a tough offseason for Ojemudia. The rookie looked to be a future starter for the team last season only to be benched for a period of time. Then, he watched the Broncos add two veteran starters and draft Patrick Surtain II at 9th overall. This pushed Ojemudia to being the teams fifth corner at best moving forward into the 2021 season.</p>
<p id="HxXbm3">If he does miss any significant time, it only hurts his stock even more moving forward. It’s great to see that it doesn’t appear to be an ACL injury so hopefully he doesn’t end up missing too much time. If he does however, it opens up a roster spot for one of the other cornerbacks on the roster, or for an outside addition before or after cuts. </p>
<h3 id="0Z17x6"><strong>Winner: LB Jonathon Cooper</strong></h3>
<p id="uCSWsR">I was on the Jonathon Cooper bandwagon last week against the Vikings. I kept watching number 53 get after the passer, be in the backfield, and just continue flashing whenever he was on the field.</p>
<p id="yrClc2">That continued in a big way last night.</p>
<div id="BzQxvf">
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">STRIP SACK.<br><br>Jonathan Cooper takes it away for the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Broncos?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Broncos</a>.<br><br> <a href="https://t.co/0QadGFTrpo">pic.twitter.com/0QadGFTrpo</a></p>— Pro Football Network (@PFN365) <a href="https://twitter.com/PFN365/status/1429276255032074243?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 22, 2021</a>
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<p id="CQ80I8">The seventh round rookie who is coming back from multiple heart surgeries this offseason is quickly making a name for himself. </p>
<p id="3xvPtE">He had two sacks last night including a strip sack and likely solidified himself as the teams fourth edge rusher behind veterans Von Miller, Bradley Chubb and backup Malik Reed.</p>
<p id="qDCw2b">Head Coach Vic Fangio confirmed this when he told reporters after the game that he expects Cooper to be a rotational pass rusher behind Von and Chubb this upcoming season.</p>
<blockquote><p id="tb2hTD">He’s made improvement the whole way. The more he plays the better he’ll be. You know, we’re expecting him to be a rotational guy for us behind Bradley and Von, and hopefully he did some good in the special team because we’re going to need him there. But everything you do builds confidence. Once you do it and experience it is worth a whole lot more than anybody talking to you about it.”</p></blockquote>
<p id="QmMvHy">Cooper is a great story and appears to be a significant steal by George Paton and the Broncos who selected him in the seventh round of the 2021 NFL Draft.</p>
<h3 id="ong4AD"><strong>Loser: Special Teams</strong></h3>
<p id="VznDDm">It was an ugly sh<a href="https://www.sbnation.com/nfl-draft">owing by the B</a>roncos special teams unit. They gave up some big returns and also had a punt blocked during the game as well. </p>
<div id="dP6aP9">
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr"> Big kick returns<br> Catches<br> Blocked punt<a href="https://twitter.com/DallasDeejay?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@dallasdeejay</a> doing it ALL out there tonight. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DENvsSEA?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DENvsSEA</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/Seahawks?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Seahawks</a> <a href="https://t.co/su2dVyoltx">pic.twitter.com/su2dVyoltx</a></p>— NFL (@NFL) <a href="https://twitter.com/NFL/status/1429295384640114693?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 22, 2021</a>
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<p id="j8BOck">Head Coach Vic Fangio was asked about this after the game and he criticized the unit and mentioned how these blunders can result in a loss for them if they continue.</p>
<blockquote><p id="UCS735"> “The coverage units in particular. They had a nice kickoff return there on us. They had another one that didn’t go quite as far, and obviously the deflected punt Is, as good as we were playing, those are things that can ruin a game for you.”</p></blockquote>
<p id="dMsdFA">This unit has been an issue for the Broncos for a few years now but it hasn’t resulted in a coaching change so you get what you pay for here. </p>
https://www.milehighreport.com/2021/8/22/22636197/denver-broncos-vs-seattle-seahawks-winners-and-loserScotty Payne2021-08-21T22:56:30-06:002021-08-21T22:56:30-06:00Teddy Bridgewater has an efficient night as Broncos manhandle Seahawks, 30-3
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<p>The Denver Broncos beat the Seattle Seahawks 30-3 in the second preseason game of 2021, but how did the Broncos’ quarterbacks do in this one?</p> <p id="XKa55w">The Denver Broncos had another strong preseason performance and another win, but the only conversation worth having in Broncos Country is who will be starting at quarterback come Week 1. Before we get into the recap, Andrew Mason of DNVR had two great tweets comparing both quarterbacks in the preseason through two games.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Drew Lock’s preseason line to date:<br><br>14-of-21 (66.7 pct.)<br>231 yards<br>11.0 YPA<br>2 TD passes<br>0 INT<br>2 times sacked (15 yards)<br>2 fumbles (both recovered)<br>Rating: 135.2<br><br>Drive results:<br><br>Turnover on downs<br>TD<br>TD<br>Punt<br>FG<br>FG<br>Punt<br>FG<br><br>Points per possession: 2.88</p>— Andrew Mason (@MaseDenver) <a href="https://twitter.com/MaseDenver/status/1429297312107352074?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 22, 2021</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Teddy Bridgewater’s preseason line to date:<br><br>16-of-19 (84.2 pct.)<br>179 yards<br>9.42 YPA<br>2 TD passes<br>0 INT<br>Rating: 141.0<br><br>Drive results:<br><br>FG<br>TD<br>TD<br>TD<br><br>Points per possession: 6.0 (!)</p>— Andrew Mason (@MaseDenver) <a href="https://twitter.com/MaseDenver/status/1429279188733730820?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 22, 2021</a>
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<p id="DbLg3w">To start the game, the Broncos won the coin toss and decided not to get the ball into their quarterbacks hands to start the game and deferred to the second half. That was an interesting choice given the quarterback competition is still undecided according to head coach Vic Fangio.</p>
<h4 id="BTaCiG">Teddy Bridgewater’s Night</h4>
<p id="L9DM6F">It didn’t matter much because the Broncos defense was playing against a backup quarterback to start this game. The <a href="https://www.fieldgulls.com/">Seattle Seahawks</a> first drive ended with a Justin Simmons interception. </p>
<div id="UlKyfw">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Easy pick for Justin Simmons <a href="https://t.co/9xTnqRsIQv">pic.twitter.com/9xTnqRsIQv</a></p>— Joe Rowles (@JoRo_NFL) <a href="https://twitter.com/JoRo_NFL/status/1429266313235533836?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 22, 2021</a>
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<p id="wwQHil">With a short field on his first drive, Teddy Bridgewater almost went three and out. Denver decided to go for it and found Jerry Jeudy coming open over the middle for a huge 35 yard gain and a first and goal opportunity. </p>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Bridgewater to Jeudy for 35 yards on 4th down <a href="https://t.co/o8Uj3IEh40">pic.twitter.com/o8Uj3IEh40</a></p>— Joe Rowles (@JoRo_NFL) <a href="https://twitter.com/JoRo_NFL/status/1429267602866638856?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 22, 2021</a>
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<p id="0jO9hA">Javonte Williams ran it five yards to the two and then Royce Freeman had no gain to setup a third and goal. Bridgewater, from the shotgun, found KJ Hamler wide open in the end zone for the touchdown and early 7-0 lead over the Seahawks. </p>
<p id="v5xY61">Williams continued to show his ability on the next drive breaking tackles. The drive began deep in their own territory and Bridgewater was able to pick up those first downs with the short passing game and Williams running the ball. Near midfield, Williams had a wide open pass that would have been a huge gain, but he dropped it. Williams did redeem himself on fourth down the very next play to pick up the first down.</p>
<p id="H12miU">Yet another fourth down at the Seahawks 25 yard line was converted by Bridgewater to extend the Broncos drive again. Two plays later, Bridgewater found Eric Saubert on a cross over the middle. It was a beautiful pass down to the one yard line that Williams would punch in two plays later. </p>
<div id="sL4IzM">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Teddy Bridgewater with a really nice pass to Eric Saubert to get to the 1 <a href="https://t.co/nf8ZOYQxJx">pic.twitter.com/nf8ZOYQxJx</a></p>— Joe Rowles (@JoRo_NFL) <a href="https://twitter.com/JoRo_NFL/status/1429273775405780992?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 22, 2021</a>
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<p id="KzX0Xi">That 16-play, 87 yard drive would end Bridgewater’s night. He would finish an efficient 9/11 for 105 yards and 1 touchdown pass with a 136.7 passer rating. Denver would be up 14-0 at that point as well. </p>
<h4 id="K3pc54">Drew Lock’s night</h4>
<p id="7aNO4v">Drew Lock started his first drive near midfield after a terrific strip-sack by Jonathan Cooper to set Denver up nicely on the Seahawks side of the field. After a no gain run up the middle by Freeman, Lock was blown up inside for a sack. On third and 17, Lock hesitated and then felt pressure. As he tried to roll out away from the pressure he was sacked again to bring out the Broncos punt team for the first time.</p>
<p id="MiT8HM">Denver’s defense made another interception with an minute to go in the half to give Lock one more possession before halftime. </p>
<p id="R5ql50">Lock would struggle on his first two dropbacks. </p>
<div id="Q1Xmap">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Lock’s time to throw so far on this series:<br><br>1.79 seconds (incomplete to Saubert)<br>2.12 seconds (complete to Freeman in the left flat)</p>— Andrew Mason (@MaseDenver) <a href="https://twitter.com/MaseDenver/status/1429281908970573827?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 22, 2021</a>
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<p id="7YbLgf">However, on third and six, he found Diontae Spencer over the middle of the field. Spencer made the catch and held onto the ball after getting walloped by a defensive back. The play would put Denver across midfield with 44 seconds to go in the half. </p>
<div id="0TTKZ5">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Drew Lock with a clutch throw to Diontae Spencer on 3rd and 6 <a href="https://t.co/hRFNCwQ1gP">pic.twitter.com/hRFNCwQ1gP</a></p>— Joe Rowles (@JoRo_NFL) <a href="https://twitter.com/JoRo_NFL/status/1429282636795715585?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 22, 2021</a>
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<p id="tp3noL">Back to back passes inside ate up the clock. With no timeouts left and 18 seconds left in the half, Lock hesitated and threw off his back foot for a short incompletion to Royce Freeman. From the Seahawks 26 yard line, Lock looked to a quick out route to Trinity Benson for a first down. Then with 11 seconds left, Drew lobbed a ball out of bounds to bring out the field goal unit. </p>
<p id="3K4P9I">Denver would take a 17-0 lead into halftime. </p>
<p id="cwyB2W">Lock would get one more drive in the game to start the third quarter. After a long kickoff return by Spencer, the Broncos would start the third quarter at their own 45-yard line. </p>
<p id="H1TQnr">The drive would start with three consecutive runs by Freeman and a first down. Lock would finally have a clean pock on his first pass of the third quarter and he checked it down to the flat for a three yard gain. A short run would setup a third and five for Lock. Lock again had a clean pock, but overthrew Spencer badly who was just beyond the sticks and open. The Broncos opted to kick the field goal instead of going for it.</p>
<p id="zJcvDD">Most assumed Lock’s night would be done after that drive, but Fangio decided to give him another try to make something happen. After a short run on first down, Lock threw two short passes and a quick three and out. </p>
<p id="nDWTjJ">That drive probably hurt Lock’s chances of winning the job more than anything during the first two preseason games, but who knows, Fangio and company will be looking not only at the games but at practices as well. Fangio must have sensed Lock was in trouble and gave him yet another drive with three minutes to go in the third quarter. </p>
<p id="2tt9dY">With his job theoretically on the line, Lock delivered big on third and three. He was chased outside where he shovel passed it to Seth Williams who took it up field for a huge gain of 34 yards. </p>
<div id="u0x5RC">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Rolling left Drew Lock finds Seth Williams who makes hay after the catch <a href="https://t.co/CkEuOnbpyt">pic.twitter.com/CkEuOnbpyt</a></p>— Joe Rowles (@JoRo_NFL) <a href="https://twitter.com/JoRo_NFL/status/1429295948816072705?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 22, 2021</a>
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<p id="78GZBE">It looked like Denver was going to score a touchdown there, but on third and a short two, Lock didn’t get out of his snap before Austin Schlottman stepped on Lock’s foot to force a sack and another field goal attempt. That would be the end of Drew Lock’s night. No, seriously, that was the last drive for him in this game. </p>
<p id="rJgfAE">Drew Lock finished the night 9/14 for 80 yards with three sacks and two three and outs with a 79.5 passer rating. He did lead the team to three field goal drives as well. </p>
<p id="Ub95VC">Who do you want starting Week 1?</p>
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https://www.milehighreport.com/2021/8/21/22636035/broncos-seahawks-score-preseasonTim Lynch2021-08-21T19:45:00-06:002021-08-21T19:45:00-06:00Preseason 2021: Broncos at Seahawks - Live updates
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<img alt="DENVER BRONCOS, MINNESOTA VIKINGS, NFL" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/B5UDiCA6xaHQwDJxyob7h1jrBSs=/0x0:3382x2255/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/69758933/1333652568.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/MediaNews Group/The Denver Post via Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>The Denver Broncos are on the road again for their second preseason game as they take on the Seattle Seahawks. We are tracking those game updates live.</p> <p id="XhPHRq">The <a href="https://www.milehighreport.com">Denver Broncos</a> (1-0) are a week removed from a healthy <a href="https://www.milehighreport.com/2021/8/14/22624969/broncos-vikings-score-preseason">preseason beatdown of the Minnesota Vikings</a> and will again be on the road for their second preseason game as they take on the <a href="https://www.fieldgulls.com/">Seattle Seahawks</a> (0-1). </p>
<aside id="04Q8iR"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"What should the Broncos expect from the Seahawks? ","url":"https://www.milehighreport.com/2021/8/20/22633855/what-should-broncos-expect-from-seahawks"},{"title":"11 things to look for in the Broncos’ preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks","url":"https://www.milehighreport.com/2021/8/21/22634432/11-things-broncos-seahawks-preseason"}]}'></div></aside><h3 id="TmVGjX">Game preview</h3>
<p id="F7Ejbc">This game marks Teddy Bridgewater’s last chance to secure the starting quarterback job from Drew Lock. Lock absolutely dominated in his start last week and put quite a bit of distance between him and Bridgewater. Head Coach Vic Fangio has held out naming a starter and is clearly sticking to his original plan of giving each quarterback a start here in the preseason.</p>
<p id="d5t02W">In my opinion, even if Bridgewater plays lights out he would also need Lock to show a lot of inconsistency against the Seattle Seahawks’ backups in this game to close the gap. We’ll just have to see how this plays out. </p>
<h3 id="aSwBsk"><a href="https://twitter.com/i/lists/94061706">Broncos-Seahawks live updates</a></h3>
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https://www.milehighreport.com/2021/8/21/22635422/preseason-2021-broncos-seahawks-live-updatesTim Lynch2021-08-21T04:00:00-06:002021-08-21T04:00:00-06:0011 things to look for in the Broncos’ preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks
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<img alt="NFL: Denver Broncos at Minnesota Vikings" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/vZ-o7QUiiY506abBljKYUQQhmAs=/0x117:1958x1422/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/69756727/usa_today_16564405.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Will a QB Lock up the starting job? </p> <div id="plPDLA"><iframe frameborder="0" height="200" scrolling="no" src="https://playlist.megaphone.fm?e=VMP5319284628&light=true" width="100%"></iframe></div>
<p id="aHSlVf">After a week riding high off a 33-6 victory over a Vikings team <a href="https://www.milehighreport.com/2021/8/15/22625174/upon-further-review-broncos-vikings">that sat 30 players,</a> the Broncos are on to the second week of the preseason. With Teddy Bridgewater set to get his turn to start a game before Fangio decides on the week one starter, <a href="https://www.milehighreport.com/2021/8/20/22633855/what-should-broncos-expect-from-seahawks">the big question is: will Pete Carroll play his starting defense?</a></p>
<p id="df1C92">With three days until George Paton has to cut the roster down from 85 to 80, these are the things I’m looking for. </p>
<aside id="KnH2Ez"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"What to expect from the Seahawks. ","url":"https://www.milehighreport.com/2021/8/20/22633855/what-should-broncos-expect-from-seahawks"}]}'></div></aside><h2 id="yKdUs0"><strong>Defense</strong></h2>
<p id="OBS5nM"><strong>1. Who stands out in the secondary?</strong></p>
<p id="eiIthK"><strong>2. How do Jewell and Browning impact the linebacker battles? </strong></p>
<p id="hXwyik"><strong>3. Is McTelvin Agim ready to breakout? </strong></p>
<p id="bpVce9"><strong>4. Is ED4 Jonathon Cooper’s job to lose?</strong></p>
<p id="mLAHM4">The surprise star of the Minnesota game was undoubtedly P.J. Locke III. The second year safety joined the Broncos out of Texas in 2020 and saw the field for almost 80% of the special teams snaps. He entered camp this year as a relative unknown on defense after playing just six snaps there as a rookie. He displayed a quick trigger with good range and flashed good ball skills during his snaps against the Vikings, and to make the roster, he needs to build on it.</p>
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<p id="6M7KIM">While the broadcast angle makes it tough to fairly evaluate secondary play, it shouldn’t prevent anyone from getting a good look at the Broncos’ linebackers. One big story this week is Baron Browning’s return after a lower body injury during OTAs knocked him out of almost the entirety of training camp. The lack of reps could surely hurt his performance, as he’s had precious little time to build muscle memory in the Fangio system, so I hope he gets an opportunity to play before the scoreboard matters. </p>
<p id="lRnvmg">When Browning isn’t on the field, my focus will remain on the second level of the defense. Like the third round pick from <a href="https://www.landgrantholyland.com">Ohio State</a>, Josey Jewell has missed significant time after he suffered a groin injury at the end of July. How he looks leading up to week one could have a significant impact on the makeup of the linebacker corps. and put stress on Justin Strnad to fill in. Even if he’s ready, I’m curious if Fangio trusts the second year backer out of <a href="https://www.bloggersodear.com">Wake Forest</a> enough to give him time over Jewell or Alexander Johnson. </p>
<p id="FoZwNg">The status of Browning and Jewell could also impact how many linebackers George Paton keeps on the active roster. Typically Fangio carries four, but if two of the “big names” aren’t ready to compete at a high level out of the gate, Denver may have to carry an extra body. That element hangs over the bubble battle between Josh Watson, Curtis Robinson, and Barrington Wade.</p>
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<p id="igXsXZ">For the moment, there isn’t a whole lot of drama around the Broncos’ defensive line. So long as health luck shines on the group, it’s pretty obvious who will make the rotation. Shelby Harris, Mike Purcell, and Dre’Mont Jones will play in the base with Shamar Stephen, DeShawn Williams, and McTelvin Agim as key reserves. The second year Razorback is one I’m eager to get my eyes on, as reports suggest he was blowing up camp before an injury knocked him out of the joint practices in Minnesota. </p>
<p id="YPezVn">Looking along the edges, there’s no question Von Miller, Bradley Chubb, and Malik Reed are expected to suit up against the Giants. Behind them we have what looks like one of the tighter battles in camp, only the way has been paved for the 239th pick in this past draft to run away with things. Jonathon Cooper and Andre Mintze had some promising moments in the Vikings game a week ago, but the undrafted rookie now sits in concussion protocol. Pita Taumoepenu and Derek Tuszka remain to push the former Buckeye, but it sure looks like he’s got the lead. </p>
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<h2 id="L9bKHn"><strong>Offense</strong></h2>
<p id="3gNB32"><strong>5. What can Trinity Benson do for an encore? </strong></p>
<p id="TirkKf"><strong>6. Can any of the depth receivers push Diontae Spencer?</strong></p>
<p id="wb153l"><strong>7. Is Netane Muti one of the best five?</strong></p>
<p id="7Y0zFJ"><strong>8. How do Calvin Anderson and Cameron Fleming look? Will anyone else step up?</strong></p>
<p id="cdejgt"><strong>9. What does Shurmur’s offense look like?</strong></p>
<p id="jQKWqy"><strong>10. Beck vs. Prentice</strong></p>
<p id="evWXhC"><strong>11. Is Drew Lock or Teddy Bridgewater “the guy”?</strong></p>
<p id="g4QP6r">It didn’t seem to matter who was throwing Trinity Benson the ball last week as he caught everything thrown in his direction and tossed in a nice return to boot. The third year pro has been a standout in camp and looks like he should be the favorite for WR5, but the receiving corps. is still deep enough that he needs to continue making plays to stay safe.</p>
<p id="fmK0M4">With questions remaining about Paton’s willingness to trade Tim Patrick as well as Courtland Sutton’s recovery, it’d be huge for some of the younger receivers to have a nice game today. Diontae Spencer’s knee injury and subsequent absence left the door open for the unproven receivers to catch the eye of the coaching staff. It remains to be seen if any of them made a favorable impression. </p>
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<p id="cQFMMk">Seth Williams had perhaps the best play of the bunch a week ago, securing the ball in traffic and holding on through contact. Kendall Hinton had a nice block in the Vikings game, but his holding penalty wiped out Benson’s return. Branden Mack and Tyrie Cleveland need to do a better job creating separation in their routes so they aren’t forced to win against tight coverage at the catch point. De’Mornay Pierson-El needs to do something, <em>anything</em>, if he’s going to stick around. </p>
<p id="bJLsEH">Thanks to the broadcast angles on a live game, we’ll have limited insight into the receivers’ work downfield outside of when they get the ball, which should encourage everyone to keep an eye on Netane Muti. When I spoke with The Gazette’s George Stoia on Cover 2 Broncos, he mentioned that the second year guard out of Fresno State has been the best guard in camp. His work at the point of attack was very good in Minnesota, even if I hope he shows more as a puller this week. </p>
<p id="F7iyoi">Outside of Muti, I have some other questions about the offensive line I hope to find answers to today. Calvin Anderson looked like a vastly better player than Cameron Fleming, who showed some issues with recovering after oversetting. There’s mounting evidence that the veteran was a poor signing by George Paton, enough that he could become a late cut when the roster is trimmed to 53 players. The decision will come down to Fleming’s performance, Paton’s willingness to admit a mistake, and the continued development of younger lineman like Drew Himmelman and Quinn Bailey. </p>
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<p id="xq4lXL">Beyond the individual players, one big thing I hope to glean from today’s matchup is hints as to how Shurmur will mold his scheme to maximize the talent on hand. After running three receiver sets on 66% of their offensive plays a season ago, the Broncos leaned on heavier personnel groupings last week. I’m curious if that had more to do with the lack of Courtland Sutton and a desire to evaluate players or perhaps a sign of things to come if Drew Lock is the starting quarterback. A run-heavy attack or at least the presentation of one would help to open up the play action game, something that could simplify reads for Lock and help to create easy completions against biting linebackers. </p>
<p id="BAUWeL">If the Broncos really are moving towards an offensive attack that leans on multiple tight ends and the use of a fullback, Adam Prentice would be a direct beneficiary. He was a pleasant surprise on offense with the kind of blocks that should remind fans of Andy Janovich, and I was quite impressed with his work in pass protection. If Shurmur’s intention is to go back to business as usual with his personnel, there’s going to be an inevitable numbers crunch that pits the undrafted rookie against Andrew Beck, last year’s fullback who offers tight end versatility to go with his reliability on special teams.</p>
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<p id="bdR4F6">Obviously, the biggest development to watch for in today’s game is the quarterback competition. Drew Lock appeared to take a lead after his performance last week. <a href="https://www.si.com/nfl/broncos/film/broncos-drew-lock-mechanics-to-improve">He did a much better job setting the hallway than expected</a>, tying his upper body to his lower, which led to better ball placement than he showed in 2020. His decision-making and poise also looked to have improved in the limited action.</p>
<p id="vPXZLa">In the week since, Fangio has poured cold water on the idea that Lock’s won the job. The Broncos’ head coach mentioned on Monday that Lock and Teddy Bridgewater remain close in play and that their performance over the full week that included joint practices with the Vikings will be a part of the decision. </p>
<blockquote><p id="uzpg7y">“I thought they both played [well]. When you talk about last week, you think about the whole week in its totality. The two practices against Minnesota were important because [it was] our [No.] 1’s against their [No.] 1’s for the most part, and then the game. To me, it was a three-day trip in that regard, and I thought both guys did well.”</p></blockquote>
<p id="Luq4SL">While I believe Lock should get the starting job if the two are so close in play that the preseason games serve as the only separation, it’s worth remembering how reports out of camp <a href="https://twitter.com/JoRo_NFL/status/1424703121226338317?s=20">as well as Noah Fant</a> point to Bridgewater being the more accurate passer. That could be important to a coaching staff that knows they have the playmakers and defense to compete with any team in football. </p>
<p id="4tikcn">Ultimately, today’s game against the <a href="https://www.fieldgulls.com/">Seahawks</a> is just one piece of the QB puzzle. It could also be the final one. Will Bridgewater do enough against the Seahawks’ starters to muddy the waters and emerge as the starter, or can Lock show enough to give Fangio and the coaching staff confidence he may yet develop into a franchise quarterback? His age, arm talent, and potential should give him the edge if all else is equal. </p>
<p id="AcEiw5">I look forward to finding out.</p>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Do you think the Broncos 2022 QB1 is on the current roster?</p>— Joe Rowles (@JoRo_NFL) <a href="https://twitter.com/JoRo_NFL/status/1428865465393233924?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 20, 2021</a>
</blockquote>
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<h2 id="jBPrfG"><strong>Your Broncos’ News</strong></h2>
<h4 id="fYRti4"><a href="https://www.milehighreport.com/2021/8/20/22633855/what-should-broncos-expect-from-seahawks">What should the Denver Broncos expect from the Seattle Seahawks? - Mile High Report</a></h4>
<blockquote><p id="G2lAHK">I spoke with Field Gulls John Fraley to find out.</p></blockquote>
<h4 id="EGTP5m"><a href="https://www.milehighreport.com/2021/8/19/22630035/who-is-and-isnt-safe-for-broncos-roster">Who is and isn’t safe for the Denver Broncos final 53? - Mile High Report</a></h4>
<blockquote><p id="FgffhI">A different kind of roster prediction.</p></blockquote>
<h4 id="Q4xb5q"><a href="https://www.milehighreport.com/2021/8/19/22618480/should-broncos-start-drew-lock-or-teddy-bridgewater">Should the Denver Broncos start Drew Lock or Teddy Bridgewater? - Mile High Report</a></h4>
<blockquote><p id="UIDeQc">On today’s Cover2Broncos, I had a chance to dive deep into Broncos’ camp with The Gazette’s George Stoia to find out.</p></blockquote>
<h4 id="wevDSx"><a href="https://www.milehighreport.com/2021/8/20/22633559/ongoing-quarterback-competition-harm-broncos-week-1">Ongoing QB competition harms the Denver Broncos heading into season - Mile High Report</a></h4>
<blockquote><p id="2XAef8">Does it help, hurt, or no effect that Drew Lock and Teddy Bridgewater continue to split reps with the first team in practice?</p></blockquote>
<h4 id="ySwboA"><a href="https://www.si.com/nfl/broncos/film/broncos-drew-lock-mechanics-to-improve">Mechanics of Denver Broncos QB Drew Lock: Areas to Improve Going Into 2021 - Sports Illustrated Mile High Huddle: Denver Broncos News, Analysis and More</a></h4>
<blockquote><p id="MPHyC8">Drew Lock had a less than stellar season in 2020. Where can he stand to improve mechanically heading into his third year as a pro?</p></blockquote>
<h4 id="8imkZx"><a href="https://www.nfl.com/news/top-25-nfl-free-agents-in-2022-prospective-class-loaded-with-pass-catchers-and-d">Top 25 NFL free agents in 2022: Prospective class loaded with pass catchers and defensive backs</a></h4>
<blockquote><p id="K0mcP2">Even if Sutton’s numbers go down in a crowded Broncos offense this year, prospective teams should consider it a good thing his first year post-ACL surgery will be out of the way before hitting the open market.</p></blockquote>
<h2 id="z50GuV"><strong>NFL News</strong></h2>
<h4 id="qLixG9"><a href="https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2021/08/20/aaron-rodgers-definitely-would-have-accepted-jeopardy-hosting-gig-which-suddenly-is-open-again/">Aaron Rodgers “definitely” would have accepted Jeopardy hosting gig, which suddenly is open again - ProFootballTalk</a></h4>
<blockquote><p id="q3v30i">“Yes, I definitely would have [accepted the job],” Rodgers said. “I mean, if they would have figured out a way to make it work with my schedule, yeah, for sure.”</p></blockquote>
<h4 id="4ok9Dp"><a href="https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2021/08/20/darrell-bevell-trevor-lawrence-gardner-minshew-still-status-quo-in-qb-competition/">Darrell Bevell: Trevor Lawrence, Gardner Minshew still status quo in QB competition - ProFootballTalk</a></h4>
<blockquote><p id="LQLj59">“We’re still going to handle it that way until we end up making the final decision,” Bevell said, via John Reid of the Florida Times-Union. “Right now, they are still status quo. We’re trying to make everybody better. We want competition at each and every position. Both guys are getting better because of it.”</p></blockquote>
https://www.milehighreport.com/2021/8/21/22634432/11-things-broncos-seahawks-preseasonJust_JoRo