Mile High Report - Preseason 2021: Rams at Broncos - Everything we knowBy Fans, For Fans....Your Source For Denver Broncos News and Commenthttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/50905/mhr-fav.png2021-08-28T22:15:48-06:00http://www.milehighreport.com/rss/stream/224101642021-08-28T22:15:48-06:002021-08-28T22:15:48-06:00Quick Game: Broncos 17-12 preseason win over the Los Angeles Rams
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<figcaption>Teddy Bridgewater is QB1 | Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Immediate thoughts in the aftermath of the Broncos’ preseason finale</p> <p id="l6w7Er">As I write this, the <a href="https://www.milehighreport.com">Denver Broncos</a> appear to have escaped the preseason without a significant injury to any member of the starting offense or defense. Knock on wood. Done? Good. So here is what I noticed on the live view of the preseason finale against the <a href="https://www.turfshowtimes.com/">Los Angeles Rams</a>.</p>
<h2 id="JyVhuK"><strong>There is no QB controversy</strong></h2>
<p id="GyyikN">Early in the game it looked like Teddy Bridgewater was going to leave the door open for Drew Lock to make people question a merciful conclusion to the never ending QB competition. After opening 0-4 he began to find his footing and finished with a pretty touchdown to Courtland Sutton. More than the throw itself, what stood out about the play is how Bridgewater maneuvered the pocket to steer clear of the Ram who beat Calvin Anderson. Poise in the pocket isn’t flashy like a big arm or 4.4 speed, but helps the offense stay on track as he can mitigate the rush and keep his eyes downfield. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Look at Teddy keep that play alive. <a href="https://t.co/aoCeJwhRYq">https://t.co/aoCeJwhRYq</a></p>— (@NewhouseNate) <a href="https://twitter.com/NewhouseNate/status/1431797973814431749?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 29, 2021</a>
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<p id="1mwEcp">Drew Lock entered the contest following the touchdown, and had a first half I’m sure he’d like to forget. <a href="https://twitter.com/JoRo_NFL/status/1431805508076322818?s=20">Box score scouts may be able to overlook it because Lock did finish 1/1 for 12 yards and a 116.7 passer rating</a>, but Lock isn’t blameless for the strip sack that killed the Broncos’ two minute drive to end the first. Cameron Fleming got beat around the edge and I promise we’ll get to that tomorrow, but Lock held onto the ball way too long. <a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/4ZWw1hR5nM03VGzQAUF78F">It’s an ugly trend that emerged in training camp that Lock needs to break</a> if he wants to fight his way back into the starting lineup. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Cameron Fleming is beat around the edge. Drew Lock never feels the pressure. Strip sack. <a href="https://t.co/atsZt3k8Yu">pic.twitter.com/atsZt3k8Yu</a></p>— Joe Rowles (@JoRo_NFL) <a href="https://twitter.com/JoRo_NFL/status/1431804622650368001?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 29, 2021</a>
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<p id="c3QSw4">Overall, Lock’s night was a mix of good and bad. He threw a <a href="https://twitter.com/JoRo_NFL/status/1431814445504860161?s=20">nice touchdown to Austin Fort </a>and had a<a href="https://twitter.com/JoRo_NFL/status/1431801199741784065?s=20"> fun scramble out of muddy pocket </a>where the Rams failed to take him down on their first attempt. He also missed a streaking Tyrie Cleveland. More troubling, Lock continued to show signs that his mechanics will break down once he begins to feel the rush. </p>
<p id="5bcFfv">While the talking heads and radio pundits will surely continue to fan the flames to stir up drama, I doubt any of the Broncos’ decision makers are second guessing their decision to start Teddy Bridgewater in week one. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Clean pocket and Cleveland never had a real chance at it. <a href="https://t.co/WSEa6krbzv">https://t.co/WSEa6krbzv</a> <a href="https://t.co/9nkS8xpGE3">pic.twitter.com/9nkS8xpGE3</a></p>— Joe Rowles (@JoRo_NFL) <a href="https://twitter.com/JoRo_NFL/status/1431809911005011973?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 29, 2021</a>
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<h2 id="tSaJqJ"><strong>The defensive line looked as good as hoped.</strong></h2>
<p id="zKVNuo">I suspect there’s going to be a ton of talk about how the Rams’ backups were able to move the ball with relative easy against the starting defense. The Broncos’ playoff hopes will live and die on what Fangio can do, after all. </p>
<p id="tCoNyY">If we’re looking to cast blame, look past the defensive line and edge rushers. They looked nigh unstoppable in limited action. Dre’Mont Jones and Shelby Harris really stood out when I was looking back at the plays with their burst off the snap. Jones also did a nice job holding up to a double team on a short yardage play. While it’s far too soon to say, both Von Miller and Bradley Chubb definitely looked promising. </p>
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<p lang="de" dir="ltr">Von Miller ladies and gentlemen. <a href="https://t.co/bIVrsJzs2M">pic.twitter.com/bIVrsJzs2M</a></p>— Joe Rowles (@JoRo_NFL) <a href="https://twitter.com/JoRo_NFL/status/1431793515772715009?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 29, 2021</a>
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<h2 id="NiNFGT"><strong>Are the linebackers a cause for concern?</strong></h2>
<p id="nxsSpN">Looking past the first line of defense, I thought it was a bit of a mixed performance from the linebackers. Josey Jewell looked better than I dared hope after he missed a bunch of time to the groin injury. He had a nice sack on third down and continued to play the kind of team defense I came to expect from him last year. Alexander Johnson had a sloppy penalty and looked like he ran too far upfield on one of the screens. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">On 3rd and 7 Josey Jewell gets a sack to and the Broncos D is off the field. <a href="https://t.co/yadjZXFz8B">pic.twitter.com/yadjZXFz8B</a></p>— Joe Rowles (@JoRo_NFL) <a href="https://twitter.com/JoRo_NFL/status/1431795364961701889?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 29, 2021</a>
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<h2 id="PODANw"><strong>Special teams shenanigans</strong></h2>
<p id="MfefUc">Going into the game it looked like the return job was wide open with Trinity Benson, Kendall Hinton, and Damarea Crockett getting snaps tonight. Turns out I didn’t think about it enough, because Denver’s thin air made it nearly impossible for any of them to do a thing with the ball. It was really disappointing for both Benson and Hinton; they’ve outplayed Spencer on offense, but may have needed to make an impression on special teams to secure a roster spot. </p>
<p id="7m8Dba">The other big issue I had with McMahon’s teams tonight is how the coverage unit continued to show issues with shedding blocks. This was supposed to be a point of emphasis this week. While I’m fully aware rotating players through kickoff and punt probably impacts the performance, definitely anxious about how they’ll fair when the opposing returners can actually hurt the Broncos.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Broncos ought to sign Corey Bojorquez after the Rams cut him.</p>— Joe Rowles (@JoRo_NFL) <a href="https://twitter.com/JoRo_NFL/status/1431816199831265283?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 29, 2021</a>
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<h2 id="U5rTo3"><strong>Thoughts on the Broncos’ roster battles</strong></h2>
<p id="R9kbd2">Due to a lengthy second drive by the Rams, the Broncos rotated their defensive line and edge rushers. It seems telling for the current depth chart: Shamar Stephen and McTelvin Agim came in for the interior line while Jonathon Cooper and Malik Reed relieved Von Miller and Bradley Chubb. </p>
<p id="4dSzrO">Another thing I noticed early in the game is that when the Broncos were using 21 personnel (two receivers, a tight end, and two running backs) it was Tim Patrick, Courtland Sutton, Albert Okwuegbunam, and Andrew Beck. Part of this may be due to the Broncos giving enough snaps to Jerry Jeudy to rest him some tonight. It also seems to hint that Beck has definitely won the fullback spot over Adam Prentice. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Barrington Wade and McTelvin Agim gets to Bryce Perkins with some unsung help from Jonathan Harris. <a href="https://t.co/h6jCxjHi8r">pic.twitter.com/h6jCxjHi8r</a></p>— Joe Rowles (@JoRo_NFL) <a href="https://twitter.com/JoRo_NFL/status/1431829845521092611?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 29, 2021</a>
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<p id="xo7GbU"><strong>Looks like they made the 53</strong></p>
<p id="cEzTd7"><em>2 QBs: Lock and Bridgewater</em></p>
<p id="SjTt5h"><em>3 RBs: Gordon, Williams, and Boone+</em></p>
<p id="XVOzp0"><em>4 TEs: Fant, Okwuegbunam, Saubert, Beck</em></p>
<p id="38ZxHO"><em>8 OL: Bolles, Risner, Cushenberry, Glasgow, Massie, Anderson, Meinerz, and Muti</em></p>
<p id="Bbq4vE"><em>4 WRs: Sutton, Jeudy, Hamler, Patrick</em></p>
<p id="Ht1LxZ"><em>6 DL: S. Harris, Jones, Purcell, Agim, Williams, Stephen</em></p>
<p id="EFJPrO"><em>4 ED: Miller, Chubb, Reed, Cooper</em></p>
<p id="TaG1xb"><em>4 LBs: Johnson, Jewell, Strnad, and Browning</em></p>
<p id="7G4FrJ"><em>8 DBs: Fuller, Darby, Surtain II, Jackson, Callahan, Simmons, Sterns, Ojemudia+</em></p>
<p id="Z3KQoN"><em>3 ST: McManus, Martin, Bobenmoyer</em></p>
<h2 id="AUa3K9"><strong>Seem safe</strong></h2>
<p id="G7Xlpf"><em>1 DB: Locke III</em></p>
<p id="gaX2jw"><em>1 QB: Rypien</em></p>
<p id="PGMxSJ"><em>1 RB: Freeman</em></p>
<p id="9nJcvc">2 WR: <a href="https://twitter.com/JoRo_NFL/status/1431049978852614147?s=20"><em>Benson</em></a>, Spencer</p>
<p id="8OV9Lc">1 DB: Johnson</p>
<h2 id="8elFhp"><strong>Still fighting in a bubble battle</strong></h2>
<p id="YWJQIX"><em>2 RBs: Crockett, Scott</em></p>
<p id="0MzLRq"><em>3 TE/FBs: Prentice, Beyer, Fort</em></p>
<p id="hIFyoY"><em>4 OLs: Fleming, Schlottmann, Bailey, Himmelman</em></p>
<p id="RU0qo0"><em>4 WRs: Cleveland, Hinton, Williams, Pierson-El</em></p>
<p id="c02XDd">3 DL: Spencer, J. Harris, Mack</p>
<p id="N24GEC">2 ED: Mintze, Tuszka</p>
<p id="C99z7v">2 LBs: Robinson, Wade</p>
<p id="Ptte08">7 DBs: Vincent, Hairston, Motley, McCain, Smith, Marshall</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">At worst, Andre Mintze should make the Broncos practice squad. <a href="https://t.co/DXScSRay8p">pic.twitter.com/DXScSRay8p</a></p>— Joe Rowles (@JoRo_NFL) <a href="https://twitter.com/JoRo_NFL/status/1431826919125831682?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 29, 2021</a>
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https://www.milehighreport.com/2021/8/28/22646599/broncos-17-12-preseason-win-over-the-los-angeles-ramsJust_JoRo2021-08-28T22:07:57-06:002021-08-28T22:07:57-06:00Broncos finish preseason strong with 17-12 win over Rams
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<figcaption>Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>The Denver Broncos finished the preseason strong as they defeat the Los Angeles Rams 17-12. Let the regular season begin!</p> <p id="xOuSli">On <a href="https://twitter.com/MaseDenver/status/1431803904770117632">a smoke-filled evening</a> in the Mile High City, the <a href="https://www.milehighreport.com">Denver Broncos</a> had several key starters returning the lineup for the first time in over a year. All three, Von Miller, Courtland Sutton, and Albert Okwuegbunam got into the mix in positive ways as Denver’s first team took an early lead against the <a href="https://www.turfshowtimes.com/">Los Angeles Rams</a> second team unit. That lead would stick as Denver would finish the preseason 3-0 with a 17-12 win over the Rams.</p>
<p id="MHN4x8">Head Coach Vic Fangio made a nice decision to name Von Miller, Courtland Sutton and Albert Okwuegbunam all co-captains in this game as all three return to game action for the first time since going down with season-ending injuries in 2020. </p>
<h2 id="ypJuLa">First Half</h2>
<p id="L5PTTM">The Broncos lost the coin toss and the Rams elected to receive, so it was Miller who would take the field first. That first-team defense forced a quick three and out against mostly second-string players for the Rams in this game. </p>
<p id="rLZT0M">Melvin Gordon III got his first preseason action in this game starting with the offense. He quickly announced his presence with three carries for 26 yards to get Denver into the Rams side of the field pretty quickly. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Melvin Gordon with a 15-yard run. <a href="https://t.co/wF5lp0fH1E">pic.twitter.com/wF5lp0fH1E</a></p>— Joe Rowles (@JoRo_NFL) <a href="https://twitter.com/JoRo_NFL/status/1431786880446697473?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 29, 2021</a>
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<p id="ok8uYg">The run game was on fire early, but the passing game was not Bridgewater had his first pass dropped by Albert O. His next two passes were poorly thrown and put Denver into a third and 10 on their first drive. He would throw high to well covered Tim Patrick to end the drive. Brandon McManus from 54 yards out nailed the field goal for an early Broncos lead, 3-0.</p>
<p id="TXlRvi">A personal foul penalty on Alexander Johnson jump started the Rams next drive. The Broncos defensive stiffened inside the ten yard line to force a field goal to tie the game.</p>
<p id="ztQlRN">Bridgewater’s struggles continued on the next drive. Gordon had a solid four yard gain on first down and then he hauled in a short pass for another four yards, but on third down Bridgewater overthrew Tim Patrick just at the sticks. That would be the first time this preseason that a Bridgewater-led drive did not produce points.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Teddy Bridgewater misses an open Tim Patrick on 3rd and short. <a href="https://t.co/PMdFR9Oipt">pic.twitter.com/PMdFR9Oipt</a></p>— Joe Rowles (@JoRo_NFL) <a href="https://twitter.com/JoRo_NFL/status/1431792068817563649?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 29, 2021</a>
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<p id="ve3rW0">Denver’s first-team defense continued to stay on the field for the next drive. However Bryce Perkins began to run and throw the Rams offense into first downs as the first quarter came to an end. </p>
<p id="p84DqG">To start the second quarter, the Broncos defense woke up. First Miller nearly landed a sack forcing Perkins inside, but instead tackled him for a short gain. Josey Jewell then exploded up the middle of the field for the sack on third down to force a really long field goal. From 53-yards out, Matt Gay put the Rams up 6-3.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">On 3rd and 7 Josey Jewell gets a sack to and the Broncos D is off the field. <a href="https://t.co/yadjZXFz8B">pic.twitter.com/yadjZXFz8B</a></p>— Joe Rowles (@JoRo_NFL) <a href="https://twitter.com/JoRo_NFL/status/1431795364961701889?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 29, 2021</a>
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<p id="95Gz2f">The time for the starters was coming to end midway through the second quarter. On offense, Garett Bolles and Graham Glasgow were the first to head to the bench. Bridgewater’s first throw found Albert O open in the flat for an eight yard gain. After Gordon got the first down on a four yard run, Bridgewater then found Eric Saubert open in the middle who turned it up field for a 20 yard gain into Rams territory. </p>
<p id="TV39Jn">After a short pass to Saubert again, Royce Freeman took his first carry nowhere to bring up a third and seven around the 40 yard line. Bridgewater then went down the sideline to Courtland Sutton for a 19 yard gain to the Rams 20 yard line. That was a big play for Sutton in his first game action since injuring his knee. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Welcome back, <a href="https://twitter.com/SuttonCourtland?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SuttonCourtland</a>!<br><br> : My20 <a href="https://t.co/1kzT1ySbyg">pic.twitter.com/1kzT1ySbyg</a></p>— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) <a href="https://twitter.com/Broncos/status/1431797048907501575?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 29, 2021</a>
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<p id="ZIXLuq">After back to back runs by Freeman down to the eight yard line, Bridgewater went back to the Sutton well for an 8-yard touchdown to put Denver up 10-6. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Teddy Bridgewater is QB1. <a href="https://t.co/EKFyhxpvlm">pic.twitter.com/EKFyhxpvlm</a></p>— Joe Rowles (@JoRo_NFL) <a href="https://twitter.com/JoRo_NFL/status/1431797684604706816?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 29, 2021</a>
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<p id="H8vopV">With the first team defense done for the night, the second team squad came in. That included rookie Patrick Surtain and Jonathan Cooper. Surtain had two open field tackles and Cooper then came in and made a tackle for a loss. The second team defense wasted little time in forcing a punt with just over four minutes left in the half. </p>
<p id="EMJMvx">Drew Lock got his first action in the game on the offense’s next turn. Like Bridgewater, he would lead the offense to a quick three and out. Unlike Bridgewater, he’s led the team to more than one three and out this preseason. </p>
<p id="DsHdyF">The Broncos defense did their job real quick and gave Lock another chance to get things going with over a minute to go in the half and two time outs. The punt was downed at the one, so that two-minute drive was just a couple of runs to send things into the halftime. However, that strategy changed once Trinity Benson drew a pass interference flag. </p>
<p id="0qjR5t">A completion to Albert O got the Broncos out to their own 24-yard line, but Drew Lock was taking all day in the pocket looking for a place to go with the ball when he was strip-sacked to give the Rams a prime scoring opportunity with 34 seconds left in the half. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Cameron Fleming is beat around the edge. Drew Lock never feels the pressure. Strip sack. <a href="https://t.co/atsZt3k8Yu">pic.twitter.com/atsZt3k8Yu</a></p>— Joe Rowles (@JoRo_NFL) <a href="https://twitter.com/JoRo_NFL/status/1431804622650368001?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 29, 2021</a>
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<p id="xiSC6H">The turnover would lead to a Rams field goal to end the first half to leave Denver up 10-9.</p>
<h2 id="Q72Hvi">Second Half</h2>
<p id="CEp6Dt">With the ball to start the second half, Drew Lock and the Broncos offense did nothing again with their first possession of the second half. On third and 10, Lock had plenty of time and overthrew Tyrie Cleveland deep down the field for the three and out. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Clean pocket and Cleveland never had a real chance at it. <a href="https://t.co/WSEa6krbzv">https://t.co/WSEa6krbzv</a> <a href="https://t.co/9nkS8xpGE3">pic.twitter.com/9nkS8xpGE3</a></p>— Joe Rowles (@JoRo_NFL) <a href="https://twitter.com/JoRo_NFL/status/1431809911005011973?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 29, 2021</a>
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<p id="5EY2vR">The Rams turned that Denver three and out into a lead with a long drive that stalled out inside the 10 yard line, but the field goal put them up 12-10 midway through the third quarter. </p>
<p id="1YIQTP">Drew Lock had not looked good at all up to this point in the game, so it was important for his psyche to get some positive plays on the board. He did that early into the next drive finding Trinity Benson on a deep dig route over the middle for a 21-yard gain. He then found Kendall Hinton for a 13-yard gain, but Head Coach Sean McVay challenged that reception. He lost that challenge. </p>
<p id="2FE70h">Lock continued to stay hot after the failed Rams challenge finding Benson again off play action for a first down toss. He would cap the drive with a 7-yard touchdown pass to tight end Austin Fort to give the Broncos back the lead 17-12. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Drew Lock hooks up with Austin Fort for a Broncos touchdown! <a href="https://t.co/X3mFqX7xcN">pic.twitter.com/X3mFqX7xcN</a></p>— Joe Rowles (@JoRo_NFL) <a href="https://twitter.com/JoRo_NFL/status/1431814445504860161?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 29, 2021</a>
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<p id="XX0XSR">That touchdown drive would end Drew Lock’s night and it was all Brett Rypien and the third stringers from there. </p>
https://www.milehighreport.com/2021/8/28/22644624/broncos-rams-final-scoreTim Lynch2021-08-28T18:45:00-06:002021-08-28T18:45:00-06:00Preseason 2021: Rams at Broncos - Live updates
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<p>Discuss the Denver Broncos home game against the Los Angeles Rams here. A lot of starters are playing in this game, so definitely worth watching. </p> <p id="XhPHRq">The <a href="https://www.milehighreport.com">Denver Broncos</a> (2-0) will host their first preseason game today as the <a href="https://www.turfshowtimes.com/">Los Angeles Rams</a> (0-2) come to town for both teams’ final preseason game before the regular season. </p>
<h3 id="TmVGjX">Game preview</h3>
<p id="F7Ejbc">There will be a lot of starters on the field for the Broncos tonight, so it is clearly not a preseason game being treated like the traditional final preseason game. Instead, it’s being treated as that previous third preseason game. So a dry run of the regular season perhaps. </p>
<p id="gpeBxG">Denver is one of the few teams that have been pushing their starters for playing time early. Many teams have sat 20-30 or more players in games rather than risk injury. We’ll have to see how this strategy plays out compared to teams like the Minnesota Vikings who played their starters very sparingly. </p>
<h3 id="aSwBsk"><a href="https://twitter.com/i/lists/94061706">Broncos-Rams live updates</a></h3>
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https://www.milehighreport.com/2021/8/28/22646188/preseason-rams-broncos-updatesTim Lynch2021-08-28T04:00:00-06:002021-08-28T04:00:00-06:0011 things to look for in the Broncos’ preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams
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<img alt="Denver Broncos v Seattle Seahawks" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/P_W2osTIPYOY-xrTmpgCIClTX0Q=/0x0:3686x2457/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/69787109/1335980825.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Can the Broncos escape the preseason without serious injury?</p> <div id="nfgpBg"><iframe frameborder="0" height="200" scrolling="no" src="https://playlist.megaphone.fm?e=VMP7543111748&light=true" width="100%"></iframe></div>
<p id="B3xrEK">The regular season is almost upon us, and with the conclusion of the preseason comes the inevitable end of a dream for hundreds of men across the NFL. After today’s matchup against the <a href="https://www.turfshowtimes.com/">Los Angeles Rams</a>, the Broncos will begin the process of trimming the roster from 80 players to meet the 53-man deadline by Tuesday at 2 PM MT. With the looming cutdown comes the reality that while today’s matchup doesn’t matter in the standings, it could be the most important game of player’s lives. </p>
<p id="4z923A">Here’s what I’m watching for.</p>
<aside id="P8rilu"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"What position battles are left on the Broncos? ","url":"https://www.milehighreport.com/2021/8/26/22640225/position-battles-broncos"}]}'></div></aside><h2 id="yKdUs0"><strong>Defense</strong></h2>
<ol>
<li id="GkKeAg"><em><strong>Hairston vs. Motley vs. Smith vs. Vincent</strong></em></li>
<li id="sxCBzo"><em><strong>How does Jamar Johnson look?</strong></em></li>
<li id="0F0Amz"><em><strong>How do Strnad and Browning look?</strong></em></li>
<li id="wWIeUt"><strong>Will Tuszka make a late push?</strong></li>
</ol>
<p id="HWTqOb">Michael Ojemudia’s injury could mean the Broncos decide to place him on Injured Reserve for the beginning of the season, but <a href="https://twitter.com/TomPelissero/status/1430623501950595074?s=20">NFL rules</a> demand they carry him through cutdown on the active roster if there’s any hope he can return to play this year. His injury creates a bit of a number crunch on defense, as the Broncos will surely play five or more defensive backs the vast majority of the time. O.J. looked set to open the season at CB5 behind Kyle Fuller, Ronald Darby, Bryce Callahan, and Patrick Surtain II, and if he can’t play early I expect the coaching staff to carry an extra slot defender. </p>
<p id="KpfNeY">When you look at the current roster there are five players who may remain in the race to be a backup corner. </p>
<p id="cwiGYr">If the idea is to grab a boundary corner who can help on special teams, it could open the door for Parnell Motley or Saivion Smith. Both have had their moments in game action, even if they’ve also been toasted a few too many times in camp for my liking. Motley’s more familiar with the system after signing off the <a href="https://www.ninersnation.com/">49ers</a> practice squad last December. </p>
<p id="2Fxm0b">Journeyman Nate Hairston’s had a some nice moments in camp, played in the nickel, and contributes on special teams. If the priority is depth in the short term he makes a ton of sense. If the Broncos’ decision makers are willing to take some lumps as a prospect tries to figure things out, the choice is blurrier. </p>
<p id="Oazk92">Kary Vincent and Jamar Johnson are rookies with experience in the slot, though the vast majority of Johnson’s came when he was at Indiana. Both had a late start to training camp because they landed on the Covid-19 list, however. Vincent’s also done very little on special teams so far. Assuming Johnson can pitch hit as a nickel, it could make a lot of sense to roll with him as it’d help justify five spots being allocated to safety when Justin Simmons, Kareem Jackson, Caden Sterns, and P.J. Locke have all outplayed the former Hoosier. </p>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Update: Michael Ojemudia out 4-6 weeks with hamstring per source. Good news is he suffered injury 3 weeks from season opener. <br>RB Adrian Killins has significant ankle injury. Out several weeks. Both players had flashed during camp. <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/1429873143443857412?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 23, 2021</a>
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<p id="EI1739">While linebacker doesn’t look like it has the same type of drama hanging over it, today probably marks the last time we see Baron Browning on defense for awhile. His injury during OTAs caused him to miss so much camp there’s little doubt he’s behind Alexander Johnson, Josey Jewell, and Justin Strnad on the depth chart. Today is a great opportunity for him to further acclimate to the Fangio system and work on making his reads on the fly. I plan to focus on him during the broadcast. </p>
<p id="ycaRTs">Both the defensive line and edge rotation look like they’re penciled in, which means there isn’t a lot of intrigue to be found barring an injury. This is Derek Tuszka’s last best chance to convince George Paton to stash him on the practice squad or convince a rival NFL team to bring him in. </p>
<div id="LE5j2p"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 46.6667%;"><iframe src="https://giphy.com/embed/UCoISBgVd8RbZPBI8f" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="encrypted-media;"></iframe></div></div>
<h2 id="c3QSw4"><strong>Looks like they made the 53</strong></h2>
<p id="Ht1LxZ"><em>6 DL: S. Harris, Jones, Purcell, Agim, Williams, Stephen</em></p>
<p id="EFJPrO"><em>4 ED: Miller, Chubb, Reed, Cooper</em></p>
<p id="TaG1xb"><em>4 LBs: Johnson, Jewell, Strnad, and Browning</em></p>
<p id="7G4FrJ"><em>8 DBs: Fuller, Darby, Surtain II, Jackson, Callahan, Simmons, Sterns, Ojemudia+</em></p>
<p id="Z3KQoN"><em>3 ST: McManus, Martin, Bobenmoyer</em></p>
<h2 id="AUa3K9"><strong>Seem safe</strong></h2>
<p id="G7Xlpf"><em>1 DB: Locke III</em></p>
<h2 id="8elFhp"><strong>Still fighting in a bubble battle</strong></h2>
<p id="c02XDd">3 DL: Spencer, J. Harris, Mack</p>
<p id="N24GEC">2 ED: Mintze, Tuszka</p>
<p id="C99z7v">2 LBs: Robinson, Wade</p>
<p id="Ptte08">7 DBs: Johnson, Vincent, Hairston, Motley, McCain, Smith, Marshall</p>
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<h2 id="L9bKHn"><strong>Offense</strong></h2>
<p id="5nsilu"><strong>5. How does Sutton look?</strong></p>
<p id="cpMGoh"><em><strong>6. </strong></em><strong>Can any of the depth WR push Spencer?</strong></p>
<p id="JYkbnv"><strong>7. Will Anderson steal RT1?</strong></p>
<p id="TdBpyH"><strong>8. Is anyone on the line safe after the “big eight?” </strong></p>
<p id="iWHrgo"><strong>9. How much action does Prentice see?</strong></p>
<p id="0J3fMR"><strong>10. Will Lock create a bigger QB controversy?</strong></p>
<p id="jQKWqy">On Thursday Fangio confirmed Von Miller, Albert Okwuegbunam, and Courtland Sutton would make their 2021 debuts against the Rams. He shared that while he believes all three are ready to go, they need some game action. While Okwuegbunam’s injury came later in the season, I have little concern about his recovery thanks to conversations with The Denver Posts’ Ryan O’Halloran and The Gazette’s George Stoia. Sutton and Miller are different stories.</p>
<p id="29gaQQ">We haven’t seen the 32-year-old Miller suit up since 2019 at this point, and if the Broncos had no questions about his return from a season ending dislocated peroneal tendon there would have been no drama leading up to the extension to pick up his team option. We know that wasn’t the case. While Miller’s return is already paying spades for the locker room because of his leadership, there’s no guarantee this year’s Von is able to reach the generational level of play we’ve come to expect from him. It’s going to be something to keep an eye on all year. </p>
<p id="MSwt2L">Sutton’s recovery and subsequent play feels a little easier to wrap my head around. He doesn’t come with questions related to an age related decline, simply a season ending torn ACL. It’d be huge for the whole offense if he’s able to recapture his <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl-pro-bowl">Pro Bowl</a> form, and disastrous if the knee hinders his ability to create separation this year. The good news is the fourth year pro sounds confident he’s ready.</p>
<blockquote><p id="w78F9d">“Saturday, I definitely want to be able to go out and play fast and just not think about anything. That was one of my biggest things going into camp. I wanted to be able to go out and build that confidence in myself that my leg is completely fine and that I can go out there and be who I am at a high level. I think that’s exactly what I want to be able to do Saturday and moving forward the rest of the season, just that confidence. The ability is still there, I just have to go do it.”</p></blockquote>
<p id="QCkn9a">Would you believe me if I told you right tackle is the last starting job up for grabs? On Wednesday Fangio said the job was Bobby Massie’s to lose before he came back on Thursday to say the competition between Massie and Anderson is “extremely close,” which may be coach speak to keep a young backup motivated. It could also point to a willingness to chase upside up front with a veteran quarterback under center to mitigate the risk. </p>
<p id="o1ayD1">After right tackle the Broncos’ starting group up front is secure, and yet the offensive line is one of the more intriguing position groups on offense. There looks to be eight locks for the roster when it generally makes sense to carry nine or even more players. Austin Schlottmann is probably among the best nine players, but he’s an interior lineman on a team flush with guards and centers. Cameron Fleming’s been a disappointment, but it costs $1 million in dead money to part ways which could give him the leg up on Quinn Bailey as a fourth string tackle. While Drew Himmelman’s a near lock for the practice squad, I doubt there’s much risk a team would poach him off waivers. </p>
<p id="WfJoQ2">Throughout training camp and the preseason my favorite day for press conferences is Thursday. That’s because it’s the day the Broncos give the podium to their coordinators, which provides some really insightful tidbits mixed into the coach speak and clichés. The insight can be invaluable if you’re trying to figure out where guys stand in their respective roster battles, as it was this week when Tom McMahon confirmed three things to me: <a href="https://twitter.com/JoRo_NFL/status/1431229809762480132?s=20">Andrew Beck</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/JoRo_NFL/status/1431230910238691335?s=20">Eric Saubert</a> have already made the 53-man roster, <a href="https://twitter.com/JoRo_NFL/status/1431233663195287554?s=20">Diontae Spencer</a> has not.</p>
<p id="NXkBFa">With Teddy Bridgewater securing the starting job, I expect Pat Shurmur to continue to run 11 personnel (3 receiver sets) around two thirds of the time. That combined with Fant, Okwuegbunam, Saubert, and Beck create a tough spot for Adam Prentice. The undrafted free agent has done everything you could ask for on offense with his ability to pave the way as a leader blocker and hold up in pass protection. Unfortunately it may not be enough if he can’t secure a bigger role on special teams because Shurmur so rarely uses a fullback.</p>
<aside id="MhaXPX"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Teddy Bridgewater Is a Safe Choice for the Broncos, but Also Probably the Right One ","url":"https://www.theringer.com/nfl/2021/8/27/22643551/teddy-bridgewater-starter-denver-broncos-drew-lock-vic-fangio"}]}'></div></aside><p id="nsGap5">The other big question I have about the game today is Drew Lock’s performance. Beyond the box score numbers, last week revealed the cracks that remain in the third year passer’s game. His mechanics remain inconsistent after he begins to feel a pass rush, and he hasn’t proven his decision making is close to where Bridgewater’s at to this point.</p>
<p id="tGux0L">None of this could matter if he blows up the Rams backups like they’re a bunch of angry Norseman. Lock has the arm talent to put on a show when he finds time in the pocket as he did against the <a href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/">Minnesota Vikings</a>. Given the reactionary nature of media coverage throughout the Broncos’ quarterback competition all offseason, a big day against the Rams backups could create a ton of heat on Fangio and Bridgewater before we’re in spitting distance of week one. I expect it.</p>
<div id="tzENbl"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 50.1149%;"><iframe src="https://giphy.com/embed/pAvkJrmKVecMQ0L84o" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="encrypted-media;"></iframe></div></div>
<h2 id="6Kq2Is"><strong>Looks like they made the 53</strong></h2>
<p id="cEzTd7"><em>2 QBs: Lock and Bridgewater</em></p>
<p id="SjTt5h"><em>3 RBs: Gordon, Williams, and Boone+</em></p>
<p id="XVOzp0"><em>4 TEs: Fant, Okwuegbunam, Saubert, Beck</em></p>
<p id="38ZxHO"><em>8 OL: Bolles, Risner, Cushenberry, Glasgow, Massie, Anderson, Meinerz, and Muti</em></p>
<p id="Bbq4vE"><em>5 WRs: Sutton, Jeudy, Hamler, Patrick, </em><a href="https://twitter.com/JoRo_NFL/status/1431049978852614147?s=20"><em>Benson</em></a></p>
<h2 id="FLXPnN"><strong>Seem safe</strong></h2>
<p id="gaX2jw"><em>1 QB: Rypien</em></p>
<p id="PGMxSJ"><em>1 RB: Freeman</em></p>
<h2 id="6I9Mg7"><strong>Still fighting in a bubble battle</strong></h2>
<p id="YWJQIX"><em>2 RBs: Crockett, Scott</em></p>
<p id="0MzLRq"><em>3 TE/FBs: Prentice, Beyer, Fort</em></p>
<p id="hIFyoY"><em>4 OLs: Fleming, Schlottmann, Bailey, Himmelman</em></p>
<p id="RU0qo0"><em>5 WRs: Spencer, Cleveland, Hinton, Williams, Pierson-El</em></p>
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<p id="56qJCY">The harsh truth about this 2021 roster is there aren’t a lot of jobs left to be had. <a href="https://twitter.com/JoRo_NFL/status/1431228001077932041?s=20">On Thursday Fangio said there were as few as five and as many as eight. </a>By my count it looks like six. If it were up to me, I’d look to carry P.J. Locke, Royce Freeman, and Brett Rypien. I’d also want an extra offensive lineman, another cornerback, and another receiver. Special teams ability would factor heavily into those last two spots. </p>
<p id="5BOS5K">Keep in mind the Broncos could also elect to cut below the 53 before Tuesday and take advantage of their spot in the waiver claim order. George Paton spent 14 years building the Vikings’ roster and could lean into that familiarity. </p>
<p id="0m4K33">The uncertainty around those last open spots provide the backdrop for today’s glorified scrimmage. We’re watching players fight to keep their dream alive, even if the biggest actual question hanging over this meaningless game against the Rams’ second and third string: Can the Broncos escape unscathed?</p>
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<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/yaS-1Cy9slJhs7i1HkNQLFmZrH4=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22810728/Roster2_0.png">
<figcaption>My last best guess at the Broncos 53 before the Rams game.</figcaption>
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<h2 id="Td2xUD"><strong>Your Broncos’ news</strong></h2>
<h4 id="tN1j8e"><a href="https://www.theringer.com/nfl/2021/8/27/22643551/teddy-bridgewater-starter-denver-broncos-drew-lock-vic-fangio">Teddy Bridgewater Is the Safe—but Correct—Choice for the Broncos - The Ringer</a></h4>
<blockquote><p id="IkvR4Y">Vic Fangio could have chosen upside and big-play ability by naming Drew Lock his Week 1 starter, but picking Bridgewater speaks volumes about the coach’s goals for this season</p></blockquote>
<h4 id="XdbX1u"><a href="https://www.milehighreport.com/2021/8/27/22642679/graphical-history-of-denver-bronco-quarterback-play-2016-2020">A graphical history of Denver Broncos quarterback play 2016-2020 - Mile High Report</a></h4>
<blockquote><p id="eCx5rt">A picture speaks a thousand words - how the Broncos QB journey has led them to this moment.</p></blockquote>
<h4 id="rxs0kb"><a href="https://www.milehighreport.com/2021/8/27/22644073/fangio-five-to-eight-roster-spots-still-to-be-decided">Vic Fangio: 5-8 roster spots still to be decided before Broncos cut day - Mile High Report</a></h4>
<blockquote><p id="cgm3kc">There are still some position battles to be had in the final preseason game, though a lot of that may have to do with special teams.</p></blockquote>
<h4 id="yOHgGL"><a href="https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2021/08/26/courtland-sutton-set-to-play-on-saturday/">Courtland Sutton set to play on Saturday - ProFootballTalk</a></h4>
<blockquote><p id="BKZFkD">Sutton tore his ACL in Denver’s first game of the 2020 season and he has not played in either of the team’s first two preseason games, but Broncos head coach Vic Fangio said that the plan is for him to get some snaps against the Rams this weekend. Assuming all goes well, that will put Sutton on track to play against the Giants in Week One.</p></blockquote>
<h4 id="YnshJc"><a href="https://trenchwarfare.substack.com/p/the-top-25-oldl-25-years-old-and?justPublished=true">The Top 25 OL/DL 25 years old & under - by Brandon Thorn - Trench Warfare</a></h4>
<blockquote><p id="cGiLQ3">Jones is an extremely well-coached player with a keen understanding of how to set up his moves as a rusher. The side-scissors is his signature move, and he has an effective counter off of it. He’s just beginning to earn more of a role on a stacked Broncos front. This may seem a little low after looking back in a couple of years, but Jones had to make the list as someone I have been tracking closely since his days at <a href="https://www.landgrantholyland.com">Ohio State</a>.</p></blockquote>
<h4 id="QEOwOK"><a href="https://www.milehighreport.com/2021/8/26/22642861/broncos-2019-teddy-bridgewater">Denver Broncos must believe they have 2019 Teddy Bridgewater - Mile High Report</a></h4>
<blockquote><p id="wtkPDj">Tim Jenkins gives a great breakdown of Teddy Bridgewater’s 2019 season under play calls that are similar to what we’ve seen from Denver this preseason.</p></blockquote>
<h4 id="Yo6cSo"><a href="https://www.milehighreport.com/2021/8/26/22642804/what-does-teddy-bridgewater-have-to-do-to-stick-with-the-broncos-past-2021">What does Teddy Bridgewater have to do to stick with the Broncos past 2021? - Mile High Report</a></h4>
<blockquote><p id="6Y85tX">Mile High Report weighs in</p></blockquote>
https://www.milehighreport.com/2021/8/28/22643841/11-things-to-look-for-in-the-broncos-preseason-game-against-the-los-angeles-ramsJust_JoRo2021-08-27T20:00:00-06:002021-08-27T20:00:00-06:00Tom McMahon will be busy evaluating special teams players in last preseason matchup
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<img alt="NFL: Denver Broncos at Minnesota Vikings" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Y5NvrJEVIEqQ2V8jjRRDNQwxx-U=/351x8:2570x1487/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/69786616/usa_today_16564808.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>ST coordinator Tom McMahon gave a run down on what ST is doing well, what it needs to work on, and how player evaluation is going.</p> <p id="ZQqNEg">In last weekend’s preseason game against Seattle, Denver’s special teams unit left something to be desired. This was especially clear in the long returns they gave up, as well as a blocked punt by Seattle’s DeeJay Dallas.</p>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BroncosCountry?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BroncosCountry</a> LIVE: STC Tom McMahon meets the media <a href="https://t.co/cNGOhyBIY3">https://t.co/cNGOhyBIY3</a></p>— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) <a href="https://twitter.com/Broncos/status/1430983601353641985?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 26, 2021</a>
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<p id="cNg9Ra">Tom McMahon, special teams coordinator, isn’t focusing only on the gloom. </p>
<p id="a9POYH">“Kickoff return has been a bright spot,” he said when he met the media yesterday, adding that they’re averaging over 30 yards per return. “We’re just not getting off blocks.”</p>
<p id="0SujrN">McMahon admitted that special teams came up short in the tackle, kickoff cover, and block prevention. He also had a clear answer for which players on special teams were emerging as leaders - none.</p>
<p id="qA3oIG">“We didn’t cover well,” he explained, “Leaders produce, you know what I’m saying. From a coverage standpoint, you have to go down and tackle, then you get a voice. There’s no voice yet.”</p>
<p id="lSP1gu">Despite this, he doesn’t think their athletes are lacking effort, but rather they haven’t been reared properly at this point.</p>
<div class="c-float-right"><aside id="SWj2aP"><q>“I have to do a better job...it’s not the players. The coaches have to get that done.” -Tom McMahon</q></aside></div>
<p id="ZwsIuj">“No, it’s just the shed. It’s not effort,” he said. “I have to do a better job in practice of getting that full speed for them. It’s not on the players. The coaches have to get that done.”</p>
<p id="d67MbU">On punt returns, McMahon was asked if WR Diontae Spencer was a shoe-in for being primary returner. He said this isn’t the case.</p>
<p id="lLPyLc">“You’ll see some other guys,” he said. “It’s just right now, we’ve only had the chance to really return one ball. All the others have been fair catches, or they’ve been short.”</p>
<p id="cn6zdO">According to McMahon, wide receivers Trinity Benson and Kendall Hinton will definitely be getting shots at returning, as well as running back Damarea Crockett and wide receiver Tyrie Cleveland. He actually said that he’s “impressed as heck” with Benson in particular.</p>
<p id="TT9QBy">McMahon did not hold back in his praise for TE Eric Saubert, either, going so far as to declare him an asset for every unit. </p>
<p id="I5l4qF">“Eric is tough. It’s hard to find a tight end that can run like him, and he is as physical as a linebacker,” he insisted, “He can shed, and he does every single thing you ask him to do.”</p>
<p id="uLqPOI">The ST coordinator highlighted Saubert’s preparedness, saying he comes into the meeting rooms and “all the guys see his notebook.”</p>
<div class="c-float-right"><aside id="h2ZR51"><q>“He’s mean, and that’s what you need.” -Tom McMahon on TE Eric Saubert</q></aside></div>
<p id="2lhAX8">“He’s mean, and that’s what you need,” McMahon said.</p>
<p id="9HTLgb">Taking into account the special team’s shortcomings this preseason, McMahon was asked whether it consoles him that his starters haven’t been employed yet. </p>
<p id="9ClahY">Short answer - it doesn’t.</p>
<p id="NNxjuA">“Every single guy has to play for us,” he said. “You guys all know. The practice squad guys to start the year, they’re playing for you in Week 7. That’s reality in this league.” </p>
<p id="Ah2adO">Everybody on special teams, he says, needs to make plays and shed blocks. Everybody. </p>
<p id="tWBkfZ">McMahon sounded satisfied with the time given to him this preseason, which may come as a surprise considering teams were only allotted three preseason games. He believes the practices against Minnesota provided ample opportunity for player evaluation, and that a fourth game wasn’t necessary.</p>
<p id="MnqQIy">“I think we had four (preseason games) when add the practices with Minnesota,” he said, noting that he used those two days as an evaluation period. ”And to be honest with you, our guys are going to play a lot this week, so we get the chance to really evaluate.”</p>
https://www.milehighreport.com/2021/8/27/22644707/tom-mcmahon-special-teams-eric-saubertEli Nicholson2021-08-27T13:41:22-06:002021-08-27T13:41:22-06:00Mason: Bridgewater can be the QB to change the culture in Denver
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<p>A five-year streak of missing the playoffs starts to bring a losing culture mentality, and Teddy Bridgewater offers the kind of upside that can get Denver out of that cycle.</p> <p id="Iq4xDJ">On the heels of the Broncos naming Teddy Bridgewater the starting quarterback to open the 2021 season - and the ensuing meltdown among many in Broncos Country - Andrew Mason joined Ryan Edwards on Broncos Country Tonight to analyze the decision.</p>
<p id="M4O7id">And as he always does, Mase had some interesting insights into why this decision made sense - not just for Vic Fangio to keep his job - but for the Broncos moving forward.</p>
<p id="D8FUEc">In fact, Mase considers Bridgewater the kind of quarterback the Broncos have been trying to bring in ever since Peyton Manning retired - a decent QB who can just keep the offense moving, allowing the defense to manhandle opponents.</p>
<p id="2vaBCn">“Bridgewater will minimize mistakes to a certain degree, but he will also keep the line moving,” Mason said, pointing out that while in Carolina last season, the Panthers were fifth best in the league for number of plays per possession. “That’s a testament to Teddy’s ability to maybe not get a lot of splash plays but push the team downfield. If Broncos had this type of quarterback in 2016, with that defense, they probably could have gone 12-4.”</p>
<div id="EP0BSJ"><iframe allow="autoplay" width="100%" height="200" src="https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1248-broncos-country-tonight-47478560/episode/08-25-21-andrew-mason-with-ryan-and-86226023/?embed=true" frameborder="0"></iframe></div>
<p id="JtZeMQ">Mase added that even if Bridgewater is only in Denver a year, the ability to help the team to a winning streak, maybe knocking on the door of the playoffs, is not just immeasurable but probably undervalued in terms of improving team culture.</p>
<p id="qltfpJ">He pointed to the 2017 <a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/">Buffalo Bills</a> with Tyrod Taylor when Taylor helped the Bills snap a 17-year streak of missing the playoffs. New head coach Sean McDermott and GM Brandon Beane had learned how to build a winning culture in Carolina, and they brought that mentality to Buffalo, understanding how even a short-term quarterback could help get them ther.</p>
<p id="1mWRrx">“That Buffalo team - they learned how to win close games, meaningful games,” Mason said, pointing out that after beating the Chiefs in Kansas City in November to go 6-5, they closed out the season winning four of the final six and three of the final four games to make the playoffs for the first time in almost two decades. </p>
<p id="kfJbzH">“Yeah Tyrod Taylor wasn’t going to be the long-term guy, but there were plenty of players who would be back and part of it was getting the culture right,” Mase added. “It was really just smart on [McDermott’s] part and so sensible to understand that ‘OK, we can have a QB who is not our long-term guy, and we know it, but he’s good enough for us to stop the bleeding that has gone on for so long.’”</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Courtland Sutton on what Teddy Bridgewater brings to the Broncos <a href="https://t.co/dI1VOKIOE2">pic.twitter.com/dI1VOKIOE2</a></p>— Joe Rowles (@JoRo_NFL) <a href="https://twitter.com/JoRo_NFL/status/1431234720243855363?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 27, 2021</a>
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<p id="yywU6y">Obviously the Broncos haven’t missed the playoffs for as long as the Bills, but ask anyone in Broncos Country, and the last five certainly seem like two decades. </p>
<p id="d6455n">“Certainly it’s been long enough to say, ‘ok, there are some things seeping into the culture here that we need to eradicate’,” Mason said. “Even if this team doesn’t go to a <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/super-bowl">Super Bowl</a>, I think even getting back to being a fringe playoff team matters, even if it’s Teddy Bridgewater playing whole year and he’s not the long-term guy.”</p>
<p id="oBNKKz">Again, Mase looked back to recent history, this time harking back to the Broncos’ five-year stint of missing the playoffs with the final season being a 4-12 record. </p>
<p id="AQt1eb">Then they got Tim Tebow.</p>
<p id="5WACwd">“Broncos obviously got lucky because the AFC West was a dog crap division,” Mase admitted. “But they got in and developed some experience in big games, and...”</p>
<p id="iM0TOL">We all know the end...attracted Peyton Manning to Denver to finish the job of building a championship-caliber team.</p>
<p id="ZL7nap">And that is also potentially the case in Denver. If the Broncos decide to go after a higher caliber veteran next season - as Mase noted, “not mentioning any names, but if, say, a quarterback wasn’t happy with his situation at his current employer - that QB would want to go to a team ready to be great with his addition.</p>
<p id="yVWXwZ">“If you’re sitting there at 9-8 or 10-7, a QB unhappy at his spot, would look at that and go, ‘yeah, I can add four more games there. I can make that team special,’” he said, recalling Manning to Denver and Tom Brady to Tampa Bay.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">For the style of football the Broncos want to play as a team, offensive 3-&-outs are brutal.<br><br>Last year, the Broncos failed to gain a first down on 30.7% of their possessions led by Drew Lock. For Carolina with Teddy Bridgewater, that figure was 18.8%.<a href="https://t.co/HTJTe13Vj0">https://t.co/HTJTe13Vj0</a></p>— Andrew Mason (@MaseDenver) <a href="https://twitter.com/MaseDenver/status/1430913039742627845?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 26, 2021</a>
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<p id="lW9P3P">Edwards pointed out that perhaps some of the hesitancy among Broncos Country to be excited about Bridgewater is the PTSD suffered from recent “bridge” quarterbacks the Broncos have tried to use.</p>
<p id="ZZJcTe">“Oh 100 percent,” Mase agreed.</p>
<p id="tSAFZP">But he doesn’t agree that Bridgewater’s skillset and situation with this defense can be compared to what the Broncos were asking from the previous bridge QBs.</p>
<p id="B5FjX1">“I understand it, but I’d also say, Teddy Bridgewater now is what you were looking for from Case Keenum and Joe Flacco, but they weren’t the right guys for that,” he said. “Flacco, a guy with a great deep ball, was never going to be a controlled type of passer. Case Keenum - that 2017 season he had a bunch of dropped interceptions, so there was a little bit of fairy dust going on there. I think the Broncos fell for a little bit of fool’s gold in 2018.”</p>
<p id="ccPMBg">But also, Mason believes it’s not the end for Lock’s dream as a starting quarterback, either.</p>
<p id="suUTy6">“This is not Drew Lock’s last chance to prove himself. There’s a lot he can learn from Teddy Bridgewater,” Mase said, noting a situation in practice the other day where Garett Bolles was getting heated, and Bridgewater was the guy to go over and calm him down. “He has attributes in leadership, attributes in terms of intelligence - not just football but emotional intelligence as well. That’s the kind of thing Drew can watch and learn from.”</p>
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https://www.milehighreport.com/2021/8/27/22644198/mason-bridgewater-can-be-the-qb-to-change-the-culture-in-denverLaurie Lattimore-Volkmann2021-08-27T04:00:00-06:002021-08-27T04:00:00-06:00Fangio: ‘Anywhere from five to eight’ roster spots still to be decided before cut day
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<p>There are still some position battles to be had in the final preseason game, though a lot of that may have to do with special teams.</p> <div id="vb3A4S"><iframe frameborder="0" height="200" scrolling="no" src="https://playlist.megaphone.fm?e=VMP2119742903&light=true" width="100%"></iframe></div>
<p id="wBeruQ">As we head into the final preseason game of 2021 for the <a href="https://www.milehighreport.com">Denver Broncos</a> its important to keep in mind that there will be a lot of competition for the last few roster spots. Head Coach Vic Fangio was asked about how many of those spots are still up for grabs and he gave a range of five to eight.</p>
<p id="FLdqim">“I haven’t really sat down and looked at it to give you an exact number, but there’s always the usual numbers—anywhere from five to eight.”</p>
<p id="KTrUZX">That seems a bit high to me, but for a team coming off a losing season it might make sense that the back end of the roster is thinner than most making competition much stronger for those final spots. </p>
<p id="t452M9">A big factor in making the team as the 50th-ish guy is how they play on special teams. That is one area you will want to keep a close watch on during the last game for anyone to stand out there. Fangio noted it is a huge factor in those final few spots on the team. </p>
<p id="etwWqp">“It definitely factors in a big, big deal when you’re talking about the backup positions, particularly at linebacker, safety, wide receiver, running back, tight end. Everywhere but the o-line, d-line and quarterback. It’s a big factor.”</p>
<p id="1D4YZK">Fangio also noted that newly minted Broncos starting quarterback, Teddy Bridgewater, would also be playing in the final preseason game, so we have even more of a reason to watch in that regard as well. </p>
<h2 id="oo9uDC">Horse Tracks</h2>
<p id="PA7bnu"><a href="https://www.denverbroncos.com/news/courtland-sutton-and-von-miller-to-take-final-step-in-rehab-return-to-game-actio">Courtland Sutton, Von Miller to take final step in rehab, return to game action vs. Rams</a><br>"I’ve missed the game," Sutton said. "I’ve missed the game a lot."</p>
<p id="rwVzfu"><a href="https://www.denverbroncos.com/video/shurmur-there-was-constant-discussion-throughout-broncos-qb-competition">Shurmur: 'There was constant discussion' throughout Broncos' QB competition</a><br>Offensive Coordinator Pat Shurmur discusses the process of the Broncos' quarterback competition, why the team is excited for QB Teddy Bridgewater and more.</p>
<p id="yVIXtB"><a href="https://www.denverbroncos.com/news/injuryreport/injury-report-broncos-don-t-expect-noah-fant-to-miss-regular-season-action">Injury Report: Broncos don’t expect Noah Fant to miss regular-season action</a><br>Fant missed his third consecutive practice on Thursday.</p>
<p id="v8sm78"><a href="https://www.denverbroncos.com/news/denver-broncos-los-angeles-rams-preseason-week-3-watch-listen-live-stream">Broncos vs. Rams: How to watch, listen and live stream</a><br>How to watch, listen to and live stream the Denver Broncos vs. Los Angeles Rams game on August 28, 2021.</p>
<p id="bHbM5U"><a href="https://www.9news.com/article/sports/nfl/denver-broncos/bradley-chubb-garett-bolles/73-30065db8-83fd-41a4-876a-0f49a87b4d3f">Bradley Chubb and Garett Bolles at it again</a><br>Fangio has practiced his players relatively long and hard the past two days. Chubb and Bolles mixed it up in the final half hour Wednesday.</p>
<p id="hga9gD"><a href="https://broncoswire.usatoday.com/lists/denver-broncos-updated-depth-chart-second-round-2021-roster-cuts/">Denver Broncos: Updated depth chart after second wave of roster cuts</a><br>After trimming the roster down to 80 players, the Broncos updated their depth chart.</p>
<p id="Vn4TVe"><a href="https://denver.cbslocal.com/2021/08/26/september-11-denver-ceremony-remembrance-peyton-manning-john-elway-kenny-loggins/">Peyton Manning And John Elway To Participate In Denver Event Commemorating 20 Year Anniversary of 9/11 Attacks</a><br>The 20th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks is coming up in a little over 2 weeks, and details have just been announced for what will surely be one of Colorado's largest remembrance ceremonies.</p>
<p id="ERjPM8"><a href="https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2021/8/26/22643077/bills-covid-masks-nfl-forfeit">Some Bills players are ready to throw away everything because of Covid</a><br>The Bills seem hellbent on destroying their season.</p>
<p id="du4mIe"><a href="https://www.patspulpit.com/2021/8/26/22642554/patriots-rams-change-terms-sony-michel-trade">Why the Patriots and Rams had to change the terms of the Sony Michel trade</a><br>The originally reported structure had to be altered.</p>
<p id="lzk7Oo"></p>
https://www.milehighreport.com/2021/8/27/22644073/fangio-five-to-eight-roster-spots-still-to-be-decidedTim Lynch2021-08-26T10:00:00-06:002021-08-26T10:00:00-06:00Broncos must believe they have 2019 Teddy Bridgewater
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<figcaption>Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Tim Jenkins gives a great breakdown of Teddy Bridgewater’s 2019 season under play calls that are similar to what we’ve seen from Denver this preseason. </p> <p id="8D1pEq">There is much debate over quarterbacks anywhere <a href="https://www.milehighreport.com">Denver Broncos</a> are able to meet and chat since Head Coach Vic Fangio named Teddy Bridgewater the team’s starter heading into the 2021 season. A lot of people point to Bridgewater’s struggles in 2020, which they seem to disregard when it comes to Drew Lock - but I digress, however, if you look at Bridgewater with the <a href="https://www.canalstreetchronicles.com/">New Orleans Saints</a> in 2019 you get a much different picture. </p>
<p id="HRF6ar">Tim Jenkins broke Bridgewater’s game down <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aRcRhQYMUn4">from that season in the video above</a> with a focus on how similar some of the concepts that Saints team ran and with what we’ve seen from the Broncos in the preseason. </p>
<p id="Lejtpj">If this is what Denver gets out of Teddy Bridgewater, then this offense could be a lot better than people give credit for. </p>
https://www.milehighreport.com/2021/8/26/22642861/broncos-2019-teddy-bridgewaterTim Lynch