Friday, August 12, 2011

Broncos Drop Preseason Opener

The Broncos lost 24-23 to the Dallas Cowboys last night in their 2011 preseason opener. The loss drops Denver's record to 0-1, and the Broncos return home to face the Buffalo Bills next Saturday at Invesco Field. Here are my thoughts on last night't game:

1) The Broncos were able to drive down the field on the first drive of the game, and they put a field goal on the board. Kyle Orton was 2-6 for 37 yards. Once again, he failed to put the ball in the end zone, and the Broncos managed only a field after have a first and goal from the one.

2) The combo of Willis McGahee and Knowshon Moreno gashed the Cowboys defense and the running game looked really good. Moreno had four carries for 23 yards, and McGahee had two carries for 17 yards.

3) The first team defense gave up a field goal on their first drive against the Dallas starters. They gave up two big plays to Felix Jones, one on a screen, but the defense clamped down and forced the Cowboys to kick a field goal. Not an awful start for the first teamers.

4) Now, the Tim Tebow watch has already begun. Tebow entered the game after the first series along with the other backups on offense. His first series was rough: A interception that was nullified by pass interference, and a bobbled snap which led to a sack. The second series was a dramatically different. Tebow lofted a beautiful pass down the middle of the field to Matt Willis for a 43 yard gain. He was able to get a field goal out of that drive. The next two were okay, and Tebow actually had a one yard touchdown run called back. That drive led to another field goal. Tebow's final numbers were 6-7 for 91 yards. Overall, it was a good performance by Tebow. Nothing he will do this preseason will give him a chance to start, but it once again proved what type of plays he can effectively run. He is solid in the play-action game, and he throws well out of the shotgun. He has trouble progressing through his reads, and he is never going to look perfect in technique. The bottom line is that everyone has to stop judging every move he makes, and they need to just let him develop. Yes, it looks like he is not ready to start yet, but let it be, and just let the kid develop.

5) Brady Quinn looked good last night and put up solid numbers (8-14 120 yards and 1 TD), but remember he was going against third team players and guys who won't be in the league in a month.

6) The interesting position battle to watch lies in the secondary and at tight end. Kyle McCarthy played well at Safety last night, and it might be enough for him to nudge either Darcel McBath or David Bruton out the door. The tight end situation is interesting because Daniel Fells looks like the starter, and Dante Rosario is going to get a good look. Julius Thomas has looked great in camp, but last night proved he really needs to improve his blocking. Richard Quinn and Dan Gronkowski look like the guys on the outside looking in.

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