Broncos Preseason Game #3 Review

There is a lot to take in about the Broncos game against the Texans on Saturday night. The fact that they lost the game 18-17 is meaningless. The two big stories that come from this game is the fact that Peyton Manning got his rhythm going with new wideout Emmanuel Sanders, and Wes Welker suffered another concussion. That is all you really need to take from this game. Here are my quick thoughts on the game...

1) Manning looked good once again this preseason. His 67 yard touchdown pass to Sanders in the second quarter was a thing of beauty. He followed it up with a sweet 29 yard touchdown pass to Sanders again later in the quarter. The Broncos are going to need Sanders to step up in their passing game this year.

2) Wes Welker suffered his 3rd concussion in the last 10 months. It sounds like Welker is in good spirits and there is a chance that he will be able to play Week 1. There is a lot that has to happen before we get there, but you hope Welker is okay for the Indy game. If he can't go, then you just hope he doesn't have any setbacks and can play as quickly as possible. We know how important he is for this offense and for Manning, and hopefully he can comeback and play well and stay healthy.

3) I love that Manning drew a taunting penalty for yelling at Houston defender D.J. Swearinger after throwing a touchdown pass to Sanders the play after Swearinger knocked out Welker. It is good to see Manning get feisty like that, and maybe that is a harbinger of the way Manning acts and feels as the season progresses.

4) The Broncos finish off the preseason with a game at Dallas. Most of the big name starters won't be in action, but the game will be big for some guys on the fringe of the roster. I'll have a final breakdown of the Broncos 53 man roster selection once that becomes official.