By Jordan Long
The Denver Broncos beat the Minnesota Vikings in preseason action 33-6. It was a great showing all around even if it was just a preseason game. Some players made an impression in this game.
Of course, the talk in Denver is the quarterback battle. Drew Lock started but the Vikings didn’t play their first team defense. Even so, he looked comfortable in the pocket. Lock was able to see the whole field which is something he hasn’t been able to do in his previous two years. Lock even found a streaking K.J. Hamler who was wide open for an 80 yard pass with 8:26 left in the first quarter which ended in a touchdown. Lock finished 5 of 7 for 151 yards and 2 touchdowns.
Teddy Bridgewater played the 3rd quarter. He didn’t throw the deep ball like Lock but used his check downs. He finished 7 of 8 for 74 yards and a touchdown. The first game for me in the quarterback competition goes to Lock. He played better and was able to throw the deep ball. Bridgewater was just a game manager. Bridgewater will have his opportunity next week to even the score when he starts against Seattle.
Two running backs played well, Damarea Crockett and Javonte Williams. Denver is trying to figure out which running backs to keep on the roster. Crockett showed why he should stay on this team. He is in his second season but has yet to play in a meaningful NFL game. He ran the ball 16 times for 59 yards. Crocket was seeing the hole the offensive line gave him and running through it. He had a long gain of 17 yards. His average yard per rush wasn’t impressive at 3.7 yards but still played well and his showing puts Royce Freeman on the “bubble” for making this team.
Williams is going to be on the roster even if it is as the 3rd running back on the team. The Broncos drafted him high in the 2nd round. He showed flashes of why he was picked that high. Williams totaled 29 yards on 5 carries, a yards per rush of 5.8. He was as advertised. Williams found the lane to run through and he was difficult to take down. He has the edge of being the backup to Melvin Gordon.
On defense first-round draft pick Patrick Surtain earned the start at one of the cornerback positions. The quarterbacks on the Vikings were trying to stay away from his side of the field because they knew he could knock the ball away or intercept it. He made one big play. Surtain intercepted the ball with 11:49 left in the second quarter. He read the eyes of Vikings’ quarterback Jack Browning and took it back to the house for a touchdown. This was a taste of what he could do. He will only improve his game which is going to help this Broncos’ defense. Quarterbacks will learn not to throw to his side of the field.
This was the way Denver wanted to start the preseason. Their next game is on Saturday when they travel to Seattle to take on the Seahawks. Kickoff is at 8 PM Mountain Time. We will see if these players keep impressing the coaching staff or if another one emerges with their play.
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