The Denver Broncos first preseason game is tonight in Seattle. Kickoff is at 8:00 PM Mountain Time. Quarterback Peyton Manning is not expected to play but other starters may be in for one series. NFL rosters need to be down to 75 by September 4th. Tonight’s game will give some of these players not only playing time, but film to take to other teams in case they are cut. Who needs to show the coaching staff they should stay on this team?
Back-up quarterback Brock Osweiler is in the last year of his rookie contract. He is probably going to play the majority of the first half. He needs to prove to the Denver Broncos’ coaching staff that he deserves a contract extension. He must have a strong game and play well the rest of the preseason.
A very interesting battle is the running back position. The Broncos know that C.J. Anderson, Montee Ball, and Ronnie Hillman are going to be in a Broncos uniform. That leaves Juwan Thompson, Jeremy Stewart, and Kapri Bibbs all fighting for that last running back spot. Last year, Bibbs had an excellent preseason running for 84 yards and 3 touchdowns but the Broncos placed him on the practice squad. Juwan Thompson has the edge because he had carries last year in the regular season. One of these backs must show they’re above the rest. They need to do this in the preseason, display to the coaching staff they should be on the roster.
The place-kicker job could be on the line in these preseason games. Brandon McManus started out as the kicker last season when the Broncos cut Matt Prater. He struggled and made 9 of 13 kicks with a long of 44. Denver decided to sign Connor Barth. All Barth did was make field goals, missing only one with a long of 50. McManus was the kickoff specialist. Denver can’t afford to keep both of these athletes. One of them will be Denver’s last cut. Who will it be? It should go to Connor Barth since he was the better kicker. McManus has to demonstrate he can be a reliable kicker for this team. He has yet to do that.
The Broncos aren’t set on a punt or kick returner. This will be determined during the preseason. Omar Bolden and Isaiah Burse were the returners last season. They have to confirm they can still handle those duties. If they can’t, someone else will be the returner.
These are just a few of the positions that are up for grabs. Be sure to watch tonight to see who will impress the coaching staff. They might end up making the team once preseason is over.
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