Denver Broncos Winners and Losers Pre-Season Week 2
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Broncos versus the Buffalo Bills in the second week of the preseason, was hard to watch from a Broncos fan perspective. Worth calling out, the Broncos again didn’t play any starters and the Buffalo Bills started their entire Super Bowl hopeful roster, and it showed. They were dominated in the first half. Broncos couldn’t find the end zone themselves and they weren’t able to make any plays at any level of the defense. There really wasn’t much to call out that the Broncos did well. They had a nice first drive against the Bills starters resulting in a field goal, then they couldn’t do anything after that.
I kept telling myself, “This is still preseason” but even constantly repeating that doesn’t make watching this slaughter any more enjoyable. One of the things that makes resting starters feel bad, is that people who are simply trying to make a roster are competing against bona fide super stars like Demarri Mathis versus Stephon Diggs…
I am publishing this article before the start of the second half, so hopefully Brett Rypien will come out and lead the offense to look more competent and make the scoreboard appear more competitive. If the second half yields more positivity, or any stand out performances, I’ll publish a second article.
Last week’s winners and losers article – http://www.centennial-sports.com/2022/08/13/denver-broncos-pre-season-winners-and-losers/
Winners
Montrell Washington – It is tremendously clear that Washington is going to be an impact player this season. As a punt returner, it seems apparent that he could be a Pro Bowler. He has that wiggle, the speed and the ability to setup blocks and create his own running lanes with micro movements. He had a 35-yard kickoff return against the Bills starters, where he broke two tackles and good things just seem to happen when he touches the ball. Washington also had two big time catches versus the Bills starting defense.
Corliss Waitman – Sam Martin hurt his ankle in warmups, so Corliss got an opportunity to punt for the entirety of the game. He boomed a few kicks and put good film out there for himself.
Brandon McManus – Always consistent, McManus had a 33-yard and a 43-yard field goal in the first half scoring the only six points for the Broncos in the first half.
Mike Boone – Boone seemed to be the only back that could make something happen in the running game. But he also had a nice reception over the middle of the field with a wicked spin move forcing a missed tackle and big gain. He wasn’t done there however, he contributed to the running game, the passing game and then had a kickoff return as well. He was showing his versatility and earning his roster spot.
Pass Protection – though Josh Johnson was only 8/16 in the first half, he was never sacked, and the offensive line appeared to give him plenty of time. I think Johnson appeared jittery this game, he missed about 4 open receivers on balls straight into the dirt, but that wasn’t the offensive lines fault. He had clean pockets for the most part and the line did their part.
Losers
Defense – Pass Rush was nonexistent. Run defense was not good, allowing gaping running lanes and poor fits in the run defense. Tackling was bad. Receivers were wide open… this seemed like the Broncos were outclassed. The Broncos gave up 28 points in the first half, never forcing a punt or field goal attempt. The Broncos only forced two incompletions in the first half… they gave up 96 yards on 12 carries in the first half, for 8 yards per carry, which is unacceptable. The Bills only had to attempt a single third down, and they were 1 for 1 on third downs in the first half.
Michael Ojemudia – second week in a row on the losers list from my perspective, he gave up multiple deep balls and even the announcers commented on him giving up too much space to receivers. He also injured his right elbow and was questionable to return to the game.
Run Game – Second week in a row the running game has been bad. In their defense, they were playing their second/third string offense against one of the best defenses in the NFL a season ago. It is still concerning that they haven’t been able to have a good running game showing in the preseason so far. In the first half, the Broncos were held to 21 yards on 10 carries for 2.1 yards per carry… not good enough.
Malik Reed – Injured in the second quarter, his right eye was injured. You hate to see starters or rotational guys who were sure fire roster members, getting injured in preseason. Hope he recovers quickly, and the eye gets back to normal. As mentioned above however, the pass rush was non-existent, with Malik Reed playing the entire first quarter.
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