After a long and tedious offseason NFL football is finally back. These preseason games can oftentimes be the best way for coaches to determine the state of the team and the roster. This year’s preseason looks a little different for Denver than most years. Both Teddy Bridgewater and Drew Lock are vying for that starting role and will likely go all out in these games to prove that one is better than the other. Here is a look at the quarterback battle, players on the edge of the roster and more from preseason week one.
Quarterback Battle
First the elephant in the room needs to be addressed. The quarterback battle might not be the most interesting in terms of caliber but it’s still important. Throughout training camp coach Vic Fangio has had Teddy and Drew split reps 50-50. His 50-50 mentality could be summed up in his infamous like “maybe I’ll flip a coin to see who takes the first snap.” Don’t expect Thursday’s matchup with the Vikings to be any different. For one quarterback to earn the starting job he’ll have to outperform the other which hasn’t happened through all of training camp. Both Bridgewater and Lock couldn’t be farther apart in play style but they both have the same turnover issue. If that issue continues for both, expect to see Lock edge out Bridgewater in snaps.
Roster Moves
These preseason games are going to be very crucial for players trying to earn or keep a roster spot. One player to keep an eye out for is Royce Freeman. Most of Broncos country remembers Freeman for that short period of time where he could’ve been the future, now he’s fighting for his job. It’s not that Freeman got any worse rather another addition has been on fire in training camp. In the off-season general manager George Paton signed running back Mike Boone. Boone had been a solid third option in a stacked backfield in Minnesota. Paton had a connection with Boone as they were a part of the Vikings organization at the same time. Boone has torn up training camp solidifying his spot on the team. That’s disastrous for Freeman who now won’t find any carries in a running back room that also contains Melvin Gordon and Javonte Williams. Freeman still has tread on his tires, but if he has any chance of making the team he needs to go off with a minuscule amount of carries.
Back and Healthy
The 2020 season saw a lot of injuries to key Broncos players, but after some time off they’re back. This will be the first time in a while that Courtland Sutton and Von Miller suit up. Sutton’s injury made many forget how good he was and how much potential he has. If he can find a rhythm with Lock it might be enough for Lock to earn the starting job. Miller has also been a bit of a forgotten name outside of Broncos country. His falling sack totals and injury in last year’s training camp have contributed to that. Look for Miller to still be limited against Minnesota to avoid injury but still play quality snaps.
Hot Start
Noah Fant had a solid season last year but he might be in more danger than you think. Despite having the profile of an athletic tight end Fant just lacks something. He can barely create separation down the field. He sure doesn’t struggle in the speed category so maybe it’s the route running aspect. Regardless, he has some pretty serious competition from second year tight end Albert Okwuegbunam. Okwuegbunam proved to be a fairly reliable option as his rookie season progressed and is in line for a sophomore boom. If Lock can win the starting job that’s an even bigger bonus as he and Okwuegbunam had a next level connection playing in college at Missouri. All of those things should worry Fant who needs to get out of the blocks fast in order to avoid a starting tight end controversy.
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