The Denver Broncos improved to 3-0 in the preseason defeating the San Francisco 49ers, 19-12. The third preseason game is supposed to be a dress rehearsal for the regular season because starters play the first half.
Peyton Manning was efficient, completing 14 of 21 passes for 124 yards with no touchdowns. He threw one interception in the end zone. The offense had a flow to it when Manning was out there. They drove to the San Francisco 19, 24, and the 3-yard line. The only problem was they couldn’t score touchdowns. Manning’s receivers weren’t on the same page, running the wrong passing routes. The offensive line gave up three sacks.
Brock Osweiler was in the game for the second half. He played respectably completing 15 of 20 passes for 104 yards. He didn’t throw any interceptions. The second-string offensive line protected Osweiler, not giving up a sack.
Starting running back C.J. Anderson ran well. He had 13 carries for 49 yards. Ronnie Hillman has been the surprise for the running backs. Hillman is now second on the depth chart. He showed he is here to stay. On just 5 carries he ran for 35 yards, an impressive 7 yards per rush.
The Denver defense looks improved from last year. The starting defense gave up only 3 points and recorded a safety. They blitzed on almost every play and ended up with 3 sacks. They haven’t given up a touchdown all preseason.
The special teams weren’t bad. San Francisco had two kick returns. They averaged 25-yards per return and only 8 yards for punt returns. Denver’s special teams are making tackles. That is what must be done to prevent a long return.
Brandon McManus was three of four on field goals. His only miss was 55-yards. This is a long field goal but one he should make. He has a strong leg. If he starts missing the longer field goals, Denver might either go for it on fourth down or punt. He can’t miss on the long attempts because it gives the opponents offense decent starting field position.
The last preseason game for the Broncos is on Thursday at home. This will belong to the second and third stringers. For some of these players, it’s their last chance to show the Denver Broncos’ coaching staff that they deserve a spot on the roster. Others will have game tape to take to other NFL teams in hopes they can land a job in the NFL. The Broncos take on the Arizona Cardinals Thursday at 7 PM Mountain Time.
Which Denver Broncos player impressed you in the third preseason game?
Hey Jordan! McManus kick was into a little bit of wind, otherwise I think it would have made it. Thank goodness you write better than you bowl….ha! ha!