The 2015 World Champion Denver Broncos are at home in week 2 of the preseason against the San Francisco 49ers. In week one of the preseason against the Chicago Bears, there was little doubt where this team was regarding defense of its title. How will they fair in week 2? We will see Saturday night. Here are five things, however, that you should keep your eye on during the game.
Mark Sanchez
In week one co-starter Mark Sanchez got the start. He went 8 of 11 for 99 yards and 1 TD. He looked in control of the Denver offense. However, he did have atypical Mark Sanchez move by throwing into triple coverage and getting the ball intercepted. In week 2 Sanchez will see the second action. How will he perform and will he be able to get a grasp on the starting job with the Denver Broncos?
Trevor Siemian
Siemian was the 2nd QB in week 1. For a young, inexperienced guy he was poised and in control. Siemian went 8 of 11 for 88 yards. He did not have a touchdown, but he also did not have a turnover. In week 2 Siemian gets the start. Can he give Head Coach Gary Kubiak enough to name him the starter for the season? Keep your eye on this closely contested battle.
Devontae Booker
The rookie RB out of the University of Utah is making huge strides. In limited work during the week 1 game at Chicago, he toted the rock four times for 11 yards and caught one pass for 8 yards. He runs with power and speed. He is quickly becoming a favorite of Broncos offensive coordinator Rick Dennison. So much so that Booker was getting first teams reps in practice this week. Is he going to able to unseat CJ Anderson? Only time will tell, but he has a strong chance.
Denver Defense
The Denver Broncos defense did not seem to lose a step at all over the summer. They picked up, in week 1 of the preseason, right where they left off. They had seven sacks of the Chicago Bears QBs. This was without LB Von Miller and LB DeMarcus Ware. I know it is the preseason, but seven sacks are still very impressive. The Denver Broncos defense is ready to defend its title. Will it stay this strong all season? That is the question to watch in week 2 and beyond.
Offensive line
The Denver Broncos offensive line is completely re-tooled. The only one at the same position as last year is center Matt Paradis. They have two brand new tackles in Russell Okung and Donald Stephenson. So to say that there is something to watch here would be an understatement. How quickly can this O-line come together and protect whoever the starter is at quarterback? The line is bigger, which will help with the run game. The key will be pass protection. Keep an eye on the o-line of the Denver Broncos and how well it comes together.
The Denver Broncos are poised to do good things again in 2016. If they can keep their vaunted defense intact, they should not have to have fireworks from their offense. If this sounds familiar, it is a similar mantra to their 2015 season. I know it is only preseason week two but these five areas are key to the Broncos success in 2015.