Denver's preseason opener was a dismal showing for the Broncos until the third quarter. QB Chad Kelly (14/21-177-2-1) is a play maker and it may be time for QB Paxton Lynch to get a new start else where. RB Royce Freeman will earn the starting job by the end of August. Isaiah McKenzie justified his number one rank as the punt return man (78 -yard TD). Undrafted rookie free agent Jeff Holland (OLB) had a nice sack and could make the 53-man roster with a few more games like this one. The Broncos have suffered through arguably the worst right tackle situation in the NFL over the past two seasons. RT Jared Veldheer could be the answer to the Broncos pass protection woes.

 

RB Royce Freeman hasn't disappointed during camp and the preseason, while RB Devontae Booker still looks ordinary.

TE Austin Traylor is pushing for a significant role at tight end.

No. 2 QB Chad "Swag" Kelly is a gamer with grit.

TE Jeff Heuerman is back scoring on consecutive days while forming a nice chemistry with Case Keenum.

WR Courtland Sutton and WR DaeSean Hamilton clicking with Keenum is an absolute necessity for the Broncos to succeed.

Denver and Chicago began got familiar with each other at their joint practice before their preseason game at Mile High.

QB Case Keenum and WR Emmanuel Sanders have a strong connection.

WR Isaiah McKenzie stepped up in camp and took hold of not only the punt-returners job, but also the fifth receiver spot.

Defending tight ends is still a problem.

The Broncos: signed former Indianapolis Colts S Shamarko Thomas to replace S Jamal Carter who is out for the year due to a torn hamstring; signed LB A. J. Johnson and released LB Stansly Maponga; waived tackle Leon Johnson (OT Austin Fleer signing); inserted QB Chad Kelly as the backup QB; claimed WR DeAndrew White (6'. 195), waived Corey Brown; signed DL DeQuinton Osborne (5'11, 315 run stuffer) waived DL Paul Boyette; designated G Menelik Watson as reserve/injured (to be cut when healthy); signed Adam 'Pacman' Jones to one-year deal

 

Still unsure, the Broncos will wait on a veteran backup QB decision, but QB Colin Kaepernick has had his chance.

Elway had ‘a feeling’ that Kelly was going to play well. He likes Kelly's competitiveness, instincts and ability to lead.

Elway wants a winner as Denver’s backup QB. Kelly has almost no NFL experience, buy If Denver believes he could step in and "help" win a football game, he could be the back up.

Elway’s been impressed with Keenum’s camp, but Keenum needs to translate his practice performance to the playing field now.

Coach Joseph has been made aware of Elway’s disappointment in the first-team effort and execution.

Denver has a lot of young guys that they're going to lean on.

Last year wasn’t good enough, and neither was the performance in the opener.

The Broncos should be able to play a more complimentary brand of football in 2018.

There may be a disconnect between the coaching staff where one hand doesn't know what the other hand is doing.

 

QB Case Keenum (8/13-78) and Broncos’ offense weren’t perfect, but they still managed to move the ball and score points. The best part about the early success was that it involved all three phases. The Broncos' first touchdown drive of the game (9-plays, 82-yards) saw Denver convert both of their third-down plays on passes from Keenum to Emmanuel Sanders. The Broncos second-team offensive line consisted of left tackle Cyrus Kouandjio, left guard Jeremiah Poutasi, center Max Garcia, right guard Elijah Wilkinson and right tackle Billy Turner. WR Tim Patrick continued to jump over defenders to get the football. It was a strong second week for Denver's top rookies: OLB Bradley Chubb (safety), WR Courtland Sutton (TD reception) and RB Royce Freeman (rushing TD). QB Chad Kelly (7/9-90) was a bright spot for the second consecutive game. Covering tight ends remained a problem for the defense. Injuries: S Will Parks (knee), CB Marcus Rios (right leg), DE Clinton McDonald (biceps) and RB De'Angelo Henderson (lower back). WR Demaryius Thomas missed the game with a wrist injury and WR/PR Isaiah McKenzie was evaluated for a concussion during the game. TE Jeff Heuerman looked like he belonged in Denver’s starting lineup for the first time since the Broncos drafted him. The Broncos defense is more likely a bend, don’t break type, rather than a dominating force.

 

Denver Broncos 29 @ Washington Redskins 17 QB Case Keenum completed 12-of-18 passes for 148 yards in the Broncos' 29-17 preseason dress rehearsal win over the Redskins. Keenum looked sharp while leading the first-team to 17 points in five series. RB Royce Freeman rushed five times for 26 yards and one touchdown and continued to impress. RB Devontae Booker rushed three times for nine yards turning in another under whelming performance. RB Phillip Lindsay rushed five times for 31 yards and had one reception for 18 yards. With Royce Freeman and Phillip Lindsay looking explosive and playing well, look for Booker to lose out on early downs and passing-down work. RB De'Angelo Henderson may be a better running back than Booker. FB Andy Janovich did not see a carry or target, but was huge as a blocker for the Broncos. WR Demaryius Thomas was targeted four times and posted two receptions for 13 yards. WR Emmanuel Sanders had four receptions for 61 yards and one carry (end-around) for a 27-yard touchdown. He was targeted eight times. WR Courtland Sutton had three receptions for 45 yards on three targets. WR DaeSean Hamilton had two receptions for 18 yards on three targets. TE Jake Butt hauled in his only target for five yards. He is likely to be the primary receiving option at tight end. TE Jeff Heuerman his only target for six yards and fumbled once, with the ball going out of bounds. K Brandon McManus converted 5-of-5 field goal and 2-of-2 extra point, including 56 and 50-yard field goals. OLB Von Miller and OLB Bradley Chubb finished the game with a combined five quarterback hits -- three for Miller and two for Chubb. The entire Washington defense had four -- one-third as many as the Broncos accumulated.

Roster Watch LB Alexander Johnson's big undrafted rookie contract makes him a roster candidate for the roster at the thin off-linebacker position. DL Zach Kerr has the size to play inside as well as defensive end making McDonald the odd man out. LT Cyrus Kouandjio could be the swing tackle if he is trusted on the right side. S Dymonte Thomas-needed at least until safeties are healthy. FB Andy Janovich is a great blocker and OC Musgrave will use him better than last season. RB Phillip Lindsay may make Booker irrelevant. Bubble: WR Isaiah McKenzie; CB Brendan Langley; QB Paxton Lynch; RT Billy Turner; DE Clinton McDonald; ILB Zaire Anderson; ILB Keishawn Bierria; CB Isaac Yiadom; CB Marcus Rios. Saturday, Sept. 1: Roster cutdown day. By 4 p.m. ET, all 32 teams must trim their rosters to 53 players

QB Case Keenum: low floor; back up with a bit of upside

RB Royce Freeman: must have in fourth round.

WR Demaryius Thomas: round four

WR Emmanual Sanders: Safest pick, round six

WR Courtland Sutton: late round pick

PK Brandon McManus: Back up

D/ST: top six-ten defense

End.