The final preseason game for any team is a big deal. And this year, it’s truer than ever for the Denver Broncos, who have had dismal seasons post-Super Bowl 50. As they face the Arizona Cardinals Thursday, several players will have to do whatever it takes to stand out on this unexpectedly loaded roaster.
Denver Broncos-Arizona Cardinals: Questions Remain Over Running Backs, Linebackers, Corners
How Will The Cornerbacks Fare?
This position hasn’t been an area of concern for the Broncos in recent seasons, but it is now. The secondary has all but broken down due to injuries and inadequate standards. Even Chris Harris Jr. and Bradley Roby have question marks hanging over their heads.
Isaac Yiadom and Brendan Langley haven’t played up to expectations; quarterbacks have been picking on Yiadom left and right. And Langley hasn’t made much improvement on his rookie year, still as indecisive and overwhelmed as he’s ever been. He has however been an adequate returner, so it won’t be a surprise if special teams are his ultimate home.
Free agent Tramaine Brock, while very experienced, has hardly had any play time due to injuries.
Adding a whole lot of controversy to the mix is Adam Jones, who signed with the Broncos on Sunday. He’s a polarizing player – some believing at 34, age will be a factor, while others like Andrew Wade of Predominantly Orange feel “he’s playing at a high level as recently as last season”.
Is Dymonte Thomas the Linebacker Denver Has Been Looking For?
It seemed like the franchise had more than enough safeties, especially with Su’a Cravens in the mix. But with multiple injuries sustained within the group, and Will Parks not showing much in his third year, Dymonte Thomas has had an opportunity to show what he’s capable of.
Despite the role of dime linebacker not being his forte, he fell into it as if he was born to play it. The Broncos had been having difficulties covering tight ends and running backs, but Thomas had Washington Redskins tight end Vernon Davis in his sights the entire game.
The relief was obvious when head coach Vance Joseph said, “He did a nice job… he practiced two days at dime [defense] and he did a fine job, so that was nice to see [that] from him and for us obviously”.
Will the Middle Linebacker Battle Be Over?
The Broncos are weak at this position, even with Brandon Marshall and Todd Davis. Which explains why the franchise decided to invest two draft picks in the form of Josey Jewell and Keishawn Bierria, and sign former Tennessee Titans linebacker Alexander Johnson (who received Denver’s highest undrafted free agent signing bonus).
With Joe Jones and Zaire Anderson, there are now plenty of options. Jones is unlikely to make the roster after accumulating just one tackle this preseason, while Anderson has proven himself worthy of a reserve role after playing in every game the last two years. Because of this, Bierria is in for a battle.
Jewell has struggled somewhat with coverage and getting off blocks, but has demonstrated enough natural instincts to earn a spot on the roster. He is currently leading the team in tackles this preseason with 16 combined tackles.
The Biggest Question Mark: Running Backs
Everyone had big expectations of rookie Royce Freeman. Against Washington, he lost yards after making the wrong read. There have been glimpses of a potential star, but will those be enough?
Phillip Lindsay was the big surprise of training camp, which landed him a fair number of snaps with the first team against the Redskins. But many analysts, including Wade, wonder if he can be a lead with his size.
Devontae Booker, like he did last season, hasn’t made much of an impact throughout camp or in games.
At running back, it’s anyone’s guess who will be a starter.
Everything should become much clearer come Thursday when the Broncos take on the Cardinals, and over the next two weeks when the roster cuts take place.
