It’s “only preseason” is a true statement. The Denver Broncos decided early on that their preseason would be different from last year. It started with the preseason week one game, where the healthy starters played. It is riding into preseason week two, where the Broncos hope the differences between last year and this year will manifest. We shall see. Here are five things to watch for in the Broncos Week 2 preseason game.
5 Things To Look For in the Denver Broncos Week 2 Preseason
Denver Broncos Offensive Line
The Denver Broncos offensive line was without right tackle Mike McGlinchey for the first week of preseason. The remainder of the offensive line consisted of presumptive starters, including much-paid Ben Powers and returning All-Pro Garrett Bolles, returning from the broken leg he suffered last season.
I don’t think the Broncos have a Russell Wilson problem. I think the Broncos have an OL problem pic.twitter.com/KDHMaR6DSL
— Denver Broncos 365 (@DailyBroncos) August 13, 2023
According to Pro Football Focus, quarterback Russell Wilson was pressured 64.3% of the time. That is, he was pressured on nine of his 14 dropbacks. Wilson completed two of those attempts for 40 yards. The offensive line gave up five quarterback hits and one sack. Left guard Powers gave up two pressures on 14-pass blocking snaps. Bolles started okay, but his play rapidly declined.
To be fair, this is a small sample. The starting offensive line was on the field for 20 offensive snaps, 14 passes, and six-run snaps. The offensive line was also revamped and missing one of its newest acquisitions. The question is will they improve in the second week of preseason?
Russell Wilson
There will be a Wilson watch all year. Head coach Sean Payton hasn’t stated whether the starters will play in week two of the preseason, but it does seem the offensive starters need more work.
Looking at the stat sheet from week one, it appears that Wilson had a good game. But if you look closer, it doesn’t look as great. Through the first three series against the Arizona Cardinals starters, Wilson went 4-of-9 for 49 yards.
For the first play, Wilson rolled right and threw behind tight end Adam Trautman for an incomplete pass. The Broncos then completed a short run before Wilson’s pass on third down got batted down. The Broncos then went three and out.
An interception by Essang Bassey gave the offense a short field, starting on the Cardinals 41-yard line. Wilson hits Jerry Jeudy over the middle for 19 yards. Cardinals outside linebacker Dennis Gordeck then pressure Wilson from the left side. The hit caused Wilson to fumble. The fumble was recovered, giving the Broncos a third and long. The next offensive attempt was an incomplete shovel pass under pressure. The Denver Broncos brought out Brett Maher and the field goal unit, who attempted and failed at a field goal attempt.
The starters went one-of-five on third downs. They played into the second quarter. At which time, you will hear much about Wilson’s 21-yard touchdown pass to Jeudy. Keep in mind this was against the Cardinals second squad. Let’s look and see how he does against the San Francisco 49ers starters in week two of the preseason.
Broncos Backup Quarterback Battle
Jarrett Stidham received lots of money to come to Denver and presumably be the backup to Wilson. Then week one of preseason happened, and Stidham didn’t look good. He completed five passes on 15 attempts for 50 yards, one sack, and one interception.
Much traveled, Ben DiNucci entered the game late and played on 17 snaps. He looked much better than Stidham, who played on 27 of the snaps. DiNucci’s stats won’t blow you away, completing six of five passes for 55 yards. But he didn’t turn the ball over, and he didn’t seem to panic. Granted DiNucci was playing against the threes, and Stidham was facing the two’s in the Cardinals’ defense. It was the first preseason game. Let’s look and see what happens in week two of the preseason.
Denver Broncos Tight End Room
Undrafted rookie Nate Adkins played on 38% of the offensive snaps. Adkins was on the field the most of any tight ends. While he wasn’t targeted, his blocking stood out and will probably get him a spot on the 53-man roster.
For those who drafted Greg Dulcich in your fantasy drafts, it isn’t quite time to panic, but it is close. In week one, Adam Trautman played 23% of the snaps, ran nine routes, and had three targets. He caught two passes for 18 yards. Trautman was TE1 on the depth chart for week one and TE1 on the field for production.
Dulcich was on the field for 23% of the offensive snaps. He ran seven routes but was not targeted. The reason to remain calm is that it is preseason, meaning all the bells and whistles remain safely in the playbook. Payton has referred to Dulcich as “Joker” in the offense. That would give him the same status as Taysom Hill had in Payton’s offense.
Essang Bassey
Last season Bassey played rotation on the corner and was a special teams player. He played 222 defensive snaps with 173 out of the slot. On 126 snaps dropped into coverage, he was targeted 16 times and allowed eight receptions for 73 yards. Bassey did not allow a touchdown from the slot alignment.
Essang Bassey picks it off! #BroncosCountry
pic.twitter.com/vfDr8t3EHM— Barstool Denver (@BarstoolDenver) August 12, 2023
The Denver Broncos defense and Bassey started where they left off last season. Last season Bassey played on 21% of the defensive snaps as a backup to K’Waun Williams. In the preseason week one game Bassey was on the field for 20% (16 snaps) of the defensive snaps as a starter in the slot.
Bassey’s stock is rising after the first preseason game. He made plays from the slot and on special teams. Now it is time to watch and see if he can sustain his good work in the week two preseason game.
Main Photo: Rob Schumacher/The Republic-USA TODAY NETWORK
