Denver Broncos vs. Green Bay Packers – Preseason Week 3 2008

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Packers @ Broncos
Preseason Week 3
Fri, Aug 22, 2008 7PM MDT LIVE
NFL Network Re-Air 10PM MDT

With starters expected to see their most extensive action of the preseason, the Denver Broncos host the Green Bay Packers on Friday in their final home exhibition game of 2008. Kickoff at INVESCO Field at Mile High is set for 7 p.m. MDT, and the game will be televised locally on KCNC-TV (CBS 4). NFL Network will provide a delayed broadcast of the game starting at 10 p.m. MDT nationwide. KOA 850 AM will provide radio coverage, which can also be heard on Sirius Channel 140.

After an impressive showing against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 2, the Broncos hope to keep the momentum going in their ever-important third preseason game. Meanwhile, the Packers are looking to bounce back after a rough outing with the San Francisco 49ers in Week 2, losing 34-6.

With the departure of long time quarterback Brett Favre, some inside and out of the Packers organization are considering this a “must win” game, the hope being that a win will rally fans and teammates around new QB Aaron Rodgers. The Broncos will surely be tested against a squad that beat the Broncos in overtime in 2007.

Weather Report

Kyle’s Five Things to Watch

1. Running Attack – While this new pass-happy offense is exciting, and Jay Cutler is obviously a STUD, I want to see the Broncos’ running game make some ground. Selvin Young and Andre Hall need to step up and pound the rock. I want to see one of these guys make a clear argument for the starting job.

2. There Can Only be One – Middle linebacker, that is. It’s crunch time for Niko Koutouvides and Nate Webster, with several reports indicating that the starter will be named after this game. Webster’s getting the starting nod, but it sounds like Kouts will see snaps with the first team as well. I’ll be watching these guys a little more closely than normal.

3. Pick up the Pass Defense – The rush defense looks improved this year, but so far, the pass defense has been a mixed bag. Let’s see how the return of Champ Bailey from injury helps us here, but I especially want to look at our pass rush against a more-than-decent Packers front five.

4. Bookends for ‘years and years and years’ – At least, that’s how Head Coach Mike Shanahan described new starting OTs Ryan Clady and Ryan Harris. I’ll be watching to see if they can repeat Saturday’s strong performance.

5. Punters and Holders – Word is that Cutler has been practicing as a holder on field goals, while Sam Paulescu and Brett Kern continue to battle for the punter job. Much like #2, tonight’s game could go a long way to determining who gets the nod.

Again, kickoff is at 7PM MDT, with the NFLN broadcast at 9! What things will you be watching? Discuss the game here!