Things I’m looking forward to vs Cleveland

Denver finally gets to play at home this Saturday at 7pm (MDT) when they will face off against the Cleveland Browns for the most meaningful game this preseason. Unfortunately, as a resident of Knoxville Tennessee, I’ll have to wait 16 hours to see the game — the NFL Network will re-broadcast the game at 2pm (EDT).

This game will be highly scrutinized by fans, as the Broncos have been less than impressive so far this preseason. With the 1st Team scheduled to play nearly a third of the game and having installed a game plan this week for Cleveland, this game should be the best gauge of our team’s regular season readiness so far this year.

Also at the back of everyone’s mind will be the first round of roster cuts due on Tuesday. These aren’t the final cut, and few well-known names will appear on the waiver wire. But for many of the players on the bubble, Saturday night may be the last time they play NFL football.

So, with all of that heading into this weekend here are the things I’m looking forward to seeing on Sunday (Saturday for anyone with local TV coverage)…

1. Our Wide Receivers– Imagine what this group can accomplish now that they are healthy!
Brandon Stokley joins Walker, Marshall, Clark, Morgan and Hixon to form our best looking WR group in years! Walker has been as hot as last year and Marshall, Clark, Morgan and Hixon have all scored preseason highlights. However, Stokley represents the missing WR piece in my opinion. While the other WR’s have blinding speed or incredible size, Stokley is a great possession receiver who thrives on short yardage routes. He has been the amazing camp story and this Saturday he gets to show the world that he’s back!

2. Defense– What has our D learned this week?
Everyone in the organization, from Mike Shanahan and Jim Bates all the way down to the rookie D-linemen, all said they have not been pleased with their performances in the last two preseason games. So, with a week to prepare and continue to learn Bates new system, what will we see this weekend?

There are actually two areas I’m most interested in seeing right now. One will be our D-line. I’ve actually been a pretty big fan of Kenard Lang, so I am eager to see what he can do with his opportunity. I also like Elvis Dumervil — who will get plenty of reps this weekend. Engelberger has become one of our best linemen. I haven’t been all that impressed with Sam Adams, but we also have Jimmy Kennedy and newly acquired John Browning (who is moving to DT) who will be competing for spots along the line. All of the rookies will likely get some playing time as well. So, with all these bodies coming and going, I’m hoping we have one or two player that stand out this week.

Secondly, and probably more important to the success of the defense, is the play of our linebackers. D.J. Williams and the rest of the boys need to put on their best showing on Saturday or face serious changes the next week. D.J. Williams has been given a fair shake at the middle LB slot, and he has AMAZING skills, but if he can’t show that he’s picking up Bates’ system, he may be in danger of losing that spot. I know, I know that’s crazy talk, but I can’t imagine that Shanahan or Bates will take the 1st Team defense that played SF and Dallas into the regular season. They want to see improvement, and if they don’t Shanahan will start the changes at the top (just like he has done with his QB’s).

3. Cutler and his Line– Oh where, Oh where is my O-line?
Of course, I want to see Cutler throwing bombs to all of our healthy receivers, but to do that he needs time in the pocket. So, I’m anxious to see how our depleted O-line does this week. There haven’t had traveling this week and they haven’t been put through two-a-day practices either, so let’s hope the rest has re-energized this group.

4. Running Backs– Who’s running now?
With Travis Henry likely sitting this game out to heal up for the regular season, and RB’s Mike Bell and Andre Hall also still out with injuries, we are left with Cecil Sapp and Selvin Young… and Cedric Cobbs. Cobbs just returned to the team, but with his past experience with the Broncos, he might even get reps on Saturday. Whether it’s Sapp, Selvin or Cobbs really doesn’t matter as long as we can establish the running game. Without our feature back, opposing teams will focus on the passing game so it will be imperative that one of our new RB’s steps it up at game time and make the ground game a meaningful threat.

On a personal note, I am extremely sad that Andre Hall likely won’t be playing on Saturday. He is one of my favorite lesser-known Broncos I’ve been pulling for this off-season, and without a good preseason showing it will be very hard for him to gain a roster spot. My only hope is that if he doesn’t make it into this game, he can survive the Tuesday cuts and then make a stunning appearance during the last preseason game.

5. Special Teams– For crying out loud, cover already!
Morgan had a good return during the Dallas game, but yet again our kick-off coverage was terrible. We need to see some darn tackling from our coverage teams – and I mean now! The argument that the Special Teams unit is currently made up of players unlikely to make the final team is no excuse. These players are playing for their jobs, and I want to see some men step up and knock someone into Tuesday!

OTHER THINGS TO LOOK FOR:
The Game Plan – Much was blamed on the lack of a game plan for last week’s loss. It was ‘just a long practice’ we were told. But this week there is a game plan, and with the starters in for more than half the game, we should get to see what different a Shanahan game plan can make.
Returners – Although Morgan had a good return during the Dallas game, it appears likely that Domenik Hixon will get plenty of chances this week to return – making this position another one still undecided.
Kickers – With the announcement from ST coach Scott O’Brien that the team would probably keep only two kickers this year, the battle between Todd Sauerbrun and Paul Ernster will be a good position fight to watch again.
Backup QB’s – In my opinion Patrick Ramsey had a pretty good game against Dallas, so I’ll be interested to see how he does in the final part of this game. Hopefully he will only be asked to keep it on the ground the run out the clock after Cutler give us a 30 point lead by half-time! :)

FOR GOODNESS SAKE, DON’T GET INJURED:
Most importantly, we want to get through this preseason without losing more players. It won’t do the team any good to win this game but come away with several injured players or another starter out for the year. So, play it safe guys. We want a ring – not a 3-1 preseason record.

-Jonathan Douglas
–BroncoTalk.net