Things I’m looking forward to vs Arizona

The last preseason game is upon us and, unfortunately, the only significance most fans attribute to this game is the fact that it represents the final pace lap before the official race to the Super Bowl begins. However, for me, this game is one of my favorite every year. With no starters playing in tonight’s game, Bronco fans will get a good look at the key backups we may be relying on if injuries hobble our 1st Teamers. Also, and most exciting for me, is the fact that we will get to see some of the unknown talent on the team. Having not seen all of training camp and the Bronco’s practices, I’m looking forward to seeing some of the surprising standouts of this year’s 2nd and 3rd Team players.

These same players face the pending final cuts, as the Broncos get down to their 53 man roster. And with this game as their last chance to impress the coaches, everyone on the field will be fighting hard!

“There are a number of players that are extremely close. We’re trying to decide at a few spots on the roster between a number of guys, and this is their last chance.”

— Mike Shanahan 8/30/07

So, without any further banter here is what I’m looking forward to versus Arizona…

1. Backup QB’s– Gauging our most critical backup position!
Patrick Ramsey will likely be installed this week as the starting QB vs Arizona, so this will be a great gauge of how he can handle a starting role if Cutler goes down during the season. I understand that he will have only backups surrounding him, but it will be his grasp of our offensive system, his decision making abilities and his general poise, that I want to see tonight. Heaven forbid, we have a game or two that Cutler needs sit out with injury, Patrick Ramsey needs to be able to step up and get the job done. This will be another big test tonight.

After Ramsey plays Darrell Hackney and Preston Parsons will get one more shot at impressing the coaches. Only one of them will stay (probably on the practice squad), so they both will be fighting hard tonight.

2. Andre Hall and Selvin Young– Running backs with something to prove!
Selvin Young ran for 91 yards last week and another great game tonight might be enough to break into the roster. However, the guy I’m most interested in seeing tonight is Andre Hall. Hall was a great surprise in camp, but was injured prior to the preseason games. He hasn’t seen the field yet, and tonight may be his only chance to show the fans and coaches what he can do! As one of my favorite lesser-known Broncos, I’m pulling for Andre tonight!

3. Rookies in action – How are our newest Broncos doing?
Jarvis Moss, Tim Crowder and Marcus Thomas should get plenty of playing time tonight. The entire backup crew along the D-line will be interesting to watch tonight as these guys fight for the last few slots on the team. I really think we’re going to see some good things from our Defense tonight. We have talented depth at all of our defensive positions, so I believe we’ll fare well against Arizona.

That said, don’t expect anything but a vanilla defensive package tonight. Bates is working hard to get his men to work his basic system well, before he adds tricks, bells and whistles.

“People may not see it, but we’re making progress. We could be blitzing all game and destroy people in the preseason. But we’re not going to fall into that trap. We’re making progress. It isn’t as fast as anybody anticipated or wanted, but we are making progress and that’s the main thing.”

— Jim Bates 8/29/07

4. WR’s & TE’s – Showing off the young guns!
Wideouts Domenik Hixon and Brian Clark will likely make the team, and tonight will be a great chance to see them at work as they will probably be the starters. Quincy Morgan, who has made a couple of the Bronco preseason highlight reels, is still on the bubble so this will be an important night for him.

TE Nate Jackson (another of my favorites) had a great game last week, and has had a very good camp. He will be fighting for a spot along with Stephen Alexander. Daniel Graham will be sitting out, while Tony Scheffler might see some game action – both have locked up spots on the final roster.

5. Greg Eslinger’s chance – How far have you come along Greg?
And lastly, I’m looking forward to seeing Center Greg Eslinger. He was a FORCE in college and led an O-line in NFL Europa this year that DOMINATED that league. His knock has been that coaches weren’t seeing his strength and skills translate to on-field playing level. Tonight, may be Greg’s best shot at making a great impression.

OTHER THINGS TO LOOK FOR:
Overall improvement against the run – Even with the starters out, it would be nice to see our guys do better versus the run this evening.
DB Battles – DB Domonique Foxworth and Safeties Hamza Abdullah and Curome Cox have a lock on their roster spot, but there are several others that will be fighting for the remaining slots. CB Jeff Shoate and Karl Paymah as well as Safety Steve Cargile will likely have a chance to prove why they should get their names on our final roster tonight. The team likes all three – it’s going to be a tough call.
Ben Hamilton spottings? – Chris Myers has been penciled in as our starting LG, and we likely won’t see Ben except on the sidelines again tonight… but who knows.
We’re down to one punter – let’s hope we picked the right guy. Let’s see some leg this game, Todd!
Find the Gem – Someone might have a GREAT night and make an unexpected rise to the roster… who might it be? Stay tuned and see for yourself!

FOR GOODNESS SAKE, DON’T GET INJURED:
Most importantly, we want to get through this preseason without losing more players, so play safe guys.

-Jonathan Douglas
–BroncoTalk.net

P.S. Hercules Rockefeller makes me laugh my seat-cover off with every post at Orange Bucksnorts. And I am indeed jealous that he gets to see tonight’s game live (and at club level even). Have a blast, my friend!