Broncos at Bears: Preseason Preview

Denver Broncos wide receiver #10 Gerrell Robinson catches a pass as quarterbacks Caleb Hanie and Peyton Manning look on during the team's stadium scrimmage on Saturday, August 4th, 2012. (BroncoTalk.net photo/Kyle Montgomery)

THIRD/FOURTH TEAM OFFENSE

Quarterback Brock Osweiler will likely start the second half and play into the fourth quarter, with Adam Weber getting the scrap of snaps. It will be the first best test for the rookie Osweiler, who has looked strong-armed and accurate in camp, but at times uncertain. It’s time for Broncos fans to see what he can do when the pressure’s on.

What will Osweiler himself be trying to accomplish Thursday? Just about everything.

“As a quarterback in preseason, my goals would be to move the offense, get first downs, have a high completion percentage, score points when we’re in the red zone and don’t turn the football over,” Osweiler said.

Oh, is that it? Osweiler has certainly set his own bar high.

Running backs Jeremiah Johnson and Xavier Omon will be worth watching at this point as well. Johnson in particular seemed to make a big play in just about every practice I watched over the past two weeks, so I’ll be keeping an eye on how he performs with the lights on. I’m also looking forward to seeing Osweiler connect with former teammate Gerell Robinson

THIRD/FOURTH TEAM DEFENSE

Here are some interesting names to watch in the depths of the Broncos defensive depth chart: DE Cyril Obiozor, DL Malik Jackson, and CB Omar Bolden, who has bounced between the second and third teams depending on the personnel package. DE Ben Garland will also be a worthwhile person to observe.

SPECIAL TEAMS

You want to see someone set themselves apart in the return game, which is completely unsettled for the Broncos. With Ronnie Hillman and safety Jim Leonhard out, this may be Syd’Quan Thompson‘s best opportunity to lock up a roster spot.

Who will you be watching most closely Thursday night? Let us know in the comments.

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