Houston – A quarterback usually can see the pressure coming from the end, or the corner or right before his eyes.
This year, for the first time in many years, Broncos star Jake Plummer may feel a little heat coming up from behind.
So this is why Broncos coach Mike Shanahan made the rather daring, early- in-training camp decision to propel former Colorado State star Bradlee Van Pelt to No. 2 on the depth chart at quarterback.
Saturday night, in the Broncos’ 20-14 victory over the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium in the teams’ preseason opener, Van Pelt’s greatest asset may not have been his ability to lead, escape, scramble or throw.
It may be his presence will help bring out the best in Plummer.
Before Van Pelt made his much-anticipated debut as an NFL backup quarterback, Plummer showed who’s No. 1. Down 7-0, Plummer was given a third series with the first-team offense and efficiently moved the Broncos on an 11-play, 71-yard, game-tying touchdown drive against the Texans’ first-team defense.
The march culminated with Plummer rolling out and making a 3-yard toss to tight end Stephen Alexander.
That’s right, Denver fans. The first- team offense is 1-for-1 in red-zone touchdowns.
Plummer passed with precision, hitting Rod Smith for 17 yards along the sidelines and Ashley Lelie on a 30-yard go-route during the touchdown drive.
