Broncos reporter Mike Klis offers five goals for the team in its preseason opener Saturday at Houston:
1. Stop Alex Gibbs
It was clear from their first preseason series in 2007 that the Broncos couldn’t stop the run. Houston coach Gary Kubiak and his new offensive line assistant Alex Gibbs know how to scheme a running game.
2. Cutler’s new go-to guy
Brandon Marshall’s season-opening two-game suspension almost renders meaningless his preseason. QB Jay Cutler must find another favorite receiver.
3. Just make ’em, kid
For the first time since 1992, Jason Elam is not the Broncos’ kicker. The Matt Prater era begins.
4. By committee?
RB Selvin Young will get the first series, but with Ryan Torain out and Michael Pittman gimpy, Andre Hall and rookie Anthony Alridge will get their carries.
5. Clady and Mario
Rookie left tackle Ryan Clady, the No. 12 overall draft choice, will immediately get tested if he is lined up against Texans defensive end Mario Williams, the league’s No. 1 draft choice in 2006 whose 14 sacks last year ranked third in the NFL.
