How the Broncos fared in the five goals for their game Friday against the Green Bay Packers, as set by Post writer Mike Klis:
1. Watch deep!
The Broncos’ secondary didn’t give up the deep ball, as it did in a regular-season game here last year, but it poorly defended the short and medium routes. Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers was 16-of-19 passing for 178 yards and a touchdown in the first half.
2. Stay healthy
It could have gone better. Top pass-rusher Elvis Dumervil suffered a badly dislocated finger that will at least require a cast; strong safety Marquand Manuel suffered a broken thumb on the second-half kickoff and will require surgery. Backup QB Patrick Ramsey had an elbow injury that will be examined today, and DE Paul Carrington suffered a significant calf strain.
3. Play like it’s your last game
In the final preseason test for the first team, the offense scored two touchdowns and a field goal in its three first-half drives. But a big reason why the Broncos had only three drives is because their first-string defense couldn’t stop the Pack.
4. D-line sack or 3
Rodgers had been sacked a league-high six times in two previous preseason games, but only Dumervil dropped him for a loss in this game.
5. Keep Cutler’s jersey clean
Make that zero sacks against Broncos QB Jay Cutler in this preseason. Cutler wasn’t sharp in this game, but he threw 43 preseason passes without getting dumped. Perhaps concern regarding the kid tackles was exaggerated.
Mike Klis, The Denver Post
