SAN FRANCISCO — Early-morning drizzle and fog in the area gave way to a sunny, yet breezy and cool day here — perfect weather conditions for Broncos and 49ers players alike — as they get warmed up for tonight’s preseason opener for both teams.
If this were a regular-season game, the hype in the air could be cut with a knife. These are most pundits’ favorites in each conference to advance to the Super Bowl. But tonight is much more about beginning to answer the many questions both teams face than anything that could occur months into the future.
The Broncos have position battles all over the field and early training camp stars that need to display an ability to show up when the lights are on. Tight end Julius Thomas, safety Duke Ihenacho, running back Ronnie Hillman, this means you.
Will the revamped Broncos offensive line (because of injuries) hold up while quarterback Peyton Manning is in the game? And for that matter, when Brock Osweiler is in as well? He’s been a much-discussed player given his obvious improvement from his first to second seasons. Meanwhile, 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh already has told local media that there is more competition for spots on his team this season than any that he’s coached in his tenure with the club.
But for all of us, it’s about the return of football. The return of Broncos football.
Christopher Dempsey: 303-954-1279, cdempsey@denverpost.com or
