Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) takes the snap during practice at training camp on Aug. 18, 2015 at Broncos headquarters. (John Leyba, The Denver Post)
All together now: It’s preseason. This is football’s equivalent of spring training. The stats matter, but only with context. They mean something when a player is trying to make the team, but almost never matter for an establish veteran. So don’t panic if Peyton Manning doesn’t perform like he’s going to challenge his 2013 passing records (A hint, he’s not breaking them in this offense, and that should be a good thing).
But there are reasons to watch beyond the violence and the fact that, it’s you know, football. Five things for Game 3.
1. Health
Even if the the 49ers blank the Broncos and cause five turnovers, it will be a successful night if the Broncos escape with no injuries. Nothing hurts more than losing a starter in a meaningless game (just ask the Packers, Panthers, Cowboys and Steelers). The last thing the Broncos need is to have to duct tape a position with the regular-season opener 15 days away.
2. Offensive improvement
GM John Elway admitted the offense will likely be a work in a progress when the season begins. Gary Kubiak is blending Manning’s strengths with his zone-blocking scheme. It will take a few games. That doesn’t mean the unit doesn’t need to make progress to boost its confidence. The starters are expected to play 30-to-35 snaps. That should take them to halftime or so. Manning played four drives last week, all ending in punts. He was undermined by two key penalties and a pair of drops from James Casey and Demaryius Thomas. Playing longer and likely slower — it’s unlikely the Broncos will use as much no-huddle Saturday — should allow Manning and C.J. Anderson to find their rhythm.
3. Make an impression with cuts looming
The first wave of cuts could begin as soon as Sunday with Tuesday at 2 p.m. the deadline to slice the roster to 75. For fifteen players, the dream will end. Most of the players will be fourth-stringers, but there are always a few surprises. The deadline to reach 53 is Saturday at 2 p.m.
4. Receiver shuffle
The first three receivers remain set: Demaryius Thomas, Emmanuel Sanders, who will sit out Saturday with a hamstring injury, and Cody Latimer. There are three strong candidates for the remaining two spots: Jordan Norwood, Andre “Bubba” Caldwell and Bennie Fowler. Norwood functions as a true slot receiver, and could provide insurance if Sanders’ hamstring injury lingers. Sanders is expected to return to practice this week. Fowler moved ahead of Caldwell early in camp, but Caldwell rallied with a long touchdown catch last week.
5. Get a long look at backups
Montee Ball faces one of the most important games in his Broncos career. He is still expected to make the team, but needs to gain traction. Can quarterback Brock Osweiler build off the momentum of his strong August? And what gives with the offensive line? Will they keep seven or eight? If both reserve tackles make it — Chris Clark and Michael Schofield — that could make it tough to keep Shelley Smith and Gino Gradkowski. Max Garcia is a lock, and likely a future starter next season.
