Broncos at Bears
Preseason, Week 1
6 p.m. Thursday at Soldier Field in Chicago
Preseason games may be fake, but they’re invaluable to the Broncos this year more than ever. presents five things to watch as the Broncos face the Bears in their preseason opener:
1: Efficient QB play. Mark Sanchez will start, but he and Trevor Siemian will each play a quarter. Their performance will be factored into coach Gary Kubiak’s decision on the season starter.
2. Ball security. The Broncos made 31 turnovers (tied for third-most in NFL) last season that led to 103 points for opponents. Improvement is paramount.
3. Build cohesion on O-line. Injuries already have rattled the offensive line. Strong play from Darrion Weems at guard and Michael Schofield at left tackle might show signs of needed depth on the line.
4. Establish the ground game early. Consistency from rushers is key. Will we see separation between co-No. 2 backs, Devontae Booker and Ronnie Hillman?
5. Training grounds. The game is about the twos and threes, Kubiak said. Itap also a chance for bubble players to prove themselves. See: receivers Jordan Taylor and Kalif Raymond.
