The Broncos will look to extend their league-leading streak of opening-week victories to seven when they host Seattle Sunday at 2:25 p.m. Here’s a Week 1 whip-around:
Pressing question
Can linebacker Shane Ray build off some encouraging plays he made in the preseason?
Ray, a former first-round pick who is in the final year of his contract, made it through training camp and the preseason games without incident so he’s already ahead of his lost 2017 (multiple wrist surgeries and only eight appearances).
“I didn’t feel like I could get into a rhythm or feel like me last year so the preseason was important for me to get into the groove of things and start figuring out how I was going to play with the brace on my (wrist),” Ray said.
Ray is wearing a second brace that was fitted before the Washington preseason game. It allows for his palm to be exposed, which means his thumb is freer to grip his opponent.
“We had the brace altered three times and we finally got one I was felt comfortable with,” he said. “I’m able to grab guys, use my hand way more than in the first two games. My hand-fighting and grip got better.”
Ray won’t start against the Seahawks on Sunday but will have a role in the Broncos’ pass-rush package.
Spotlight player
On Sunday, tight end Jake Butt will appear in his first meaningful game since the Dec. 30, 2016 Orange Bowl, when he sustained a torn ACL playing for Michigan against Florida State.
Butt spent last year with the Broncos on injured reserve. He had one catch in this year’s preseason (three games).
“It definitely feels like a long time, but at the same time, itap really flown by,” Butt said. “I feel ready. Practice is no cake walk. I’m ready to go play all four quarters.”
Said tight ends coach Geep Chyrst: “The emotions will be real for him and the enthusiasm will be real for him.”
Jeff Heuerman is expected to start at tight end, but Butt will see time in two-tight end personnel and in relief of Heuerman. Buttap wait is almost over.
“I’m excited to see how all of this hard work is going to pay off,” Butt said.
Said offensive coordinator Bill Musgrave: “Jake is doing well. His knee has really held up nicely. Not only in the pass game, he’s done a nice job in holding up against defensive ends and blocking when we’ve asked him to do that.”
Watch for …
The Broncos gaining field position covering kickoffs.
In the preseason, the Broncos were first in kick coverage (18.4-yard average). Kicker Brandon McManus showed good touch in producing a good hang time to let his teammates get down the field. Opponents started inside their 25-yard line after 12 kickoffs.
Tyler Lockett is a very good returner for Seattle, but is coming off a toe injury. The Broncos may try to pin the Seahawks down.
“B-Mac really keeps it up in the air,” said linebacker Joseph Jones, who will play on all four coverage/return units. “There was one play in the preseason, I was setting the edge to make sure the (returner) didn’t get outside and I set up at the 10-yard line. Thatap easy money for the rest of the team to make a play.”
The Broncos struggled on special teams last year, but Jones has been impressed with new coordinator Tom McMahon.
“Itap a lot different,” Jones said. “Guys care. Guys are working. Guys are getting better. Tom is not letting things slide.”
Injury report
Every Broncos player practiced fully on Friday and no player was listed on the injury report.
“ To be totally healthy for Week 1 is a definitely a good deal,” coach Vance Joseph said.
