The NFL preseason is a critical time for teams to evaluate talent and build chemistry ahead of the regular season. For the Denver Broncos, their upcoming game against the Indianapolis Colts presents an opportunity to lay a strong foundation for the season ahead. Here’s a look at what the Broncos need to focus on to secure a win in their first preseason game.
1. Evaluate and Integrate New Talent
The preseason is the perfect stage for evaluating rookies and new acquisitions. For the Broncos, this game is an opportunity to see how their draft picks and recent signings perform in a live game scenario. Key players to watch include:
- Rookies:
- Bo Nix: Obviously Nix leads of this list, we get the first look at the future for the Broncos. He needs to show the efficiency to be able to drive the field. Extended drives are what we are looking for.
- Audric Estime: The running game is going to be huge in piling up wins this year. Estime is a power back that can wear down defenses and grind out some wins.
- Jonah Elliss: Pass rush has lacked a bit in recent years and a speedy rusher like Elliss is just what the Broncos need. Looking for pressures early and often from Elliss.
- Kris Abrams-Draine: Abrams-Draine has the ability to be the second starting cornerback opposite Surtain. He has been receiving raving reviews out of training camp and he is a must watch here.
- Devaughn Vele: Vele just pulled down one of the prettiest catches on Wednesday in training camp. He is a tall, albeit older, wide out that has the ability to become a starter down the line given his performance at camp. He is definitely going to get his touches on Sunday.
- Free Agents/New Acquisitions:
- John Franklin-Myers: Franklin-Myers was acquired via a draft day trade with the Jets. He is a force on the defensive line and has bully mentality that the Broncos defense has lacked for years now. He is essential to stopping the run in 2024.
- Josh Reynolds: Wide Receiver Josh Reynolds comes from Detroit where he spent the last three seasons. The Broncos now have three tall wide outs to help box out the defenders on the outside and slot. He had issues with drops in the playoffs for the Lions in 2023, but he is as reliable as they come and he has had a quietly good training camp to this point.
- Dondrea Tillman: Tillman was one of the best defensive players in all of the UFL the last few years. He has been having a great camp for himself as well and showing up in the preseason may land him on the 53 man roster. Denver can’t get enough of the big nasty defenders and he should be able to show it against the Colts on Sunday.
2. Establish Offensive Rhythm
The Broncos’ offense has been under scrutiny in recent seasons, and this game is a chance to start fresh. Here’s how they can make an impact:
- Quarterback Play: Stidham will most likely get the first crack under center against the Colts. Followed by Wilson and Nix, if we are to read into the initial depth chart provided this week. Stidham will need to prove he can move the ball effectively, sprinkling in some deep shots. Wilson will need to show that he can be decisive with the ball and prevent costly turnovers and sacks. Nix will need to be effective with his time, drive the ball up field and be efficient.
- O-Line Performance: Denver lost their starting center, Cushenberry, from 2023. Alex Forsythe and Luke Wattenberg are in a competition there. Every other position is all but solidified, so gelling is the main goal up front.
- Skill Position Players: With the rookies and new acquisitions coming in, all eyes will be on Vele, Reynolds, Troy Franklin, and Tim Patrick coming off of his two year injury bug. There is plenty to watch at the receiver position this weekend.
3. Solidify the Defense
On defense, the Broncos should use the game to refine their run defense and gauge how well new and returning players fit into the system:
- Pass Rush: Franklin-Myers, Jonah Elliss, Cooper, and Browning will all see time on Sunday. Nik Bonito is listed out with an injury. Pass rush needs to be better for Denver in 2024 to give this team a chance within the division. JFM gives them a major boost here.
- Coverage Schemes: It helps to have the worlds best cornerback starting for the Broncos, what do we have in Riley Moss and Kris Abrams-Draine? This will be one position group to keep an eye on. Levi Wallace will be out with an injury, as will new safety Brandon Jones and Delarrin Turner-Yell. The Broncos seem thin at safety already, so it’s up to JL Skinner and PJ Locke to shore up the back field there.
4. Special Teams Efficiency
Special teams often don’t get the spotlight, but they play a crucial role in field position and game momentum. For the Broncos, ensuring efficiency in this area is key:
- Kick Coverage and Returns: The new kickoff formations have debuted and the Denver Broncos feel they have an advantage with Marvin Mims’ returning ability. A pro bowler on special teams in 2023, Mims will pick up where he left off. The new formation gives him a chance to have longer returns more often in 2024.
- Kicking Game: Wil Lutz hit a 62 yarder in camp this past week, it seems all worries about losing McManus before 2023 were overhyped. Lutz’s massive leg will make the field shorter when the range seems to be the opposite 40+ yard line.
5. Build Team Chemistry
Finally, preseason games are about more than just winning; they’re about building team chemistry and cohesion. The Broncos should focus on:
- Communication: There are a lot of new pieces to this team in 2024, which is due to Sean Payton’s desire to build the team in his image. The Broncos needed a fresh start, though communication will need to be seamless for it all to come together. Cody Barton will be in the middle of the defense, which primarily is responsible for defensive calls. Him and Alex Singleton will need to act as one from day one.
- Team Gelling: The 2024 Denver Broncos are a brand new team, resembling almost nothing of the 2022-2023 Broncos. Which is a step forward but also requires work. The team needs to be on the same page, starting in the preseason, which is where communication is key. Team bonding and gelling will also be huge in determining how far this team can go in 2024.
The Denver Broncos have a great chance at a reset for 2024. With a rookie QB to get behind for years to come and young faces all over the offense and defense, Denver can put the past where it belongs. They can’t be held to a standard set from a star QB that works off script. Or a defense that had 70 points put on them in Miami. 2024 starts in Indianapolis and we will see how strong the foundation is this weekend.
