Beyond Peyton Manning’s debut and the defense’s domination, there were several other important storylines to follow in the Broncos’ second preseason game.
Among them, none loomed larger than the continued development of backup quarterback Brock Osweiler. It was a mixed night for the 6-foot-8 Osweiler, who had a 57-yard touchdown pass to Andre Caldwell, but was victim of a 69-yard pick-six which gave Houston the lead in the third quarter.
Also on the radar was how Demaryius Thomas would look in his first game action, especially after he did not attend OTAs or minicamp as his semi-holdout during contract negotiations with the team this offseason kept him out until the eve of training camp.
The running backs competition continues to heat up and it appears that Ronnie Hillman has leapfrogged Montee Ball on the depth chart. Hillman shined again on Saturday while Ball was uninspiring in limited action.
The offensive line – a major concern for most Broncos fans – held up well, and saw improved play on the second unit.
And finally the special teams play, the glaring problem in Denver’s preseason opener against Seattle, was improved in the sense that it did not allow any massive returns or muff any punts. Still, their play left plenty to be improved upon in the coming weeks.
Throughout the game, the expert team at Mile High Sports was busy offering up their opinions on these and many other topics. We’ve gathered the highlights here…
On Osweiler…
I'd like to see Osweiler come in on defense to block FGs and PATs. #Broncos
— Renaud Notaro (@RenKnowItAll) August 23, 2015
Brock is 9-foot-8 and seems to think his receivers are 11-foot-8. Ugly.
— Will Petersen (@PetersenWill) August 23, 2015
That was a good play. Looked off the safety and then put it on the money for 6. #Broncos
— Tom Helmer (@TheTomHelmer) August 23, 2015
Brockafella needs the confidence, and he's getting it. . . Elway is beaming in the Luxury Box. . .
— Gil Whiteley, Now and Then (@Gilfest) August 23, 2015
Paging #Broncos Elway…Call Osweiler's agent & get a deal done before value skyrockets.
Does he need to be more accurate, yes, it'll come.
— Eric Goodman (@EricGoodman) August 23, 2015
UNPOPULAR HOT TAKE: Broncos should call the Bills RIGHT NOW about Brock.
— Will Petersen (@PetersenWill) August 23, 2015
Before we give Brock millions, consider the competition. Slow it down a bit, fellas! #Broncos
— James Merilatt (@jamesmerilatt) August 23, 2015
Brock Osweiler fits very well in this system. A system that nobody knows better than Elway and Kubiak. Which would fully explain the pick.
— Spano (@BrandonSpano) August 23, 2015
Especially if (as some believe) Kubiak was always going to be the coach here. Elway went and made sure to get his guy. Might be genius.
— Spano (@BrandonSpano) August 23, 2015
Go ahead and stop the guy who is carving the Osweiler bust for Canton. #Broncos
— James Merilatt (@jamesmerilatt) August 23, 2015
Take away the Bubba bomb, 5-14 for 65ish yards for Brocktoberfest
— Adam Kinney (@adamrkinney) August 23, 2015
https://twitter.com/PetersenWill/status/635276577740210176
On Demaryius Thomas…
New contract… Still has the dropsies
— Will Petersen (@PetersenWill) August 23, 2015
https://twitter.com/PetersenWill/status/635252333740318720
On the running backs…
So far… #Broncos Hillman has been very good at running the ball…But his blocking has been even more impressive. He's CJ's back up, not Ball.
— Eric Goodman (@EricGoodman) August 23, 2015
#Broncos Hillman career is starting to mirror K. Moreno… didn't get much early in career… something has clicked… Also, in a contract year.
— Eric Goodman (@EricGoodman) August 23, 2015
When Ronnie Hillman breaks one, he will become the Broncos starting RB.
— James Merilatt (@jamesmerilatt) August 23, 2015
https://twitter.com/PetersenWill/status/635275981490536448
Juwan > Montee #Broncos
— James Merilatt (@jamesmerilatt) August 23, 2015
They haven't proved they can run the ball down their throat. . . U have to pick this up the hard way. . . #ShowSomeSpheres
— Gil Whiteley, Now and Then (@Gilfest) August 23, 2015
Short yardage is still a huge issue for Denver. #Broncos
— James Merilatt (@jamesmerilatt) August 23, 2015
On the offensive line…
Cannot properly evaluate the #Broncos offense with JJ Watt not playing. #NFL
— Renaud Notaro (@RenKnowItAll) August 23, 2015
https://twitter.com/jamesmerilatt/status/635252964110692352
The O-Line has done everything but make a hard-yard #HardYard
— Gil Whiteley, Now and Then (@Gilfest) August 23, 2015
On special teams…
Good catch of the punt by Bolden, but a bad decision to try and return it — lost 6 yards on the return.
— Andrew Mason (@MaseDenver) August 23, 2015
All Bolden has to do is make the smart play and the job is his. Gonna let other people get chances that way
— Adam Kinney (@adamrkinney) August 23, 2015
Omar Bolden couldn't call it right on a two-headed quarter. #Broncos
— James Merilatt (@jamesmerilatt) August 23, 2015
Denver's starting field position has been brutal all night. Gotta do something to make it a short field. #Broncos
— James Merilatt (@jamesmerilatt) August 23, 2015
There was a special guest in attendance on Saturday night. 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup Golden Ball winner, Carli Lloyd. After bringing home the greatest accomplishment in her sport, it’s too bad she couldn’t score better seats!
Enjoying the @HoustonTexans vs @Broncos game! pic.twitter.com/A5GAETWMrP
— Carli Lloyd (@CarliLloyd) August 23, 2015
