It’s finally here. The Denver Broncos will officially begin the defense of their Super Bowl 50 title on Thursday night, when they face off against our old friends — John Fox, Jay Cutler and the Chicago Bears — in the first preseason game of the year.

The good news is that there is actually football to watch. The bad news is that you have to watch the sad “world of suck” that is Jay Cutler.

More good news, there’s a drinking game to be played for Broncos fans that is sure to have you feeling good! Maybe not so much Friday morning, but we’ll cross that bridge when we get there.

Here are the rules:

  • Every time the broadcast mentions John Fox and/or Jay Cutler having ties to Denver, take a drink.
  • Every time Jay Cutler is shown with his pouty face, take a drink.
  • Every time the picture box shows Jay Cutler on the sideline with his hands tucked in his pads or his shirt, take a shot!

Now, onto the actual game. What should you be looking for on Thursday night?

The obvious point of interest is the quarterback position. After being named co-starters this week — whatever the heck that means — Mark Sanchez and Trevor Siemian will get a shot to separate themselves from one another on Thursday.

Sanchez told us Monday afternoon that he’s “not too worried about it,” and Siemian agreed. But that’s reason enough to worry right there. Where’s the urgency? The fire?

I’m not ready to say it just yet, but I get closer everyday to siding with those that say, “Why not just start the Paxton Lynch era now? If Sanchez can’t set himself apart from Siemian, then let’s just start the rookie and let him cut his teeth facing live reps.”

Sure, there would be times when it wouldn’t be pretty, but then again, there are going to be times when it gets ugly with Sanchez and Siemian, too. Point being, unless one of Sanchez or Siemian proves to be leap years ahead of Lynch, then there’s no reason he shouldn’t be the starter on September 8!

Another group to watch is the running backs. It’s no secret that C.J. Anderson is going to be the man, but who’s his backup? Again, according to the Broncos first depth chart, the backup is a combination of Ronnie Hillman and Devontae Booker. Hillman is the experienced vet, but he may be the odd man out in Denver. And if he does make the team, it’s likely to be as the third back, off the active roster most weeks. Booker is the real deal and will be an impact player sooner than later for the Broncos.

The last group to watch Thursday night in Chicago is a group we’ve been watching for a couple of years now: the offensive line. It was a mess last year and seems to be a bit of a scramble this year, too. They should be improved with the additions of Russell Okung and Donald Stephenson, but with issues at quarterback, a more talented o-line may not matter.

We will learn a lot on Thursday night, but will it be a good learning experience? Play my drinking game and the results will not matter!