Key Matchup: Denver Broncos Players to Watch Against Arizona Cardinals

The Denver Broncos Preseason Opener: What to Watch For

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September 25, 2022

Introduction

The anticipation is building for the Denver Broncos preseason opener, set to kick off this evening against the Arizona Cardinals. With starters like Russell Wilson expected to take the field, Broncos fans have their eyes on several key players. Head coach Sean Payton expressed his desire to see progress from the team and clean execution from the starters. As we enter the preseason, it’s important to remember that perfection should not be expected, but rather a demonstration of improvement in the team’s operations. In this article, we will discuss the key players to watch for, including Russell Wilson, the dynamic pass-rush duo of Randy Gregory and Frank Clark, the running back competition, the battle for the third safety spot, the kicking competition, and the wide receiver competition.

Russell Wilson’s Debut in Sean Payton’s Offense

Russell Wilson, the star quarterback for the Denver Broncos, will undoubtedly be under the spotlight during the preseason opener. After a challenging season in 2022, Wilson faces high expectations this year. While it’s only the preseason, the performance of Wilson and the starters in their limited snaps will be closely watched by fans and coaches alike. Payton emphasized the importance of clean execution, timing, and moving the ball downfield. Wilson’s command of the offense, ability to manage the play clock, and avoidance of mistakes will be key areas to watch during the game.

The Pass Rush Duo: Randy Gregory and Frank Clark

The Denver Broncos defense will get its first glimpse of Randy Gregory and Frank Clark in action during the preseason opener. Gregory, who is coming off a knee injury, showcased his ability to generate consistent pressure on quarterbacks when fully healthy last season. His presence will be crucial to the Broncos’ defensive success. Meanwhile, Clark’s experience as a Super Bowl champion and a skilled pass rusher adds strength to the Broncos’ defensive line. Keep an eye on how they perform against the Cardinals’ offense, paying particular attention to Gregory’s pass-rushing skills and Clark’s ability to set the edge and contain on the outside.

The Running Back Competition

The running back competition is always a significant storyline during the preseason. While Javonte Williams and Samaje Perine have secured the top two spots on the depth chart, the Broncos will likely rely on three running backs on the active roster this season. Jaleel McLaughlin, Tyler Badie, and Tony Jones Jr. will have the opportunity to stake their claim for the third spot. McLaughlin has impressed in practice with his explosiveness, patience, vision, and speed. Badie, despite limited NFL experience, has displayed size, physicality, and a willingness to run north/south. Jones Jr., with his familiarity with Coach Payton’s system, brings experience and versatility to the position. The preseason game will provide a stage for these players to showcase their talent and potential impact on the offense.

The Battle for the Third Safety Spot

The Denver Broncos’ safety depth is the strongest it has been in several years. Starters Justin Simmons and Caden Sterns are expected to start in Week 1, leaving the third safety spot wide open. Veteran Kareem Jackson, who played all games last season, faces competition from P.J. Locke. Jackson’s experience and past performance work in his favor, but Coach Payton has emphasized that the best players will earn their spots on the roster. Locke has proven himself as a standout special teams player and continues to grow as a safety. With Simmons nursing a groin injury, Locke and Jackson may have the opportunity to start in the preseason opener, providing a valuable evaluation process for the positional depth.

The Kicking Competition

Brett Maher and Elliott Fry have been neck-and-neck in the kicking competition throughout training camp. The preseason opener will present the first opportunity for special teams coordinator Ben Kotwica to evaluate their performance in game-like conditions. Both kickers have performed well in practices, hitting over 90 percent of charted kicks. The game will reveal who handles extra points, field goals, and kickoffs with consistency and reliability. As the competition unfolds, Kotwica acknowledges the pressure of crucial kicks, comparing it to the intensity of a “Moneyball” 3-point contest. The kicking competition will be an important area to monitor in determining the Broncos’ special teams effectiveness.

The Wide Receiver Competition

The injury to Tim Patrick has opened up the competition for the team’s third wide receiver role. Brandon Johnson appeared to have secured the position before suffering an ankle injury. The absence of Johnson creates an opportunity for other players to showcase their skills. Marquez Callaway, Lil’Jordan Humphrey, Marvin Mims, and Kendall Hinton are four players to watch during the preseason opener. Callaway has impressed with his chemistry with Wilson, showcasing his ability to make the roster. Humphrey’s size provides an advantage in making contested catches. Mims, returning from a hamstring ailment, has already shown promise with a 30-yard reception during a team drill. Hinton, coming off the PUP list, has slowly worked his way back into the fold. All four players will compete for a roster spot and contribute as a wide receiver or returner.

Conclusion

The Denver Broncos preseason opener presents a valuable opportunity to evaluate key players and position battles. While wins and losses in preseason games hold minimal significance, improvements in operations and individual performances are crucial. Fans should pay attention to Russell Wilson’s command of the offense, the pass rush prowess of Randy Gregory and Frank Clark, the running back competition, the third safety spot battle, the kicking competition, and the emerging wide receiver options. As the Broncos fine-tune their roster and prepare for the regular season, every snap counts for players vying for starting positions and roster spots.