2013 Broncos Season: Preseason, Week 2


Recaps of Broncos games continue this week... hopefully all the way to the Super Bowl. But given last night's horror show, we'll have to see.

Preseason Week 2: Seattle Seahawks 40, Denver Broncos 10
Preseason Record: 1-1
Key Play: In the second quarter, trailing 17-7, Broncos running back Ronnie Hillman fumbled as he neared the goal line. Seahawks defensive back Brandon Browner picked up the fumble and returned it 106 yards for the touchdown to put the Seahawks up 24-7.

Recap: What went right for the Broncos on Saturday night in Seattle? The answer is very little. When the announcers, late in the fourth quarter and looking to fill time, commented that the Broncos did some good things and had some things to work on. I would agree with the last bit... Usually when you're in a game you want to dominate in all three phases. Well, that was certainly true of the Seahawks. Russell Wilson looked good running the first team offense, which enjoyed success in the first half. The Seahawks also forced four turnovers in the game, returning one for a touchdown. And on special teams, the Seahawks had plenty of nice returns and plays, including a 107-yard touchdown return on a kickoff. Denver, meanwhile, struggled in all three phases. Though the team did score an offensive touchdown -- something that didn't happen the week before -- it was a rough night. For the second week in a row the first team defense struggled, getting run through for a touchdown on the opening drive. And then the Broncos piled up some injuries. Overall it was a terrible night. But the good news is that it was just preseason, so it doesn't count.

Impressive Players:
* Wes Welker. We all knew Welker was a good receiver, but in the first preseason game with the Broncos he wasn't a factor. During Denver's best offensive drive Saturday, Welker caught three passes including a touchdown pass from Manning. He looks as good as advertised.

* Julius Thomas. The young tight end had another good game. He had a bit of a slip up with a fumble after his first reception, but he continues to look good working with the first team. Thomas had three receptions and really gives a good option at tight end, what the Broncos hoped for when they drafted him a few years ago.

* Trindon Holliday. Holliday is a dynamic returner. We saw that once again late in the second half as he nearly broke a punt for a touchdown. It was one of the few bright spots for the Broncos on a rough night. Holliday is a weapon that will be useful this season.

Lingering Questions:
* Running Game woes. For the second week in a row the Broncos running game looked off. C.J. Anderson is injured, as is Knowshon Moreno, so they didn't play. Ronnie Hillman again got the start but looked poor. He averaged less than three yards per carry and fumbled twice, losing one in the end zone that was returned for a touchdown. Not a promising sign. Montee Ball ran well at times but was inconsistent. The Broncos can't win without a running game and, right now, they don't have one.

* Too many injuries. Goal number one in the preseason is to stay healthy. Last night Denver didn't. The injury list from the game is a who's who of good players -- Derek Wolfe, Champ Bailey, Wes Welker, Louis Vasquez, and Stewart Bradley. Let's hope none of it is serious...

* Tackling. The Broncos struggled with tackling on defense and special teams. It was really bad on special teams, where a number of returns broke away. Let's hope the team can get this corrected.

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