2016 Broncos Season — Pre-Season Week 3


The Broncos have likely seen all they're going to see of the starters until Thursday, September 8.

Pre-Season Week 3: Broncos 17, Los Angeles Rams 9
Pre-Season Record: 2-1 (1-1 home)
Key Play: In the third quarter, with just under seven minutes left, Ronnie Hillman carried the ball in from seven yards out to give the Broncos at 17-9 lead.

Recap: The third pre-season game is typically a dress rehearsal, and if that's the case, the Broncos looked strong. After a slow start on offense, Trevor Siemian got things going late in the first half. The Broncos were able to get an offensive touchdown, passing no less, and never let it go. The defense looked strong and we saw all we needed to see from the first string. Meanwhile, Paxton Lynch continues to develop and the race for positions seems to be coming into view.

Quarterback Competition:
* Trevor Siemian — 10-for-17, 122 yards, one touchdown and one interception
* Paxton Lynch — 6-for-13 for 57 yards
* Mark Sanchez — DNP
It looks like the competition for the Broncos' starting quarterback has been settled, and against all odds the seventh round draft choice out of Northwestern got the gig. Meanwhile, Lynch appears on course to be the back up and now, for the first time, I feel fairly certain that Sanchez will be released. It's a stunning development and one I feel oddly good about.

Game Balls:
* Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders — The Broncos' top wideouts looked good. Thomas went for four catches for 63 yards, including a circus grab, while Sanders caught three for 45 yards. Both are ready for a strong season.
* CJ Anderson — Anderson started slow (10 yards on five carries) and got dinged up (four stitches in his ear) but came back with a vengeance. He finished with 50 yards on 11 carries. I think he's in for his first career 1,000 yard season.
*Dekoda Watson — Watson finished a strong showing in the game with 2.5 sacks, pretty much ensuring he'll make the team.

Lingering Questions:
* The Broncos still seem to have some questions on depth, particularly on the offensive line. And the line struggled at times. That's something that needs to improve this season.
* The final 53. The Broncos are blessed with some great depth, and some big questions. Who will survive the cut to 75? Who makes the final 53? Only one week to find out, and some good players won't be on the final squad.

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