2014 Broncos Season, Preseason Week 3

Here's my recap of the Broncos latest preseason tilt.

Preseason Week 3: Houston Texans 18, Broncos 17
Preseason Record: 2-1 (1-1 Home)
Key Play: With under two minutes in the game and the Texans trailing 17-10, rookie quarterback Tom Savage connected with tight end Ryan Griffin on a 31-yard touchdown pass that made it 17-16. Savage then converted the two-point conversion, and the Texans took an 18-17 lead with under a minute to play. The Broncos couldn't answer.

Recap: No one likes to lose a game, but in the grand scheme of things a preseason game doesn't really hurt that much. In fact, according to stats regarding the preseason, it's not a great benefit to go undefeated in games that don't count. And given the sloppy practices that followed the Broncos' 34-0 beat down of San Francisco last week, maybe this will provide motivation. After all, the first team offense and defense left the field leading 17-7. It wasn't a great performance, but it was a good performance and a good tune up for the regular season. The Texans were 2-14 last season, but the team was 12-4 the year before. New coach Bill O'Brien has a lot to prove, the Texans have some new players, and many pundits think the team will be much improved this season. So it's possible that 17-7 showing is better than we think. Of greater concern is the injury to Wes Welker — who sustained his third concussion in less than 10 months. That is a huge problem, and one that bears watching. While I like Cody Latimer and Andre Caldwell, and Emmanuel Sanders had a break-out game, the Broncos need Welker, and they need him healthy. Hopefully he will be recovered for the regular season, but more than that it's time to start thinking about his quality of life outside of football. On defense, it was nice to see Von Miller back in the lineup, and rookie Bradley Roby had some nice plays. Other than that, it was business as usual. Thursday's game with the Cowboys should tell us who will round out the roster and provide depth for the Broncos.

Game Balls:
* Emmanuel Sanders. After playing only a handful of snaps in the Broncos' first two preseason games, Sanders broke out in a big way last night. He had five catches for 128 yards and two huge touchdowns. That gives the Broncos another big-play weapon.

* Bradley Roby. The rookie made the start since Chris Harris, Jr. hasn't yet been cleared, and he played well. Roby had four big tackles and two passes defensed. He looked great, which is a positive sign for the Broncos.

* Isaiah Burse. Now, more than ever, the Broncos need a punt returner not named Wes Welker. After Jordan Norwood was lost for the season, things didn't look good. But Burse showed some good skill last night and may have a chance to make this team because of it.

Lingering Questions:
* Wes Welker's health. Welker is prone to concussions, and getting another one last night is an ominous sign before the season. This offense is much better with Welker in it, but he may have to take the long view and maintain his health.

* Kicking the ball. This morning it was announced that Matt Prater will be suspended for four games to start the season. That's bad. The fact that rookie Mitch Ewold missed an easy kick last night — in a game the Broncos lost by one point — is worse. He needs to get a good audition in on Thursday night.

* Running game. Montee Ball was able to return to the lineup last night, and looked good in his limited work. Ronnie Hillman and CJ Anderson also both played with the first unit and looked good. But who else makes the team? Juwan Thompson has been the most consistent, but Kapri Bibbs has shown flashes, too. My guess is that only one of them makes it to the active roster. Thursday night will let us know which it will be.

* Duke Ihenacho. Ihenacho was a starter last year for the Broncos. Now he's on the bubble of not making the team. I liked Ihenacho last season, and I'd like to see him stay with the Broncos. He needs to make a statement Thursday night.