Well, the Broncos first preseason game is in the books, and while the Broncos didn’t win. We did learn a few things tonight. So, for your reading pleasure, here’s how I graded the game:
Kyle Orton: A-
Kyle looked sharp tonight, opening the game with a 31-yard completion to Jabar Gaffney and a TD to Eddie Royal. For the night Kyle went 8/13 for 84 yards and two TDs
Brady Quinn: F
Hmmm, how to put this plainly? Quinn was bloody AWFUL. Going 6/16 for 68 yards and 1 INT, Quinn’s throws were all over the place. He airmailed wide open receivers, he couldn’t step away from pressure, and he fumbled the ball. His job as the #2 guy, is definitely in jeopardy. If his play continues like this Coach McDaniels will soon be eating his words about never getting rid of Brady Quinn.
Tim Tebow: A-
Tebow showed me something tonight. Going 8/13 for 105 yards with 1 rushing TD (final play of the game), the rookie did a good job. Of course, it was against scrubs, but all the same he went out there and threw the ball well. More important than his throwing though, he went out and made plays where none were to be had. He stepped up and led his team. That’s a lot to ask for a rookie QB, but he did it very well. As much as the Shanahan bashers will hate me saying it, Tebow is exactly the type of QB that Mike was always looking for: Good arm strength, ability to roll out of the pocket, and to make plays when none should be had.
Rushing Attack: F
There’s no way to sugar coat it. The Broncos run game was awful. Held to 36 yards, there’s absolutely nothing positive to say about the Ball and Hall combo. Admittedly, the Broncos didn’t run much, but 36 yards on 15 carries is not good anyway you slice it. Hall did a decent job at catching the ball coming out of the backfield, but that won’t last if there is no fear of the rushing attack come the regular season. Regular season defenses will shut that down ASAP.
Receiving: B
The receivers were a bit of a mixed bag. The QBs did a good job of spreading the ball around so everyone got into the action. While everyone made some big plays, there were a lot of balls getting dropped. As expected, Royal and Gaffney looked good, but they were also extremely limited in action. Matt Willis was getting down the field and open on a regular basis, which is great, but late in the third Tebow hit him in stride with a perfect rainbow and Willis dropped it. Hopefully these things will get worked out as preseason rolls along.
Offensive Line: D
The O-line is missing Ryan Clady Passing Protection was iffy and they couldn’t open many holes for the running backs. The Broncos NEED help. ‘nuff said
Defensive Line: F
Carson Palmer and J.T. O’Sullivan had all day to throw, and the Bengals rushing attack racked up a 181 yards of rushing. Again, ‘nuff said.
Secondary: C
Overall the secondary did well. The starters, Champ Bailey and Andre Goodman, as usual, held their own against Ochocinco and TO. But the Nickel and Dime backs were a bit questionable as Shipley, Gresham, and Simpson burned them on a couple of 3rd and long situations. Admittedly, Shipley looks like the the next Wes Welker and will probably be starting at slotback this year, but it’s something the Broncos will need to address.
So, those are my grades, what are yours?
