The five Broncos feeling the most pressure against the Seahawks
Aug 8, 2019, 6:00 AM | Updated: 6:57 am
Broncos at Seahawks
Thursday, August 8, 2019 | 8:00 p.m.
CenturyLink Field | Seattle, WA
TV – Ch. 20
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The Broncos 2019 preseason continues tonight, as they travel to Seattle to take on the Seahawks. In the first game of the Vic Fangio era, Denver knocked off Atlanta last week in the Hall of Fame Game, producing plenty of positive storylines via their 14-10 victory. They’re hoping to add to that list tonight, in what will be the first appearance for a lot of key players.
Most starters will see some action, including Joe Flacco and Von Miller, but their time on the field will be brief. Instead, it will be plenty of backups getting the bulk of the reps, providing them ample opportunity to show that they deserve a spot on the 53-man roster.
That being the case, there’s a hodgepodge of players who will be feeling the pressure tonight, for various reasons. Here are five Broncos who will be feeling the glare of the spotlight against the Seahawks:
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1. Alexander Johnson / Josh Watson
The Broncos are thin at inside linebacker, with Todd Davis, Josey Jewell and Joe Jones out with injury. As a result, multiple players will get a look in the middle of Denver’s defense, with Johnson and Watson getting the first crack. If they play well, which will be easier given that they’ll be playing alongside better players, they can secure a spot on the roster. And if they really shine, there’s a chance they can play their way into a starting spot. Middle linebacker was seen as a weakness heading into training camp, so a new starter emerging wouldn’t be a shock.
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2. Devontae Booker
The fourth-year running back is desperately trying to hold onto his spot on the roster, a task that got more difficult this week. Phillip Lindsay and Royce Freeman were already ahead of him on the depth chart, so the signing of Theo Riddick creates a scenario in which Booker might be the fourth back. If that’s the case, he’s on the bubble, or worse, given that most people don’t expect Denver to keep more than three running backs. In order to change the situation, Booker must make a splash on offense, showing he’s as valuable as Lindsay, Freeman or Riddick. Or he needs to do something big on special teams, changing the numbers game at another position in his favor.
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3. Drew Lock
It took one so-so performance in the Hall of Fame Game for some people to start questioning whether or not the rookie can play in the NFL. As ludicrous as that quick analysis might be, it’ll only intensify if Lock doesn’t do something to squelch the naysayers. Missing on deep balls, throwing picks and taking sacks will provide plenty of ammunition for the negative crowd. On the other hand, leading a scoring drive or two, making some plays off-schedule and generally looking like a competent quarterback will change the conversation from “is he a bust?” to “when should he start?”
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4. DaeSean Hamilton
Heading into training camp, Hamilton’s spot on the roster seemed pretty secure. Emmanuel Sanders, Courtland Sutton and last year’s fourth-round pick were seen as locks, with Tim Patrick and rookie Juwann Winfree as the favorite to round out the group. But through three weeks of camp, Hamilton’s spot is no longer secure. He’s battled a hamstring injury, which has kept him off the field and allowed others to shine. So now, he needs to demonstrate that he deserves to be on the final 53 ahead of players like Brendan Langley, Kelvin McKnight and Nick Williams.
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5. Joe Flacco
His job is secure, so the pressure he’ll be under won’t be about trying to hold off a younger player who is nipping at his heels. Instead, it’s all about establishing that he’s capable of performing the most-critiqued job in the state of Colorado. Last season in the preseason opener, there were plenty of signs that Case Keenum wasn’t up to the task. Things only spiraled down from there, as he proved to be nothing more than a journeyman quarterback. Flacco needs to keep the critics at bay by making good decisions and throws, moving the offense and providing hope that this year’s Broncos can actually be productive on offense.
