Clayton: The Broncos dominant preseason shows they can compete
Aug 31, 2021, 6:36 AM
The Broncos completed a very productive training camp and preseason. They went 3-0 and they were in control of all of their exhibition games.
Saturday’s game against the Los Angeles Rams was closer, 17-12, but the key was the defense. They have only given up 21 points in three games. Don’t forget last year’s defense was good.
All three of the Broncos preseason opponents didn’t use starters, however. The Rams held out 34 players. That gave Vic Fangio the ability to do what he wanted in these games.
The good news for Fangio is that he was able to get some key starters back on the field. Running back Melvin Gordon had 35 yards on five carries, a nice 7.0-yard average. Courtland Sutton made his preseason debut and had two catches for 27 yards, plus a touchdown.
Von Miller made his 2021 debut and had three tackles. Miller and Bradley Chubb each participated for 21 plays. That’s important because having both players healthy is the key to the success of the defense. They provide the pass rush that is needed to win.
Having seen the Broncos and the Los Angeles Chargers over the past two weeks, they both look like wild-card playoff teams. The Chargers were shutout by the Seattle Seahawks, 27-0 but head coach Brandon Staley sat 31 players in that game. They may not be as good on defense as the Broncos, but they should be good. They are making the adjustment to a 3-4 defense. Their offense will be dangerous.
Naturally, the Kansas City Chiefs are the best in the division and probably the best in the AFC. Now that the preseason is over, the AFC West race is ready to go.
