2009 Broncos Preseason Game 1 Review - Aggies7's Blog

Aggies7's Blog

2009 Broncos Preseason Game 1 Review

Posted on August 15, 2009 at 07:37 PM.

Ok I figured I will do a review of each game for the Broncos and Aggies. Throughout the preseason I will post these in their respective Team Threads, However once the regular season rolls around they will only be posted in here on my blog.

Denver Broncos At San Fransisco 49ers

First of all the three major points of interest in last nights game were: 1) How would the "improved" defense play. 2) How would Knowshon Moreno perform. 3) Of course how would Kyle Orton play.

The first quarter began with a long drive from the 49ers which resulted in a FG from 49ers kicker Romero. This drive disappointed me, it seemed that the 49ers were able to meticulously drive down the field with no problem. However when needed the Broncos made a big stand on a 3rd and 3 rush attempt by Coffee which set up the Romero field goal. The Broncos opening drive began with Orton completing 5 intermediate passes to an array of receivers. I was impressed with Orton's patience in the pocket and ability to make good decisions, then came the interception in the endzone. This is the one thing I cannot stand, interceptions in the endzone. Do Not Give Points Away. That was the end of the 1st quarter. Overall impressed defense was able to hold after letting Hill and the 49ers drive at will. Very disappointed in the endzone interception.

The second quarter began with a good defensive stop by the Broncos. The Broncos second drive ended with another Orton Interception, this time by former Bronco Dre Bly. Once again the Broncos defense was able to compensate for Orton's mistake by stopping the 49ers on the ensuing possession. So on the third Broncos offensive possession which stated from their own 10 yard line, Orton throws his third interception. This time the 49ers capitalized on a 3 yard Touchdown Pass from Alex Smith to Brit Miller. It should be noted on that completion Vernon Davis was wide open as well. The only positive for Orton was that on the 4th offensive possession he did not throw an intercept and was able to complete a 19 yard pass to Royal. Another bad note for the first half was Knowshon Moreno sprained his MCL and will likely be out for 2 weeks.

The third quarter began with a long drive lead by Chris Simms which resulted in a 6 yard Touchdown pass to Jeb Putzier. Simms looked good on the drive however did struggle slightly with his accuracy but that is expected. That was all for the scoring in the third quarter. Overall Offense as well as Defense looked good.

On the Broncos first drive of the fourth quarter Matt Prater hit a 26 yard Field Goal to bring the Broncos within two points at 9-7. It should be noted on 3rd down it was nice to see Simms just throw the ball away and save the Field Goal opportunity. If Orton would have done that in the First Quarter the Broncos would have been leading. On the 49ers ensuing possession came the Broncos biggest defensive blunder allowing Fullback Brit Miller to score on a 40 yard Touchdown pass from Damon Huard. I understand the Broncos were blitzing and Miller was probably the hot read but come on 40 yards for a fullback. Later in the fourth Chris Simms was able to throw up a prayer and hit Kenny McKinley for a 52 yard touchdown pass. It should be noted on the prior possession on a 3rd and 13 Kenny McKinley dropped a perfect pass from Simms that would have continued the drive. As for the two point conversion attempt, which was picked of in the endzone, it seemed clear that Simms could have taken off and ran for the conversion.

Overall the Broncos lose 17-16 now back to my points of interest:

1)The defense I was impressed with. To let the 49ers drive down field at will on their first possession I was highly impressed with their ability to hold the 49ers out of the Endzone.

2)As for Knowshon, I was happy with his downhill running style. He definitely seemed to hold his own. Hopefully the knee problem will not become an issue all season long.

3)As for Kyle Orton, I am not ready to throw him under the bus yet. Was I disappointed...Of Course. I want to see how he plays next week and then I will make my decision. As for QB controversy...Do not jump the gun just yet. Give Orton another week. Next week he needs to prove he can cut down on the mistakes. Stop acting like Jay Cutler and trying to squeeze the ball into coverage and just relax. Trust your running game.

One quick note as always Peyton Hillis had a great game.

Thats all for now. Until 8-22-09 (Sea Vs Den) Yall Take Care.