Denver – Three Performances of Note
2013 Rookie Starting To Show Promise
In the 2013 draft the Broncos drafted Quanterus Smith as a developmental edge rusher. In last years preseason Smith played on 93 snaps and looked out of his depth. One year later Smith is showing the Broncos brass that he might be a factor as a pass rusher. Smith produced four QB Hurries on 17 oppurtinies, ending with a 17.6 PRP. He showed that he was able to win with inside and outside moves and he isn’t just a speed rusher on the outside. The Broncos used Smith mostly on the left side, it will be an interesting development to see if this is a trend going forward, especially if Smith is used at the same time as Demarcus Ware and Von Miller.
Broncos Keep Finding Running Backs
The Broncos might have found another two undrafted running backs who could go on to play in the NFL, Juwan Thompson and Kapri Bibbs. Thompson had 59 yards on six carries, with another 22 yards called back on a holding call. Thompson looked the exact opposite of Michael, Thompson gaining 3 yards after contact, while still having the ability to get on the edge and make a substantial gain. Like Thompson, Bibbs also had his longest run of the day negated by a holding call (back to back plays). It is highly likely that the Broncos will have to cut one of these two backs on cut down day due to Monte Ball and Ronnie Hillman and the trust C.J. Anderson has seemingly built up over last season. This looks like it will be a battle to the wire and another team could get an interesting pick up if one of them is cut.
Development of Osweiler
Since Brock Osweiler entered the league in 2012 he has played 84 snaps in mop up duties. So just like all of other Peyton Manning’s backups, the only chance to evaluate Osweiler is during preseason. Last year Osweiler showed he has the ability to play well, especially in passes over ten yards. Against the Seahawks Osweiler was a little inconsistent on his deep ball, 1-4, 34 yards a touchdown and one interception. The one completion he made was the go ahead touchdown to Jordan Norwood, the pass was a perfectly placed drop over the cornerback and arrived before the safety could make a play on the ball. However, the other three passes showed some issues, on the interceptions Osweiler failed to see A.J. Jefferson underneath the tight end, which gave Jefferson an easy pick. With three more games to go Osweiler will get more significant playing time to see where he stands as the future quarterback of the Broncos.
- Kenny Anunike finished with a 37.5 PRP, thanks to 5 hurries on ten pass rushing snaps, however he finished with only +0.2.
2013 Rookie Starting To Show Promise
In the 2013 draft the Broncos drafted Quanterus Smith as a developmental edge rusher. In last years preseason Smith played on 93 snaps and looked out of his depth. One year later Smith is showing the Broncos brass that he might be a factor as a pass rusher. Smith produced four QB Hurries on 17 oppurtinies, ending with a 17.6 PRP. He showed that he was able to win with inside and outside moves and he isn’t just a speed rusher on the outside. The Broncos used Smith mostly on the left side, it will be an interesting development to see if this is a trend going forward, especially if Smith is used at the same time as Demarcus Ware and Von Miller.
Broncos Keep Finding Running Backs
The Broncos might have found another two undrafted running backs who could go on to play in the NFL, Juwan Thompson and Kapri Bibbs. Thompson had 59 yards on six carries, with another 22 yards called back on a holding call. Thompson looked the exact opposite of Michael, Thompson gaining 3 yards after contact, while still having the ability to get on the edge and make a substantial gain. Like Thompson, Bibbs also had his longest run of the day negated by a holding call (back to back plays). It is highly likely that the Broncos will have to cut one of these two backs on cut down day due to Monte Ball and Ronnie Hillman and the trust C.J. Anderson has seemingly built up over last season. This looks like it will be a battle to the wire and another team could get an interesting pick up if one of them is cut.
Development of Osweiler
Since Brock Osweiler entered the league in 2012 he has played 84 snaps in mop up duties. So just like all of other Peyton Manning’s backups, the only chance to evaluate Osweiler is during preseason. Last year Osweiler showed he has the ability to play well, especially in passes over ten yards. Against the Seahawks Osweiler was a little inconsistent on his deep ball, 1-4, 34 yards a touchdown and one interception. The one completion he made was the go ahead touchdown to Jordan Norwood, the pass was a perfectly placed drop over the cornerback and arrived before the safety could make a play on the ball. However, the other three passes showed some issues, on the interceptions Osweiler failed to see A.J. Jefferson underneath the tight end, which gave Jefferson an easy pick. With three more games to go Osweiler will get more significant playing time to see where he stands as the future quarterback of the Broncos.
- Kenny Anunike finished with a 37.5 PRP, thanks to 5 hurries on ten pass rushing snaps, however he finished with only +0.2.
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