Denver, CO–The Denver Broncos (1-3) avoided their first winless preseason since 1960 when they shut out the Arizona Cardinals (0-4) at Invesco Field at Mile High 19-0.

 

Game Recap

The Broncos started with the ball and scored the games first points after a drive that included a beautiful throw, catch, and run involving Tom Brandstater and Chad Jackson that went for 43 yards.

After the catch, Correll Buckhalter had two rushes for 21 yards, putting the Broncos in a goal-to-go situation.

Denver was unable to punch the ball in the end zone, and settled for Matt Prater field goal to put them up 3-0.

The Cardinals’ first drive looked promising at times, including a 36 yard strike from quarterback Kurt Warner to Larry Fitzgerald, but two penalties forced them into obvious passing situations, and the Broncos were able to capitalize and force a punt.

Each team forced the other into a three-and-out on their next possessions.

After a Ben Graham punt put the Broncos on their own 23 yard line, Tom Brandstater appeared to say “We’ve got ’em right where we want ’em,” and he orchestrated an impressive drive.

Denver marched 77 yards down the field thanks to a couple of outstanding hook-ups between Brandstater and veteran Brandon Lloyd, and the drive was capped off by a one yard Darius Walker touchdown run.

The following Cardinals drive resulted in the Broncos’ first turnover of the preseason:  An interception of Kurt Warner by reserve hybrid linebacker/defensive end Darrell Reid.

Reid’s interception resulted in a 37 yard Matt Prater field goal, putting the Broncos ahead 13-0.

Another three-and-out by the Cardinals resulted in yet another Broncos drive that ended in a Matt Prater field goal, putting Denver ahead 16-0.

Arizona quarterback Matt Leinart was picked off on the following drive by rookie safety David Bruton, and the Broncos were in good position to take a 19-0 lead at the half, but decided to go for a fourth-and-four and were unable to convert.

The following Cardinals drive ended in another turnover, a fumble forced by Denver defensive lineman Nic Clemons that was recovered by Bruton.

The fumble gave the Broncos great field position, but Brandstater tried to force a pass to Chad Jackson near the sideline and he was picked off.

The Cardinals started the second half with the ball, but gave it up fairly quickly.  Tyler Palko threw a pass that almost seemed to be intended for Broncos safety Vernon Fox, and the Broncos were in business once again.

A fairly bland Bronco drive resulted in Matt Prater’s fourth field goal of the game, putting the Broncos ahead for good 19-0.

The rest of the game was filled with three-and-outs, and the defensive battle ended with the home team on top. 

Broncos 19, Cardinals 0

 

Random Game Thoughts

• Josh McDaniels and the Broncos earned their first win of 2009, and it could not come soon enough.
• The Broncos made up for three games without forcing a turnover, forcing four total on Thursday night.
• Kenny McKinley and Brandon Lloyd combined for 10 receptions and 106 yards, and they continue to impress as reserve wide receivers.
• LaMont Jordan’s one run tonight was not impressive.  He may be passed by Darius Walker for the fourth and final running back spot.
• The reserve offensive linemen were impressive for the first time this preseason.
• The Broncos have arguably the best depth in the NFL in the secondary.  David Bruton, Alphonso Smith, Darcel McBath, and Jack Williams are all great prospects for the future.
• The Broncos’ defense has been extremely consistent throughout the preseason.  Their run defense only allowed one first down via the ground game, and only 68 yards rushing overall.
• Kurt Warner and the first team offense were absolutely shut down on Thursday night.
• It is going to be tough for the Broncos to keep less than seven wide receivers.

Top Performers

1. David Bruton would get my game ball tonight, and quite honestly, he has been superb all preseason long.  The Broncos drafted the Notre Dame safety in the fourth round to be primarily a gunner on special teams, and throughout the preseason he has been excellent at doing just that.  Thursday night, he picked off a pass and recovered a fumble while recording three tackles.
2. If the Broncos choose to keep 10 defensive backs, I think it is pretty clear that undrafted rookie DJ Johnson has earned the final spot.  He has been making plays throughout the preseason, and tonight led the team with five tackles.
3. Jarvis Moss had his best game I have ever seen.  The third year player was all over the place, and he looked like a former first round pick playing with a bunch of rookies and scrubs.  Moss had a sack, a forced fumble, and three total tackles, one for a loss.  He just made it harder for this team to potentially cut him.
4. Robert Ayers and Tim Crowder each had a sack tonight.  This was big for both of them.  Crowder is fighting for his job, and Ayers has not been very impressive this preseason.
5. Darius Walker has earned a roster spot, in my opinion.  He led the team in rushing this preseason and has had two touchdowns in the last two games.  He runs hard, is quick, and is a good receiver.  LaMont Jordan’s “dud”-like preseason has been less than inspiring.  Walker rushed for 68 yards on 21 carries tonight.
6. Give the game ball to kicker Matt Prater.  Prater was four-for-four in field goal attempts, and the Cardinals only returned two of his six kickoffs.  A phenomenal performance to say the least.
7. Kenny McKinley had a preseason high seven receptions, and he continues to impress.  He leads the Broncos this preseason with 16 receptions and 213 yards.
8. Brandon Lloyd made another highlight-reel catch on Thursday night.  His chemistry with the quarterbacks is going to make it extremely difficult for the Broncos to keep any less than seven wide receivers on their active roster, as crazy as it sounds.

Like I just said, the Broncos are going to have a tough time keeping less than seven wide receivers.  Brandon Marshall, Eddie Royal, Brandon Stokley, Jabar Gaffney, Kenny McKinley, Chad Jackson, and Brandon Lloyd should all make the team, based on this preseason and training camp.

With the injured thumb of Jabar Gaffney, I think the Broncos will undoubtedly keep at least six wide receivers.  They also have been no strangers to four and five wide receiver sets, so it would not be surprised if they kept the extra guys around for depth.

The problem is going to be figuring out who to get rid of.  Do they keep six defensive linemen?  Which hybrid linebackers do not make the cut?  Will they keep 10 defensive backs?

Do not get too attached to any one player Broncos fans because come Saturday, 22 will be cut.  The good problem for the Broncos is that they are going to have a tough time deciding which ones.

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