Broncos 17, Texans 18: Five Players That Stood Out In Preseason Loss

Aug 23, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos center Manny Ramirez (66) prepares to hike the football across from the Houston Texans in the first quarter of a preseason game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Missed field goals cost the Broncos an undefeated record through three weeks of the preseason. The Texans came into town, and Tom Savage orchestrated a drive in the final minutes that put Houston on top for good, beating the Broncos 18-17 in Denver.

The Broncos had an interesting game against Houston, featuring some pretty sloppy play early on. Emmanuel Sanders and Peyton Manning had a miscommunication causing Peyton to throw an interception. The offense stalled after a drive that was dominated by Montee Ball to start things off and had to settle for a field goal.

Which, by the way, was not a sure thing for the Broncos on this night. Matt Prater missed two field goals and Mitch Ewald missed another, forcing Broncos fans into a kicker panic. Britton Colquitt was also not very good, which is not encouraging either.

Overall though, there are some positives to take from a game like this and you have to love the fire from Peyton Manning, who got in the face of D.J. Swearinger after his second touchdown pass to Emmanuel Sanders.

But before I give too much away, here are five players that stood out in this week’s preseason game…