Tim Tebow runs with the football while being protected by guard Russ Hochstein (71). (Ron Chenoy-US PRESSWIRE)

Offensive lineman Russ Hochstein got to know the AFC West very well after playing for the Denver Broncos for 46 games (16 starts) from 2009-2011.

Hochstein left Denver after last season, and signed a one-year deal with the Arizona Cardinals, however, he was released by the Cardinals in their final cuts.

The good news for Hochstein is he gets to stay in the AFC West. The Kansas City Chiefs signed him to a one-year deal to fill in for an injured offensive line. Center Rodney Hudson is out with a knee injury, and that moved Ryan Lilja into the middle.

Before Hochstein was a Bronco, he played for the New England Patriots for seven seasons at a time when current Chiefs’ GM Scott Pioli was with the team.

Make sure to follow Predominantly Orange on Facebook and on Twitter.

Cornerback Michael Adams breaks up a pass intended for wide receiver Jason Hill during a preseason game at University of Phoenix Stadium. (Mark J. Rebilas-US PRESSWIRE)

It appears that fourth string QB Adam Weber learned something from Tim Tebow last season, at least in the fourth quarter.

Weber hit Greg Orton with a 45-yard pass to set up Matt Prater’s 44-yard game winning field. The Denver Broncos beat the Arizona Cardinals 16-13 in a very late game that gave the backups the ultimate audition.

The guy perhaps most on the fringe, and in need of a big game was running back Knowshon Moreno. Moreno came up big with 7 carries for 49 yards, although newly drafted back Ronnie Hillman had 14 carries for 68 yards.

The most exciting play of the game, however, was when rookie Omar Bolden returned a kickoff 103 yards late in the third quarter. From there, the rest of the Broncos’ points came from Prater’s leg.

The backup quarterback situation never really ironed itself out as Caleb Hanie made the start and had 75 yards on 7-for-13 passing. Former Arizona State man Brock Osweiler had a rough homecoming as he went 3-for-6 for 36 yards and one interceptions. Weber ended the night going 2-for-4 for 57 yards.

That concludes the Broncos’ preseason. The next time they step out onto the field will be the real deal against the team that they beat in the playoffs in January. There’s no bigger way to kick off the regular season than with a Sunday night game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Make sure to follow Predominantly Orange on Facebook and on Twitter.

Ryan Lindley will get the start Thursday night against the Broncos. (Mark J. Rebilas-US PRESSWIRE)

The Denver Broncos face the Arizona Cardinals Thursday night in the team’s final preseason game. The Broncos’ starters will be sitting out, but that just means that we will have a better opportunity to scope out the rest of the depth chart.

With that, I thought I’d ask Scott Allen of Raising Zona some questions about the Cardinals since he knows them inside and out. Let’s see what the Broncos are up against as we go Inside the Villain’s Venue with Raising Zona.

PO: I have to go here. The Cardinals pursued Peyton Manning this off season. How disappointed were you that the Cardinals didn’t land him?

RZ: Actually – not extremely disappointed because my hopes didn’t get that high.  I pretty much knew he wouldn’t land in Arizona.  He basically made an appearance here for PR reasons.  I get that.  He still needs to step on the field in a regular season game.  Sure, he’s played ok in the preseason.  Regular season will be a whole other beast.  I think he’ll be good for Denver and their fans.

PO: Speaking of quarterbacks, who do you think wins the starting job in Arizona and why?

RZ: I still hold firm on Kevin Kolb.  Both he and John Skelton haven’t played particularly well in the preseason and neither is playing Thursday night as Ryan Lindley will get the start.  Kolb is the much better practice player, so if coach Ken Whisenhunt is going to base it off these last few days of practice, I’ve got to believe he will go with Kolb while reserving the right to bring Skelton into the game in a heartbeat.  Both guys are going to see extensive action this season, so it’s not like it matters.

PO: Are there any young players that have really surprised so far in camp and the first three preseason games that we should be watching for on Thursday?

RZ: Safety Justin Bethel from Presbyterian.  A sixth-round draft pick known for his special teams play has not disappointed.  He blocked nine kicks in his college career.  He’s already responsible for three blocks this preseason.

PO: Finally, as silly as it may be, can you give us a prediction for the final preseason game?

RZ: Broncos 37 Cardinals 11

Make sure to follow Predominantly Orange on Facebook and on Twitter.