August 18 2012; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) in the second quarter of a preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Sports Authority Field. (Credit: Ron Chenoy-US PRESSWIRE)

All the good feelings generated about the Denver Broncos’ backups during their preseason blowout of the Bears disappeared very quickly against the Seahawks on Saturday. The second and third stringers got steamrolled 21-0 after halftime to make the final score 30-10 in favor of Seattle.

Luckily for Broncos fans, the second half of a preseason game means absolutely nothing in the grand scheme of things. Furthermore, Denver won on the scoreboard when the starters were in despite making some big mistakes throughout the first two quarters. Peyton Manning looked very sharp in the two minute drill right before halftime and led Denver to a field goal that gave them the lead. It would have been better had Jacob Tamme held on to a perfect strike that hit his numbers in the end zone, but by then Broncos Country had already seen what they needed to see. Manning looked like his old self in crunch time, and he also took his first hit of the year and showed no ill-effects from it.

Here are some thoughts from the preseason loss to the Seahawks:

• Willis McGahee only had a 3.5 yard average, but he finished with 28-yards rushing and a score. Considering his limited playing time it was an impressive outing and I’m expecting another monster year out of Willis.
• Tight ends Joel Dreessen and Jacob Tamme both finished with four targets and two receptions, but Tamme’s drops are becoming an issue. It will be interesting to see if he loses some targets to Dreessen going forward.
• Although it wasn’t a bone-crushing blow, Manning did get knocked down for the first time in 2012 and bounced right back up. Hopefully that will end the “first-hit watch” that has overtaken the media during training camp.
• The first team defense held Seattle to only three field goals in the first half. This was despite three turnovers by the Denver offense that constantly put their defense in a bad spot. So far this preseason the defensive starters have done a great job shutting down the opponent and keeping them out of the end zone. The one item of concern was Marshawn Lynch’s 6.2 yards-per-carry average on six touches. The interior defensive front gave up big chunks of yardage at times, and that is not a good sign considering some of the elite running backs that Denver will face this year.
• Brock Osweiler had a great chance to lock up the backup quarterback position, but he put forth a very poor performance. He ended up 5 for 11 with 38 yards and no touchdowns. The offense was completely stagnant throughout the second half with him in the game, so the battle for the #2 quarterback will continue on at least another week.
• The special teams unit looked great. Britton Colquitt punted six times and averaged 52.7 yards, Matt Prater drilled his lone field goal attempt, and David Bruton blocked one (and a half) punts. If the special teams unit can keep up this level of play it will give the Broncos a massive edge this season.
• Champ Bailey showed some flashes of why he is still one of the best defenders in the game. His deflection of a pass intended for Terrell Owens to end a Seattle drive was a big time play. Matt Flynn still has a lot to learn about what cornerbacks you want to throw at in the NFL.
• Manning finished the first half going 16 for 23 for 177 yards and 2 interceptions. One of those picks was off a deflection and Tamme dropped a certain touchdown, otherwise those numbers would look a little more impressive. What can’t be denied though is that Manning will have no trouble leading this team in 2012. His yardage total was impressive and he played better as the pressure increased. He still needs to find his touch on the long ball, but there is no doubt in my mind that Manning would have led the Broncos to victory on Saturday night if he would have been allowed to play in the second half.
• Preseason game #3 is on Sunday, August 26th at Mile High against San Francisco and it will be nationally televised. It will be a tough test against a good team and Manning should play most of the game. This game will be the closest thing we see to the real deal until the season opener on September 9th. Go Broncos!

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A record 41,304 fans flooded into Sports Authority Field at Mile High Stadium for the Broncos scrimmage on Saturday.

Those who have followed the Denver Broncos all their lives have seen hundreds of special moments throughout the history of the franchise. Still, there was something extraordinary about seeing Peyton Manning run onto Sports Authority Field at Mile High Stadium in a Broncos uniform for the first time. Even fans raised on Mile High Magic and John Elway comebacks couldn’t help but be moved by what took place at the annual scrimmage on Saturday. A record 41,304 fans packed into the stadium which forced the opening of the middle bowl to handle the overflow. There were several loud roars and reasons for fans to cheer, but the loudest and longest occurred during Manning’s grand entrance. You would be hard pressed to find fans that didn’t get goose bumps at that moment. It signaled the beginning of an exciting journey that is going to last until Manning decides to hang them up, and Broncos Country is ready for the ride.

Manning may have been the headliner, but there were several other things worth talking about by the time the crowd headed for the exits. Here are some thoughts on the Broncos scrimmage:

• Willis McGahee was in full-on Beast Mode. It may have been his first real action of the preseason but he looked to be in regular season form already. He had a couple of tough runs for big yardage where he either dragged tacklers along or went right over them. If McGahee hadn’t already introduced himself to Drayton Florence earlier in camp, he certainly did it with his stiff arm on Saturday.
• The offense took a little time to get started, but by the time Manning was finished he led the Broncos offense on an impressive touchdown drive that culminated with a nice grab by Eric Decker. The touchdown play was vintage Manning. On third-and-six from the 9-yard line he was shouting directions to his teammates until the last second and delivered a beautiful back shoulder pass to the left corner of the end zone. Decker adjusted to the ball, hauled it in, and touched off another celebration from the big crowd.
• The first and second defensive units both put a ton of pressure on the quarterbacks. The biggest concern from the entire scrimmage was how much pressure the starting offensive line allowed on Manning by the second team defensive line. Pass protection should be a focal point in the meeting rooms going forward during camp. The Broncos need Manning upright if he is going to be effective.
• It was interesting that Caleb Hanie took the second team reps at quarterback, but it made more sense after Brock Osweiler took the field.  Osweiler looked raw, but as with every rookie he probably should at this point. I still fully expect him to move into the backup role by the time the season rolls around.
• Quarterback Adam Weber turned my head a few times. He threw the ball with authority and had a nifty scramble that exhibited his elusiveness. I’m interested to see what happens with Weber during the rest of camp.
• The first team defense looked nasty during their live reps. They completely bottled up the offense, put constant pressure on the quarterback during passing plays, and did a good job of gang tackling. Elvis Dumervil had the signature moment with a sack that was helped along by some penetration by Von Miller.
• At defensive tackle (possibly the most interesting position to watch during training camp), Ty Warren started with the first team and played well. He is trying to bounce back from consecutive missed seasons due to injuries and got off to a fast start. He would have registered a sack against Hanie but the quarterbacks were off limits on Saturday.
• Broncos Country brought it as always! Denver fans never cease to amaze me but the sight of 41,000 plus fans at a glorified practice was very impressive. If Saturday was any indication the season opener against Pittsburgh is going to be something to be remembered.
• The Broncos may have some issues to work out still, but regardless of what happens the rest of the year this team is in good shape as long as Manning is behind center. His arm looks fine and at this point it’s hard to see any lingering effects from his neck injury.
• Denver’s first preseason game is Thursday against the Chicago Bears. With as many new faces as the Broncos have on their roster these games are extremely important and each one is going to tell us quite a bit about what we can expect in 2012. Hit me up on Twitter and let’s chat during the games in real time!

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Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) during training camp at the Broncos training facility. (Credit: Ron Chenoy-US PRESSWIRE)

The Denver Broncos started their 2012 campaign last week with as much fanfare and excitement as any other team in the NFL. ESPN and NFL Network zeroed in on Dove Valley during the first few days of training camp, and the record crowds in attendance proved that Broncos Country is expecting great things during the Peyton Manning era.

The first thing everyone wanted to see was how Manning looked in his first real practices since he last played for the Colts during the 2010 season, and he didn’t disappoint. Manning has looked sharp during camp so far and isn’t showing any ill effects from the neck injury that cost him an entire season. It was quite the sight watching Manning run onto the practice field in a Broncos jersey. That’s something that Broncos Country is not going to get tired of seeing any time soon.

Outside of Peyton Manning, the most exciting news I’ve heard so far has been Ronnie Hillman emerging as an early candidate to back up Willis McGahee, and the positive reaction of the defensive players to Jack Del Rio. Hillman is going to be an impact player immediately, and he has a chance to be a Darren Sproles-like player for the Broncos. It sounds like Del Rio is relating well to his players and that they already believe in him. I feel Del Rio is going to be a difference maker on the defensive side of the ball and will take them to the next level very quickly.

It seems like Ben Garland is making some headway at camp and has a real chance to make the team this year. I’m rooting for young players on the defensive line like Garland and Derek Wolfe because Denver needs players to step up in the trenches.

The first preseason game at Chicago will be played on Thursday, August 9th, and it will probably be one of the highest rated preseason games of all time. I’m excited to see Manning get some game action and take a few hits. It will be great to hear the national media quit talking about Manning’s neck surgeries and talk about how amazingly he’s throwing the ball. Mile High Monday will be back after that game breaking it all down. Until then, stick with PredominantlyOrange.com for complete 2012 training camp coverage!

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