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!

Make sure to follow @MileHighMonday & @Predomorange on Twitter and Predominantly Orange on Facebook.

With T.O. heading to Buffalo, and all the attention thrown his way, Marshawn Lynch isn’t getting as much love/hate. Lynch is an idiot. Many would fail to disagree. The dude was most recently arrested for having a concealed weapon in his car, and last week he plead guilty to the charge. I’m going to bring a whole new level of stupidity to his name. Actually, he does that himself. If you haven’t read his blog, go here. I feel like I’m in a cloud when I try to read it. 

My brother sent me this video yesterday. Another Lynch classic. For the record, they’re called Umpa Lumpas, Marshawn!

Now I know why Lynch left U.C. Berkeley for the NFL before his senior season.

It’s a good thing the Broncos drew the Bills late in the season. The Bills started off 4-0 before going 2-8 in their next 10 games. The Broncos are serious about reaching the playoffs, and they want their final game of the regular season in San Diego to be meaningless. Thus, they must win at home this weekend. The Broncos insist that they don’t need a San Diego loss this week to make the postseason. Let’s hope not or else there’s little reason to believe the Broncos would win their first playoff game. The Bills come in after losing to the Jets last week in the final minutes of the game, and they have lost the last five meetings against the Broncos. My Prediction: Broncos 26 Bills 17. 

Offense

Broncos - The Broncos are 6-0 when they post an even or positive turnover ratio this season. Translation: The Broncos cannot lose the turnover battle against the Bills. Jay Cutler is a rollercoaster ride when it comes to turnovers, and it doesn’t help when the running attack belly flops. Selvin Young, Tatum Bell, and P.J. Pope will be handling the carries on Sunday, but none of them are between the tackle runners. Damn, I miss Peyton Hillis already. The one thing that worries me is the condition of the offensive line. Ryan Clady (twisted ankle) and Chris Kuper (broken hand) are questionable for Sunday. Should the Broncos win, it would be nice to get the injured guys some rest next week when the team goes into San Diego.                  

Bills- Trent Edwards is returning to the Bills lineup after missing two weeks with a strained groin. The Bills are averaging almost 22 points per game, but they allow other teams to score just as much. Marshawn Lynch is the real deal, and has three 100 yard rushing games in the past five games. Lee Evans is right behind Tony Gonzalez and Vincent Jackson in receiving yards, but he has fumbled the ball a couple of times this season. Josh Reed is another big threat down field, and with Marshawn Lynch in the back field, the Broncos defense has their work cut out for them. Earlier this season, the Bills racked up 54 points on the Chiefs showing that their offense is capable of being one of the bests in the league when it’s clicking.      

Defense

Broncos - Champ Bailey’s return is still questionable, but it would be nice to have him in the secondary. Last week, the Broncos tried their 4-4 defensive scheme to stop Smash and Dash, but that left Steve Smith open down field to easily rack up 165 receiving yards. If Champ was back there, that wouldn’t have happened. In fact, the three defensive backs led the team in tackles last week which shows just how much the Panthers receivers were catching the ball, and how easily the Panthers backs were breaking through the defensive line. A major adjustment is needed this week, and hopefully they go back to the 4-3. Evans and Reed are just too deadly not to. With that said, the Broncos absolutely need to pressure Trent Edwards. He’s prone to throw interceptions when he’s pressured, and he has 4 fumbles this season.    

Bills - The Bills defense is mediocre. Paul Posluszny leads the team in tackles, and Jabari Greer and Leodis McKelvin have combined for 4 INTs, and 3 returned touchdowns from those picks. Who’s in favor of the Broncos offense getting some tackling practice in this week? I am. Ryan Denney leads the team in sacks with 4.0 proving that the Broncos offensive line has definitely seen bigger threats in pursuit of Cutler. The Bills rush defense is 19th while their pass defense is 11th in the league. Their defense does rank in the top 10 when it comes to third down and red-zone efficiency. .                 

Special Teams  

Broncos - Eddie Royal has said this week that he wants to become more effective on special teams. He had a 95 yard return during one game this season, but feels that he should be doing more. Matt Prater continues to be hit or miss (mostly miss) from 40-49 yards out. The kickoff coverage unit  has quite the task in front of them, and they could play a major role in the Broncos outcome.  

Bills- This special teams unit is one of the best in the league. Roscoe Parrish is deadly on the return unit, and last week ran it back 56 yards to set up a Bills touchdown. They are confident in their special teams. Last week, they faked a punt on their first possession to get the first down, which eventually led to a field goal.

Coaching

Broncos - Mike Shanahan needs his team to win THIS week. He’s said that his players will not be watching the outcome of the San Diego-Tampa Bay game. He wants his team to focus on what they are doing, not what they can’t control. His play calling should be top notch especially after last week’s disappointing offensive performance.    

Bills - Dick Jauron’s play calling has been questionable especially after losing to the Jets last week. Jauron called a pass play on 2nd and 5 late in the game when the Bills were in deep in their own territory. J.P. Lossman fumbled and the Jets scored on that play to win the game.