Broncos preseason preview: vs. Cardinals Week 4
By Tylor Walden
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Aug 6, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos running back Montee Ball (28) during training camp at the UCHealth Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
Key Matchups
Montee Ball vs. Cardinals defense
This is perhaps Montee Ball’s biggest game in a Broncos uniform yet. Through the first three games of this preseason, he only has 41 yards rushing on 16 carries. Averaging only 2.6 yards a carry is not going to cut it, especially with the other running backs thriving.
It could easily be said that if the preseason were to end today, Montee Ball could easily be the fourth running back on the roster behind C.J. Anderson, Ronnie Hillman, and Juwan Thompson.
Gary Kubiak did announce that Montee Ball will be getting the bulk of the carries on Thursday night, so this is going to be a huge game for him. He will be sharing snaps with Kapri Bibbs, who is also looking to grab a roster spot.
If Montee Ball has any future with the Denver Broncos, he is going to need to step it up in a very important preseason contest for him.
Broncos Inside Linebackers vs. Cardinals offense
Because of the importance of what John Elway was talking about in regards to moving inside linebackers, the whole unit will be playing a key matchup this week.
Brandon Marshall and Danny Trevathan figure to be on the final roster for the team. Not to mention Gary Kubiak will most likely have them rest on Thursday.
An inside linebacker for the Broncos that could make the final roster could be the subject of a trade in order to obtain a offensive linemen or defensive tackle.
For context on Hard Knocks Texans GM Rick Smith asked Elway if wanted inside LB for Clark. Elway said had depth and was looking to move ILB
— Troy Renck (@TroyRenck) September 2, 2015
It remains to be seen what John Elway has planned for the inside linebacker spot, but with how deep it is, a player on the Broncos roster in that position could be the perfect candidate for another team.
Next: X-Factors