Denver Broncos: Top performers against the Washington Redskins

LANDOVER, MD - AUGUST 24: Quarterback Case Keenum #4 of the Denver Broncos hands-off to running back Royce Freeman #37 against the Washington Redskins in the first half during a preseason game at FedExField on August 24, 2018 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD - AUGUST 24: Quarterback Case Keenum #4 of the Denver Broncos hands-off to running back Royce Freeman #37 against the Washington Redskins in the first half during a preseason game at FedExField on August 24, 2018 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
5 of 8
LANDOVER, MD – AUGUST 24: Running back Rob Kelley #20 of the Washington Redskins rushes past defensive back Dymonte Thomas #35 of the Denver Broncos in the second half during a preseason game at FedExField on August 24, 2018 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD – AUGUST 24: Running back Rob Kelley #20 of the Washington Redskins rushes past defensive back Dymonte Thomas #35 of the Denver Broncos in the second half during a preseason game at FedExField on August 24, 2018 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

Dymonte Thomas, S

If ever there was a time for backup safety Dymonte Thomas to shine, it was this particular game.

The Broncos are hurting at safety with Will Parks getting injured against the Bears in week two of the preseason and Su’a Cravens unable to practice basically since the very beginning of camp.

Without Parks or Cravens, the Broncos’ safety depth has taken a significant hit and one of the deepest positions on the team suddenly became a huge question mark after the season-ending injury suffered by top reserve Jamal Carter.

Carter was one of the Broncos’ most valuable undrafted players in 2017, but he’s no longer in the picture for 2018 and that provided an opportunity for Thomas to step up in a big way.

Playing with the top defense, Thomas filled in the role Parks has played and made some big waves.

He stopped the Redskins on a 4th-and-3 attempt early in the game, bringing down the receiver trying to gain yardage after the catch short of the line to gain.

The very next drive, Thomas was in perfect position in tight man coverage and broke up a pass on third-and-long for the Redskins, forcing them to punt.

The drive right after that, Thomas stopped Adrian Peterson a yard short of the first down marker on a 3rd-and-4.

The play of Thomas in this game is going to really encourage the Broncos and definitely helps Thomas’ case for being on the roster.

Schedule