Pro Football Focus (PFF) released their grades for the second preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers as the Denver Broncos lost, 20-21.
The grading system from PFF is a great tool for fans to know who did and did not play well during the game. While the grades can be inconsistent, many people should take the grades they provide as a baseline for how they performed.
In this case, I will be reviewing a few of the top-graded players for the Broncos, mixed in with some other players that played well despite grade discrepancies. Again, fans should not take these grades for certain because the grading system has shown to be inconsistent from player to player.
Nonetheless, let's take a deeper dive into who stood out for the Broncos in their second preseason game.
Top-graded Denver Broncos players vs. 49ers
RG - Quinn Meinerz
The protection up front was much improved in the second preseason game, and one of the standouts amongst the offensive line was Quinn Meinerz.
The tape backs up the grade PFF provided Meinerz, as he was rated the second-best player on the offense against the 49ers. He totaled 23 snaps and allowed zero pressures against a deep San Francisco defensive line.
Meinerz was graded second behind Ben Powers as the best run blocker for Denver. Not surprising to see that as he has made a living under the run game and mauling defenders. Sean Payton should be extremely pleased with the tape on Meinerz because he also played well in the passing game.
PFF graded Meinerz as the second-best pass blocker for the Broncos, only behind Will Sherman. In this case, the grades do match up with the performance as Meinerz had a great showing in the second preseason game.
OLB - Jonathon Cooper
A player that played well despite being graded poorly was Jonathon Cooper. He was making plays on the field as he totaled 19 snaps in the game.
PFF graded him as the 10th-best player on the defense, but he played much better than that. Cooper recorded a sack and one hurry against the 49ers.
In my opinion, Jonathon Cooper is too talented to not start opposite of Randy Gregory on the edge.
— Cody Roark (@CodyRoarkNFL) August 20, 2023
Has rising star potential.
Cooper stood out on the screen as he seemed to be quicker and faster on that defensive line. He was getting to the quarterback well and making the offensive line work. Cooper had that great red-zone sack on Brock Purdy early in the first half.
DT - Elijah Garcia
Making his case for the 53-man roster, Elijah Garcia had another great showing against the 49ers in his second preseason game.
PFF graded Garcia as the fifth-best player on the defense and rightfully so. He recorded:
- 2 QB Hurries
- 1 QB Hit
- 1 Interception
Garcia played most of the snaps on defense (35 plays) and made his presence known on the field. He has had a great training camp and it has shown in the two preseason games thus far.
It will be hard not to put him on the 53-man roster as he has earned his spot on the team after two great performances. Garcia provides much-needed depth at that position and can boost the defensive line with great showings like this.
Garcia is one to look out for when the season comes around!
LT - Garett Bolles
Credit where credit's due, Garett Bolles bounced back against the 49ers after starting off shaky in his first preseason game. He was rated as the fifth-best player on the offense.
Many analysts and media members were voicing their concerns after the first preseason game against the Cardinals when Bolles had his first action since returning from his injury. He didn't look great, but he bounced back strong at San Francisco.
Bolles totaled 23 snaps at left tackle and held it down. Bolles was one of the better run blockers in the game and was graded as the third-best amongst the offensive line.
More importantly, Bolles played much better in the passing game. He allowed one QB hurry and pressure but had much better reps against a good defensive line in San Francisco.
It's a huge year for Bolles as the offense will be counting on him to return and play at a Pro Bowl level once again. Zach Strief should get the most out of his left tackle and have a better season than years before.