Caution, content hot! Freshly brewed by Mario Sanelli: msanelli@denverpost.com
Deion Sanders’ words should have been the soundtrack to the Broncos’ soul crushing shutout of the Chicago Bears last Thursday: “This Denver defense flat-out balled today,” the Hall of Fame cornerback, and current analyst for NFL Network, once said after a regular-season game last year.
The Denver defense Primetime mentioned flexed its muscle again in the Windy City — even as its four pro-bowl defenders watched in street clothes.
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A safety from linebacker Dekoda Watson put the exclamation point behind a statement that Denver’s D begins with high-caliber starters and ends with “backups” that could start on other NFL rosters.
The Broncos and Bears, even in preseason, is a measurement of how far Denver has come.
The Big Stuff
Trevor Siemian: the real estate agent? Almost. As the Broncos’ most unknown QB, Siemian made the leap to become a worthy adversary to Mark Sanchez for the most important job in sports. Coach Gary Kubiak labels Siemian, who almost pursued a career in real estate, as a quiet guy, but one whose confidence is unmistakeable and unshakeable.
Cue the “Step By Step” jingle. The state of the Broncos starting quarterback situation currently sounds more like the theme song to “Step By Step” starring Patrick Duffy and Suzanne Somers: “Step by step, day by day, a fresh start over, a different hand to play.” Lead NFL reporter Nicki Jhabvala explains why coach Gary Kubiak has yet to name a starter for Saturday’s home game against San Francisco and recaps each QBs showing in Chicago.
Kubiak “not really happy with practice” on Saturday. Although it was preseason Week 1, the Broncos showed no signs of a Super Bowl hangover in Chicago. The offense, however, saved a “sluggish” display for the first practice post game.
By the Numbers
43
The farthest yard line the Bears offense drove into Broncos territory.
21
Chicago’s offensive plays, out of 50, that ended in either a loss of yardage or no gain. A staggering 42 percent of non-production.
7
Denver’s sack total. (And Wade Phillips said he wasn’t going to blitz… heh)
36:05
The Broncos’ time of possession.
Quick Hits
+ Receiver Bennie Fowler, who had earned the praise of his coaches for his year-over-year improvement, will miss time with an elbow fracture.
+ Cody Latimer admits Peyton Manning made him nervous. With “The Sheriff” now gone, the third-year receiver says he’s more confident this season.
+ Cornerback Lorenzo Doss has established himself as one of the training camp darlings. Plus, fellow CB Aqib Talib returned to practice and looks ready to play.
+ With Virgil Green and Jeff Heuerman, the Broncos tipped their hand on tight ends.
+ Safety Shiloh Keo suspended by the NFL for two games.
+ Is Broncos QB competition real? Listen to Gary Kubiak. He kept to his word on last year’s QB controversy. He’ll do the same this year.
+ Nicki Jhabvala and Nick Groke debate whether it’s still Mark Sanchez’s job to lose.
+ View the best action shots and game highlights from the Broncos’ shutout victory over the Bears.
+ Von Miller’s Back to School Vision Day kicked off a five-day free eye clinic for low-income students.
What We’re Reading/Watching
+ Sundays with Sacco: The Meaning of Preseason.
+ A quarterback league? Elway’s contrarian approach.
+ Football Outsiders calls Shaquil Barrett the most underrated Broncos player.
+ Tale of the tape: Broncos preseason Game 1.
+ Sanchez makes good case for QB job.
+ Brock Osweiler underwhelms in Texans debut.
Hat Tips and Corrections
Remember, if you see something that doesn’t look right or just have a comment, thought or suggestion, email me at msanelli@denverpost.com.
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