The Broncos will take the field for the first time this season on Friday against the Seattle Seahawks. We can't expect coaching staff to show much of the new offense, but they will have to run some plays, which will give the fans a sense for what new offense will look like. They are playing Seattle, but I am not positive, which players Seattle will be playing, but if their stars do play, it will not be for more than a series. Demaryius Thomas and Peyton Manning are not playing for the Broncos, presumably because their is no reason for these two stars to get injured considering the money that has been invested in the two.
Brock Osweiler will be able to get in some quality time with the starters with Manning sitting the game out. I believe he can have a successful career in this offense, but do not be disappointed if he has another rough showing when the starters leave and he is left with the backups to “block” for him. However, if he struggles with little pressure, then that can be cause to worry. I am glad he will have a chance to show what he can do with a competent line blocking for him. I believe he is better built for this offense than he was in the previous years. He has tons of arm talent and I'm exited to see what he can do on some play-action plays with Latimer going deep.
The backfield is a little crowded right now, but after this game fans should have a good grasp on how effective it will be this season. CJ Anderson will run hard in the few carries he will like receive in the first game. Anderson showed just how much potential he has after his play last season. He will prove to people that is was not just a fluke. Montee Ball will hopefully show some promise in this game after a disappointing season in 2014. Hopefully he can show that last season was a result of injuries and not an omen of things to come this season. I think his best use on this team is playing a prominent backup role to Anderson. He is still a talented back, there is a reason he was a second round prospect. Hillman showed some positive results last season and has had a good training camp so far. I believe he can be effective back as the third back this season because he has separate skill set than both Anderson and Ball, but he needs to shine during this game in order to convince Kubiak to give him more touches. Anderson, Ball, Hillman and Thompson are the favorites to make the roster, but if either Kapri Bibbs or Jeremy Stewart shine during the game, Hillman would likely be cut considering Thompson has the potential to play fullback.
There are many spots in open competition on the offensive line. Max Garcia makes the start at left guard. He overtook Ben Garland in training camp, but he still needs to prove himself in game situations. Another surprise when the first official depth chart dropped was that Matt Paradis took over the starting center. Gino Gradkowski had the job heading into training camp and it was not assumed he would keep the job easily. Paradis was a practice squad player so hopefully his ascension proves to be because of actual improvement and not an indictment on Gradkowski. However, it likely says something about both of them. Ryan Harris will be starting at right tackle. He has the ability to be a solid player in the new scheme. Schofield will be his backup. I was hoping he would take a big step this season and be able to start on this line. Hopefully he will show something on the field that he was not able to demonstrate in training camp.
Jordan Taylor is one player I am keeping my eye on throughout the game. He has had a good camp and if he continues his success into Friday, he could find his way onto the 53 man roster. Emmanuel Sanders likely wont play more than a series, but it will be nice to see how he works with Brock. Cody Latimer will likely get a good chunk of playing time. He has a ton of talent and hopefully offseason work has improved his on field ability. I’m exited to see him get some time with the starters even though Manning wont be throwing to him. I believe he will make that step and he will show it this game. Caldwell is a big question on the Broncos too. He has been on the roster for while now, but he has not been productive for about two years. I think he needs to be released this season if the Broncos keep five receivers. He does not provide much to the team in terms of production and on the mentor side Demaryius and Emmanuel can handle that. Jordan Norwood, Nathan Palmer and Jordan Taylor all have a chance of overtaking him on the depth chart. I would like to see if Palmer makes his name on offense since he seems to be losing the returning battle.
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