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It was a good offensive and defensive performance for the Denver Broncos in the second preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks. The Broncos’ special teams unit had a few issues, but they overcame them in that preseason game and won.
There’s a lot to take in Denver’s 30-3 win, which includes the risers and the downers. The focus for the players mentioned in this stock report is what they have been doing on offense and defense, but a few will be mentioned for their contributions to special teams.
Some players apparently made their way onto the Denver roster on Saturday night, or became handy if they weren’t already. Meanwhile, some of these fellers are risking the next cutting day on August 24.
In order for a Bronco to make this list as a riser, I needed to see several good plays from the player. Also, these guys had to show good consistency in their game and do it at a higher level than before.
As for the cutters, a horrible game or two might have been enough to get them on the list, but most were still bad.
Elevator: Eric Saubert | YOU
Saubert has looked good for the Broncos in both games so far, especially with his play as a receiver. Plus, his blocking was solid, which is what the Broncos need from their tight final position. He’s made significant strides towards potentially making it to the Broncos’ roster as a TE3.
Falls: Andrew Beck | TEA
It has been difficult to watch the tight hybrid play, and it goes beyond offense. For example, one of the Seahawks’ big kickoff returns was mainly due to Beck going completely out of his lane, which is terrible cover if that was on purpose. Then on offense Beck did little as a blocker and was often beaten by defenders and pushed around.
Riser: DeShawn Williams | DL
If there was any doubt that Williams would make the list, these could be put to bed now. Not only did he have two huge games with turnovers, but he was also still strong against the run. Williams has emerged as a good depth on the defensive line and therefore could have a decent role this season.
Feller: Pita Taumoepenu | OLB
It was hard to see Taumoepenu being constantly bullied by Seattle’s offensive linemen. As a result, he ended up on the ground a lot more often than you would like, and it didn’t matter if it was for a pass or a run. Being at the bottom of the depth chart for the linebacker, this game puts him in danger of making the next cut.
Riser: Royce Freeman | RB
With Mike Boone’s injury, Freeman had a great opportunity to be a part of this lineup, and he took it. Between the two preseason games, Freeman was extremely impressive in every way as a running back. He had an exceptional blitz pickup against Seattle and also showed good running and catching skills.
Faller: Dionte Spencer | WR / PR
Spencer has presented himself well as a returner, but there has to be more of him on offense. He landed a catch for a 19-yard gain in which he took a hit and held the ball, but he also had a drop. Outside of his three targets, Spencer’s routes were easy for Seattle defenders to follow. His speed contributed to the big win, but there is no nuance in his routes.
Riser: Jonathon Cooper | OLB
Cooper was the star of the night in defense of the Broncos. Seattle’s offensive line could hardly contain him as a passer as he constantly disrupted games. There was more of Cooper, however, as he did exceptionally well in run defense and had a few cover plays as well.
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Faller: Curtis Robinson | HE B
Consistently out of position and removed from play by blockers. Robinson showed up poorly on the pitch and his special teams play was lackluster. He had a great game on a fourth stop where he fired from a cannon to make the play, and that might be enough to get him through another week in Denver.
Elevator: Quinn Bailey | OT
It was a good game for Bailey against the Seattle second team defensive line, who played most of it. That’s not to say there weren’t any hiccups on his part, but there was more consistency from Bailey than any other tackle that has played for the Broncos, including Garett Bolles.
Faller: Cameron Fleming | OT
Another game and a more terrible game from Fleming. His veteran experience may save him as a deep player on the offensive line, but his game should see him cut. Seattle defenders beat him in pass protection, and he couldn’t get much of a push, if any, in the running game.
Riser: Parnell Motley | CB
While Motley was the butt of several jokes, he had a great game against Seattle. There was a series where he was turned off with his game, locking his end of the field. It was probably enough to keep him in Denver for another week, and if he can capitalize on it, he could find a place on the practice squad.
Faller: Michael Ojemudia | CB
It’s a shame he got hurt and didn’t have the chance to get over his previous coverage struggles. The change of direction continues to be a problem for Ojemudia, this is how the receivers part ways with him. A great play on his part was almost an interception where he hopped off the road, showing his flashes, but it lacked consistency.
Riser: Austin Fort | YOU
Fort and Shaun Beyer both had good games, and that last place was between them. Fort was a bit more consistent as a blocker which is what brought him here. The two are pushing for a place on the practice squad and are set to take Beck’s place with as much difficulty as him.
Faller: Lloyd Cushenberry | VS
After starting training camp hot, Cushenberry has fallen in both games so far. He’s still up for it, but it’s even more true because his replacement is not yet ready. Plus, he didn’t show improvement for all the work he did with his race blocking and thrust generation, or handling the powerful inside rushers.
Riser: Kary Vincent, Jr. | CB
Vincent was all over the field for the Broncos and constantly making big plays in the form of breakage passes. He was also quick to bring and help his aggressive style of play against the run. It was a slow start for Vincent this summer as he missed a lot of practice, but he quickly showed it when it counts.
Falls: Barrington Wade | KG
It was obvious that Wade was wondering why he was available for the Broncos to come and get him. He was constantly out of position in the cover and couldn’t hold out going down against the run. The best thing he showed was a poor ability to blitz, but it wasn’t anything to write home about. He’s another player who wouldn’t be surprising to see in the next batch of Cups.
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