The importance of Thursday’s preseason finale against Arizona can’t be overstated for the 20 or so players who are at risk of becoming insurance salesmen effective Saturday when final rosters are announced. But for the rest of the team, and the fans who support those first- and second-stringers, preseason game four is simply a game to survive without injury. The Broncos dropped their first game of the preseason, but based on the fan turnout, this game didn’t mean a thing.
If attendance is any indicator, Broncos fans want real games. The end of the preseason (and all it’s overreaction), can’t come fast enough. Here’s how the MHS team weighed in on the topic:
On the importance of preseason game four, per the fans…
Either it's a late arriving crowd or there are a lot of #Broncos fans dressed up as seats wearing blue.
— Eric Goodman (@EricGoodman) September 4, 2015
A laughable crowd at SAF. When will the NFL do away with this nonsensical fourth preseason game? #Broncos
— James Merilatt (@jamesmerilatt) September 4, 2015
Compared to many other cities around the NFL tonight, a great turnout. pic.twitter.com/dQ3uJAZDd7
— Andrew Mason (@MaseDenver) September 4, 2015
On overreaction…
Cue the "Brock made just millions" tweets in three… Two… One. #Broncos
— James Merilatt (@jamesmerilatt) September 4, 2015
If Manning pulled that fumbled snap, fake handoff, run for nothing play, Broncos Country would freak out. #osweiler
— James Merilatt (@jamesmerilatt) September 4, 2015
#McManus4HOF #DENvAZ #Broncos #NFL
— Marco Cummings (@Marco_Cummings) September 4, 2015
There were some serious moments, however, including a deeper look into the playbook, a another game in which special teams offered a mixed bag. While Denver was good in punt and kickoff situations, Brandon McManus missed a potential game-winning 51-yard field goal with less than a minute to play.
On the game plan…
Hey, the waggle! Haven't seen that since Plummer. That's got Gary Kubiak written all over it #Broncos
— Robin Carlin (@robincarlin) September 4, 2015
The best waggle left in Broncos history was Cutler to Walker in Arizona, circa 2006. That's how it's done. Just sayin'.
— James Merilatt (@jamesmerilatt) September 4, 2015
Looked like #Schaub to #Johnson #Kubiakoffense
— Alex Ramirez (@AlexRamirezMHS) September 4, 2015
Broncos end the 1st quarter with 106 yards to Cardinals 2. #AZvsDEN
— cover32 Broncos (@cover32_DEN) September 4, 2015
On special teams…
Just how much has #Broncos special teams struggled? Corbin Louks might make the team because he was able to cleanly catch a punt.
— Eric Goodman (@EricGoodman) September 4, 2015
Brandon McManus is GOOD from 50 yards … 10-0, Broncos, 4:25 left, 1Q.
— Andrew Mason (@MaseDenver) September 4, 2015
Nice job by Louks to field the low, line-drive kickoff on the bounce and head upfield.
— Andrew Mason (@MaseDenver) September 4, 2015
Corbin Louks fair catch game is real strong tonight
— Adam Kinney (@adamrkinney) September 4, 2015
McManus misses wide right from 51 yards. 0:49 left, Broncos will lose, 22-20.
— Andrew Mason (@MaseDenver) September 4, 2015
McShank. Pop those bottles '72 fins
— Adam Kinney (@adamrkinney) September 4, 2015
That's discouraging. In a big way. #Broncos #McManus
— James Merilatt (@jamesmerilatt) September 4, 2015
Brandon McManus continues to be wildly underwhelming in big time scenarios. Cutting Connor Barth made zero sense. One was game proven…
— Will Petersen (@PetersenWill) September 4, 2015
If Brandon McManus can't make a 51-yarder on a 70 degree night at SAF in September he sure as heck ain't doing it in Foxborough in January.
— Will Petersen (@PetersenWill) September 4, 2015
