Detroit 20, Broncos 13
The first game of the preseason brought promise and peril to Denver fans as they watched the Broncos lose to the Lions 13-20.
Missing half of the line and top cornerback Champ Bailey, the Broncos’ first team defense surrendered a field goal in the only series it played. The Lions offense drove 63 yards downfield to set up Jason Hanson for the score. They were efficient in the run during the drive and ate up almost seven minutes of clock.
The Broncos responded with two field goals and a touchdown during the rest of the game, but not before the Lions had scored a TD of their own as well.
The Lions sealed the Bronco coffin with an Artrose Pinner goal line run to the right side in the third quarter.
With the obligatory summary out of the way, here are answers to the questions posed before the game.
1. How does Jay Cutler look? Is the guy comfortable in the pocket and is he on-target?
Jay Cutler performed exceptionally well in his first game minus one fumbled snap. I personally think he looks like a stoner, but that’s beside the point (although that’s not as bad as the combine pic). His touchdown pass to standout wide reciever David Kircus showed exceptional touch, as he lofted the ball over a defender right into his target’s arms. Cutler also was rifling shorter passes with great velocity, which makes the differently paced ball all the more encouraging and special. A+ for the rookie, who finished the game 16/22, with 192 yards and 1 TD.
2. Can Elvis Dumervil play the run and moreover is he effective as a pass rusher?
Dumervil had one tackle, one assist and one quarterback pressure in the game. Not too impressive. D+
3. Is Mike really the better of the two Bells? How is he versus the Lions’ first-team D?
Mike Bell didn’t perform like a first teamer. He had 20 yards on seven carries, with a long run of eight yards. Not so hot. He also fumbled the ball, although it was due to great defense, not poor ball position. D-
Note: Tatum Bell averaged just over 5 YPC on five carries, though as usual, it was one yard gain, one yard gain, fifteen yard gain and so on. B for him.
4. Can John Lynch run at all? Sadly, he’s old enough that this is a question that must be asked every year.
Truthfully, I didn’t even notice his presence, although according to nfl.com, he had one tackle and one assist.
5. Is Brandon Marshall all he’s cracked up to be? Has Darius Watts actually improved?
Marshall was good in his limited time, with one catch for nine yards. He has excelent size and decent speed and hands too. A knee injury forced him to sit for most of the game, however (updates when available). C
Watts made some routine catches, which, considering his history, is a good accomplishment. Ol’ numb-in-one-hand had 4 catches for 35 yards. He could be the team’s third wideout this year.
6. Does the team have a true tight end recieving option, either in Stephen Alexander or rookie Tony Scheffler?
Tony Scheffler looked solid in his first effort. He caught four balls for 54 yards in the game and made a tough, heads up play to get out of bounds with the clock winding down in the second quarter. B
7. How many slants will Todd Devoe turn into 80 yard touchdown receptions?
Sadly, none. Todd Actually fumbled once on a reverse, although I think we can all agree that it was the rest of the team’s fault and not his. He also had two catches, and would have had more if Cutler had just given him the chance to catch them.
Other thoughts:
Roc Alexander can hit. He is back with a vicious vengeance.
Cedric Cobbs looked competent and strong and may be the tough counterpart to Tatum Bell if the Broncos go with the two-back system again this year. Dayne did not fare well.
The Lions are not good at football.
Ford Field is a good looking stadium.
Preseason football < regular season football < playoff football
