We’re just over 48 hours away from the Denver Broncos having to cut their roster from 80 to 53, so this final preseason game against the Minnesota Vikings was the last chance many of these players would have to make the case their on the coaching staff. . Honestly, the team did not disappoint.
Normally, I find these last few preseason games pretty boring to watch as a fan. Not last night. The game was actually a very good game. The Broncos’ passing attack faltered at times, but their rushing attack was sprightly all night. Even better, the defense played with fire and intensity throughout the game. It was a fun game to watch!
Looking at the game balls from our Mile High Report staff, it looks like the defense and running game were the emphasis there as well.
Delarrin Turner-Yell
There were many defensive standouts in this game. The one I liked the most was rookie safety Delarrin Turner-Yell, who was all over the field that night. From a goal line stand on fourth down that would be overturned, to another fourth down stop inside the Broncos five yard line. It was that sack to keep the Vikings from leading in the fourth quarter.
Turner-Yell was a beast in this game. Denver has plenty of stable young safeties behind veterans Kareem Jackson and Justin Simmons. I would expect Caden Sterns to be the number three guy, but both Turner-Yell and PJ Locke have looked impressive this preseason. – Tim Lynch
Mike Boone
Mike Boone continues to be an indispensable part of the Hackett offense. Finally provided some push forward with a new look offensive front. Boone dominated the Broncos’ first 2 possessions generating over 50 all-purpose yards (44 rushing and 7 receiving) flashing his vision, burst and hand-to-hand adjustment in the outside zone offense. While Gordon and Williams look to dominate the bulk of the work in the backfield, Boone has shown enough talent to demand a handful of carries per game. To let him wait on the wings would be a waste of his endless abilities as he brings a certain flavor to Denver’s backfield that other running backs do not. Look for Denver to boast possibly the best rotation in the entire league with the 3-headed monster of Javonte, Melvin and Boone. – Frankie Abbott
KJ Hamler
In most situations, three receptions for 18 yards won’t sniff a game ball. But when you do that with all that Hamler has had to experience and overcome, you get a ball game. It was great to see Hamler back on the field for the Broncos on Saturday night, doing what he loves best. Hopefully this will lead to him making an impact for the Broncos offense and team this season. – Ian St. Clair
“Football brought me back to life and I am grateful.”@Kj_hamler — Thank you for sharing your story, thank you for being so vulnerable, thank you for being an inspiration to so many. pic.twitter.com/TXWOn8grxh
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) August 1, 2022
Mount Canaan
Kana’i Mauga. Mauga is a bit of a longshot to make the final roster, but he certainly had a performance against the Vikings that might make coaches think twice about keeping him. He was buzzing down the field and finished the night with 4 total tackles, 3 of them solo, 1 tackle for loss and 1 pass deflection. I’m glad he had a great night and hopefully he can find a spot on the practice squad if he doesn’t make the final roster. – Rachel Strand
Baron Browning
Baron Browning throughout the preseason has been really impressive, he just changed his position from middle linebacker to outside linebacker and I think he’s put himself in a position to be over another outside linebacker Malik Reed. He’s been explosive coming off the line, he’s got a great first move, he’s quick and athletic and even in the game against the Vikings, he scored the Broncos’ last touchdown with a big ball and score, and in game against the Cowboys. he appeared with four tackles, a sack and a pass breakup. Browning has a spot on the 53-man roster and I think he’s done enough this preseason to back up Bradley Chubb and Randy Gregory. – Tanner Watts
McTelvin Dawn
McTelvin Dawn. Russell Wilson’s return to Seattle isn’t the only reunion we’ll see — Shelby Harris will be there, too. Harris is the king of working hard inside and raising his hands to make passes. Dawn learned from the best and put it on display on Saturday night. – Mike DeCicco