Field Gulls - NFL Preseason Week 1: Seahawks vs. BroncosThe stupidest name in smart football analysis.https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/50215/fieldgulls-fav.png2014-08-08T13:02:17-07:00http://www.fieldgulls.com/rss/stream/57428702014-08-08T13:02:17-07:002014-08-08T13:02:17-07:00Seahawks defensive roster battles
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<figcaption>Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>A few thoughts on the the battles to fill out the defense on the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.fieldgulls.com/">Seahawks</a>' 2014 53-man roster.<u></u><u></u></p>
<p><u></u> <u></u></p>
<p><b>CORNERBACKS </b></p>
<p><b>(I predict 5 slots)<u></u><u></u></b></p>
<p>I know Tharold Simon was ejected from the game (and deserved it) but I am pretty sure he makes the roster. We know <span>Richard Sherman</span>, <span>Byron Maxwell</span> and <span>Jeremy Lane</span> will make the roster. The 5th corner spot will likely go to either <span>A.J. Jefferson</span> or <span>Akeem Auguste</span>. Auguste needs to get healthy, and it will be nice to watch him, hopefully versus Chicago. I believe <span>Phillip Adams</span> and Terrell Thomas may be behind those two.<u></u><u></u></p>
<p><u></u> <u></u></p>
<p>Battle: <i>Auguste vs Jefferson</i><u></u><u></u></p>
<p><u></u> <u></u></p>
<p><b>SAFETIES </b></p>
<p><b>(I predict 4 slots)<u></u><u></u></b></p>
<p><span>Eric Pinkins</span> is on NFI, and I am including him in this safety group for now. He will likely begin the year on PUP, and that could be good for the Seahawks when midseason arrives. <span>Dion Bailey</span> has reverted to IR, but he is a nice stash for 2015 as <span>Jeron Johnson</span> will become an unrestricted free agent. That leaves us with Earl Thomas, <span>Kam Chancellor</span>, Jeron Johnson, <span>DeShawn Shead</span>, <span>Terrance Parks</span>, Steve Terrell and Michael Dobson. I don't think Terrell or Dobson have a realistic shot. Parks has been with the team for a big part of the year, but I would lean Shead for the 4th safety spot.<u></u><u></u></p>
<p><u></u> <u></u></p>
<p>Battle: <i>Shead vs Parks</i><u></u><u></u></p>
<p><u></u> <u></u></p>
<p><b>LINEBACKERS </b></p>
<p><b>(I predict 6 slots)<u></u><u></u></b></p>
<p>I think this group is sorting out pretty clearly, to be honest. Locks to me are Bobby Wagner, K.J. Wright, Malcolm Smith and <span>Kevin Pierre-Louis</span>. I know KPL has been banged up with an oblique, but I don't see Seattle giving up on him this early.</p>
<p>Korey Toomer will likely begin the year on PUP (that is a guess) and I think that is good for the Seahawks as they may need a midseason infusion of bodies. <span>Heath Farwell</span> looked pretty bad on defense to my eye last night, and <span>Jackson Jeffcoat</span> and <span>Horace Miller</span> didn't look that much better.</p>
<p>I think the bottom of the LB group will be <span>Mike Morgan</span> and Brock Coyle. Coyle is younger, cheaper, and faster than Farwell -- and may not be a special teams guru, but can be a solid ST contributor, for now. Morgan stays healthy, while Toomer has yet to stay healthy. I don't see <span>Marcus Dowtin</span>, or <span>Mike Taylor</span> making the roster.<u></u><u></u></p>
<p><u></u> <u></u></p>
<p>Battle: <i>Coyle vs Farwell</i><u></u><u></u></p>
<p><u></u> <u></u></p>
<p><b>EDGE </b></p>
<p><b>(I predict 4 slots)<u></u><u></u></b></p>
<p>From a rewatch of the game -- <span>O'Brien Schofield</span> looked better than Benson Mayowa. Mayowa is younger and has more club control, but that may not save him this year, unless he flashes. Schofield and Mayowa could both make it if Irvin begins the year on the PUP list, however. <span>Cliff Avril</span> and <span>Cassius Marsh</span> are locks.</p>
<p>Before the game, I tended to predict Mayowa over Schofield, but I may switch that around (for now). <u></u><u></u></p>
<p><u></u> <u></u></p>
<p>Battle: <i>Schofield vs Mayowa</i><u></u><u></u></p>
<p><u></u> <u></u></p>
<p><b>DEFENSIVE LINE </b></p>
<p><b>(I predict 6 slots)<u></u><u></u></b></p>
<p><span>Michael Bennett</span>, <span>Brandon Mebane</span>, <span>Tony McDaniel</span>, and Kevin Williams are locks. A lot of the bodies that filled this position group are already gone or injured. Jimmy Staten is injured and looks like a long-shot. Jesse Williams reverted to IR. Kenneth Boatright is now with the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/">Cowboys</a>. Dewayne Cherrington is gone.</p>
<p><span>Jordan Hill</span> and <span>Greg Scruggs</span> just need to flash a little bit and then stay healthy. I really think Scruggs and Hill will take the last two spots. <span>Michael Brooks</span> and D'Anthony Smith will really have to flash, or see an injury ahead of them, to make it in my view. I don't see <span>Andru Pulu</span> making the roster, but may be a good player for the ghost roster or practice squad. <u></u><u></u></p>
<p><u></u> <u></u></p>
<p>Battle: <i>Scruggs/Hill vs. injuries</i><u></u></p>
<p><u></u> <u></u></p>
<p>-I will touch on the offense in a few days-</p>
<p><a href="https://twitter.com/DavisHsuSeattle" target="_blank">Davis on Twitter.</a></p>
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https://www.fieldgulls.com/seahawks-notes/2014/8/8/5983805/seahawks-roster-breakdown-depth-chart-nflDavis Hsu2014-08-08T10:01:57-07:002014-08-08T10:01:57-07:00Seahawks lose to Broncos: Coaches, players react
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<figcaption>Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Here's a roundup of post-game pressers and interviews after the Seahawks let one slip away vs. the Broncos in preseason action.</p>
<h4>Pete Carroll:</h4>
<p><a href="http://www.seahawks.com/videos-photos/videos/Pete-Carroll-Press-Conference-at-Broncos/c4fb8005-2eb3-42e3-8618-1b31080b3053">Pete Carroll Press Conference at Broncos</a><br>Pete Carroll admits to a 'sloppy' game as he addresses the media following a 21-16 loss to the Broncos in Denver.</p>
<h4>Brock Coyle:</h4>
<p><a href="http://www.seahawks.com/videos-photos/videos/Brock-Coyle-Locker-Room-Interview-at-Broncos/5a47bda1-78f5-47d4-a8f6-3c4908812895">Brock Coyle Locker Room Interview at Broncos</a><br>Seahawks linebacker Brock Coyle talks with Tony Ventrella following the rookies first NFL game as the Seahawks took on the Broncos.</p>
<p><iframe src="http://kiroradio.com/710embed.php?href=http%3A%2F%2Faudio.kiroradio.com%2Fseattle%2Fkiro%2F2014%2F08%2Fc_710espnseattle080814_9975445.mp3&name=Brock+Coyle+assesses+his+first+NFL+game&show=710+ESPN+Seattle+Features" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="border:none; overflow:hidden; width:100%; height:130px;" allowtransparency="true"></iframe></p>
<h4>Greg Scruggs:<br>
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<p><iframe src="http://kiroradio.com/710embed.php?href=http%3A%2F%2Faudio.kiroradio.com%2Fseattle%2Fkiro%2F2014%2F08%2Fc_710espnseattle080814_9975446.mp3&name=Greg+Scruggs+on+his+first+game+back+from+knee+surgery&show=710+ESPN+Seattle+Features" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="border:none; overflow:hidden; width:100%; height:130px;" allowtransparency="true"></iframe></p>
<h4>Phil Bates:</h4>
<p><iframe src="http://kiroradio.com/710embed.php?href=http%3A%2F%2Faudio.kiroradio.com%2Fseattle%2Fkiro%2F2014%2F08%2Fc_710espnseattle080814_9975447.mp3&name=Phil+Bates+on+the+Seahawks%5C%27+preseason+loss+to+Denver&show=710+ESPN+Seattle+Features" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="border:none; overflow:hidden; width:100%; height:130px;" allowtransparency="true"></iframe></p>
<h4>Terrelle Pryor:</h4>
<p><a href="http://www.seahawks.com/videos-photos/videos/Terrelle-Pryor-Locker-Room-Interview-at-Broncos/7e64c614-ccf0-45ab-97f1-918153fca1e9">Terrelle Pryor Locker Room Interview at Broncos</a><br>Seahawks quarterback Terrelle Pryor talks with the media following his first game with the Seahawks as they fall 21-16 to the Broncos.</p>
<p><iframe src="http://kiroradio.com/710embed.php?href=http%3A%2F%2Faudio.kiroradio.com%2Fseattle%2Fkiro%2F2014%2F08%2Fc_710espnseattle080814_9975448.mp3&name=Terrelle+Pryor+lauds+the+play+of+Seattle%5C%27s+receivers&show=710+ESPN+Seattle+Features" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="border:none; overflow:hidden; width:100%; height:130px;" allowtransparency="true"></iframe></p>
<h4>Robert Turbin:</h4>
<p><iframe src="http://kiroradio.com/710embed.php?href=http%3A%2F%2Faudio.kiroradio.com%2Fseattle%2Fkiro%2F2014%2F08%2Fc_710espnseattle080814_9975449.mp3&name=Robert+Turbin+on+the+Seahawks%5C%27+running+game&show=710+ESPN+Seattle+Features" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="border:none; overflow:hidden; width:100%; height:130px;" allowtransparency="true"></iframe></p>
<h4>Cassius Marsh:</h4>
<p><a href="http://www.seahawks.com/videos-photos/videos/Cassius-Marsh-Locker-Room-Interview-at-Broncos/baba50d5-0ab1-499b-8b54-725a53c55a35">Cassius Marsh Locker Room Interview at Broncos</a><br>Seahawks insider Tony Ventrella talks with Seahawks defensive end Cassius Marsh about his performance in his first NFL game as the Seahawks fell 21-16 to the Denver Broncos.</p>
<h4>Paul Richardson:</h4>
<p><a href="http://www.seahawks.com/videos-photos/videos/Paul-Richardson-Locker-Room-Interview-at-Broncos/08a6287b-8e86-489b-9424-60755abc7fea">Paul Richardson Locker Room Interview at Broncos</a><br>Seahawks wide receiver Paul Richardson talks with Tony Ventrella following his return to Colorado as the Seahawks fall 21-16 to the Denver Broncos in the receivers first ever NFL game.</p>
<h4>Richard Sherman (in-game)</h4>
<p><a href="http://www.seahawks.com/videos-photos/videos/Richard-Sherman-In-Game-Interview-at-Broncos/060ca27f-6190-45b3-9977-7d095b156594">Richard Sherman In-Game Interview at Broncos</a><br>Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman talks with Q13 FOX about his preseason performance against the Denver Broncos.</p>
<h4>Russell Wilson (in-game)</h4>
<p><a href="http://www.seahawks.com/videos-photos/videos/Russell-Wilson-In-Game-Interview-at-Broncos/20f9b771-ee5f-4eb2-af51-3005777b6291">Russell Wilson In-Game Interview at Broncos</a><br>Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson talks about his first preseason performance of 2014 against the Broncos in Denver.</p>
https://www.fieldgulls.com/2014/8/8/5983143/seahawks-broncos-coaches-players-press-conferencesDanny Kelly2014-08-07T22:03:57-07:002014-08-07T22:03:57-07:00Seahawks lose to Broncos in preseason opener
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<figcaption>Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The Seahawks lost a preseason game for the first time since 2011, but Terrelle Pryor provided some excitement in the end.</p> <p>Following a 46-minute delay for lightning, the <a href="https://www.fieldgulls.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Seattle Seahawks</a> and <a href="https://www.milehighreport.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Denver Broncos</a> resumed play early in their preseason week one matchup on Thursday night, with the Broncos coming back in the fourth quarter to win 21-16. It was a much different outcome than the Seahawks 43-8 domination of Denver in February's Super Bowl, but that could have been due to the fact that the stakes were fairly lower this time.</p>
<p>The two teams meet again on September 21, and that game will be in Seattle and the outcome will mean something.</p>
<p>The Seahawks took a 16-14 lead in the fourth quarter on a 22-yard field goal by <span>Steven Hauschka</span>, but Broncos quarterback <span>Brock Osweiler</span> drove Denver down the field and hit <span>Jordan Norwood</span> for a 34-yard touchdown to take it back. Seattle quarterback <span>Terrelle Pryor</span> looked very interesting during his play in the second half, finishing 9-of-16 for 137 yards, but was intercepted on third-and-goal to effectively end the game. Pryor is fighting for the backup job against <span>Tarvaris Jackson</span>, or possibly to push coach Pete Carroll to keep a third quarterback.</p>
<p>He was certainly worth watching for the second half of a preseason game against backups. The athleticism is very real and at times, he can be accurate and tough to defend. At other times, he plays good defense against himself.</p>
<p><span>Russell Wilson</span> was 4-of-6 for 37 yards with a seven-yard rush in his limited number of snaps. Running back <span>Christine Michael</span> had 16 yards and a touchdown on seven carries with three catches for 12 yards. Michael is fighting hard for the number two spot behind <span>Marshawn Lynch</span>, who did not travel with the team to Denver (none of the players who were already scheduled to be out did), and it's hard to say if he made much of a difference in that regard.</p>
<p>Pete doesn't seem like the type to base a ton of his decisions on play in preseason games anyway, at least not as much as he cares about how you practice and prepare.</p>
<p>That being said, if anyone helped themselves out tonight, it was rookie <span>Paul Richardson</span>, who had four catches for 37 yards in his professional debut. Richardson is going to make the team but if he shows that he's not too raw to play in real games, he could end up getting more targets than expected. The top two receivers are <span>Percy Harvin</span> and <span>Doug Baldwin</span>, but there's plenty of opportunity after those two. Baldwin had one catch for 18 yards, while <span>Jermaine Kearse</span> had one for 11.</p>
<p>The Broncos took the lead with 10 minutes to go in the third quarter on a 3-yard run by Kapri Bibbs. Seattle cornerback <span>Tharold Simon</span>, who does not have a clean track record, was ejected after the play for throwing some pushes and punches in the aftermath. Simon, seen by many as a potential breakout player this year, had an incident with police before being drafted in the fifth round by the Seahawks last year, then missed his rookie season following foot surgery. Being ejected in a preseason game isn't a big deal, but Simon has not made this team yet either.</p>
<p>Another corner trying to make this team is A.J. Jefferson, who had a mix of good and bad. The good being that he recorded an interception off Osweiler, and the bad being that he left the game with an ankle injury. There did not appear to be any other injuries for Seattle.</p>
<p><span>Peyton Manning</span> played much better on Thursday night than he did in the Super Bowl, going 10-of-13 for 78 yards, while <span>Demaryius Thomas</span> led all receivers with five catches fro 52 yards. The Denver player who comes out of this game with the most to boast about though is undrafted running back Juwuan Thompson, who rushed for 59 yards on just six carries against the Seattle defense. The Seahawks may have done Thompson a huge favor as he fights to make the roster behind <span>Montee Ball</span>, <span>Ronnie Hillman</span>, and <span>C.J. Anderson</span>.</p>
<p>One more player on offense and special team that's fighting for a spot is <span>Ricardo Lockette</span>, who some want to see make the team while others think he could be taking up a spot that doesn't exist. Lockette had two catches for 35 yards in this matchup.</p>
<p>Finally, <span>Earl Thomas</span> was back there for punt returns, but did not make any gains in that regard. It will be interesting to see if he's still the man fielding punts when the games count.</p>
<p>Like that one Seattle played back in February. Yes, remember that? Feels nice, doesn't it. You feel better now.</p>
https://www.fieldgulls.com/2014/8/7/5981525/seahawks-broncos-final-score-preseasonKenneth Arthur2014-08-07T19:55:44-07:002014-08-07T19:55:44-07:00Seahawks vs. Broncos open game thread II
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<figcaption>Tom Pennington</figcaption>
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<p>Talk.</p>
https://www.fieldgulls.com/2014/8/7/5979327/seahawks-vs-broncos-open-game-thread-iiDanny Kelly2014-08-07T17:30:02-07:002014-08-07T17:30:02-07:00Seahawks vs. Broncos open game thread I
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<figcaption>Elsa</figcaption>
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<p>Hold on to your butts.</p>
https://www.fieldgulls.com/2014/8/7/5979293/seahawks-vs-broncos-open-game-thread-iDanny Kelly2014-08-07T16:26:43-07:002014-08-07T16:26:43-07:00Pre-game open thread
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<figcaption>Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>There's some football happening right now (Colts/Jets) so talk about it here, y'all.</p>
https://www.fieldgulls.com/2014/8/7/5980877/pre-game-open-threadDanny Kelly2014-08-07T16:14:49-07:002014-08-07T16:14:49-07:00Seahawks inactives<h3 class="link-title"><a rel="nofollow" href="/rss/stream/5742870">Seahawks&nbsp;inactives</a></h3>
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https://www.fieldgulls.com/2014/8/7/5980843/seahawks-inactivesDanny Kelly2014-08-07T07:48:56-07:002014-08-07T07:48:56-07:00Know your enemy: 5 questions with Mile High Report
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<figcaption>Doug Pensinger</figcaption>
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<p>It's baaaaaaaaaack! (Football)</p> <p>The Seahawks play the Broncos today in preseason "action" so to get reacquainted with the Seahawks' Super Bowl opponents, I chatted with <a href="http://www.milehighreport.com/" target="_blank" style="background-color: #ffffff;">Mile High Report's</a> Kyle Montgomery. Here's a scouting report on a team that Seattle will face off against tonight, but also importantly in a real game (or two) this season.</p>
<p>My questions in bold, his responses follow.</p>
<p><b>1. The Broncos had a rash of injuries toward the end of last season -- how is the overall health of the top contributors looking heading into the preseason? </b></p>
<p>By the time the Super Bowl came around, the Broncos were missing starters left tackle Ryan Clady, linebacker Von Miller, cornerback Chris Harris Jr., defensive end Derek Wolfe, and defensive tackle Kevin Vickerson. All are aiming to be ready for Week 1 of the regular season, but some of them are in "just in time for the regular season" mode. We likely won't be seeing Harris at all in the preseason (ACL), and we probably won't see Miller or Vickerson for this first preseason game either, as both have been limited through training camp.</p>
<p>As far as new injuries go, starting running back Montee Ball had an emergency appendectomy this week and will likely miss the entire preseason. He'll reportedly be ready for Denver's regular season opener, but it's Ronnie Hillman and C.J. Anderson splitting reps with the ones while Ball recovers. Wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders, the free agent the Broncos signed to replace Eric Decker, has a recently-developed quad strain and is questionable for the Seahawks game Thursday. I'm guessing the Broncos will sit him.</p>
<p><b>2. How is the 2014 rookie class looking so far? Any guys to keep an eye on this Thursday?</b></p>
<p>The 2014 class is looking pretty good. First round draft pick cornerback Bradly Roby is having his ups and downs, with a pinch more to be optimistic about coming out of the practice reports of late. He and second round draft pick wide receiver Cody Latimer have been going at it during practice, just like the former Buckeye and Hoosier did in college. Latimer's actually been the highlight of camp, and personally my biggest surprise. He's been making big plays in practice from the first day, and while you try to temper expectations from practice, the fact that he's been continuing that domination in several practices since - with either Peyton Manning or backup Brock Osweiler throwing the football - has a lot of fans excited about his potential.</p>
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<span class="blog-links-star"><img src="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/3608771/star.png"></span> More from Mile High Report <span class="blog-links-star"><img src="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/3608771/star.png"></span>
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<div class="blog-links-compact-link-container"><a href="http://www.milehighreport.com?utm_source=sbnation&utm_medium=bloglinks&utm_campaign=blogs">Denver Broncos blog Mile High Report</a></div>
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<p>I'm eager to check out offensive lineman Michael Schofield in the preseason; linebacker Lamin Barrow has impressed enough to leap over a veteran or two in the depth chart into the 2nd unit. Among undrafted guys, defensive end Kenny Anunike has made a big splash in camp, so I'm excited to watch if he can apply some pressure in a game scenario.</p>
<p><b>3. Have there been any surprise breakout players in training camp (non-rookies)? If so, who, and what kind of impact could they have this year?</b></p>
<p>The biggest story is defensive tackle Marvin Austin, a former 2011 second round draft pick who just hasn't panned out in the NFL to this point. The Broncos signed him this offseason, months after spinal surgery, and he is simply shining in Broncos camp. It's giving Jack Del Rio somewhat of a reputation of a DT-career-redeemer.</p>
<p>This is the third straight year the Broncos defensive coordinator has molded a defensive tackle into more than anyone expected (Kevin Vickerson in 2012 and Terrance "Pot Roast" Knighton in 2013). I expect Austin will be in the mix with Knighton and Sylvester Williams in the starting rotation Thursday; he has earned some starting reps in camp. Williams has had a surprisingly good camp as well; the Broncos defensive front looks impressive so far.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.milehighreport.com/2014/7/30/5950895/broncos-training-camp-surprise-stars">I wrote about six surprise stars in Broncos training camp</a>, and Anunike, Austin and Williams all made my list - it's a pleasant surprise to have so many defensive linemen exceeding expectations in camp.</p>
<p><b>4. What free agent players did the Broncos add over the offseason and what will their roles be this year? </b></p>
<p><b> </b></p>
<p>The Broncos were very aggressive in free agency this offseason, as most people are aware. DeMarcus Ware will add another pass-rushing element and complement Von Miller in tantalizing ways; Aqib Talib is a more-or-less even exchange with Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, who left in free agency, but is a bit more physical.</p>
<p>The biggest addition in my mind is T.J. Ward, the Pro Bowl safety, because it's the biggest upgrade the Broncos experienced this offseason. In a lot of ways we have the Seahawks to thank for that; I think the Broncos saw the difference a smart, hard-hitting safety can make for a team the second Kam Chancellor knocked Demaryius Thomas down in Super Bowl XLVIII.</p>
<p><b>5. What players did the Broncos lose and how will that impact the early part of the season? </b></p>
<p>There was a minor exodus out of Denver in 2014, but the Broncos filled the gaps pretty well. Out goes Eric Decker; in come Emmanuel Sanders and Cody Latimer. Out go Shaun Phillips and Robert Ayers; in comes DeMarcus Ware. Out goes Zane Beadles, so the Broncos shuffle around their offensive line to make a potentially stronger unit with Orlando Franklin at left guard and Chris Clark at right tackle.</p>
<p>I think, on paper, this Broncos team is more talented than the 2013 unit. It's probably the most talented Broncos team in franchise history. But that's the catch - fans are so eager to get back to the Super Bowl and right that wrong that they're not prepared to sit back and enjoy another great season of Broncos and NFL football. Hopefully the players don't fall into the same trap.</p>
<p>No game in the NFL is easy, and the Broncos can't be counting their Super Bowls before they're berthed. That interesting mental aspect of "one week at a time" might be my biggest concern for the Broncos in the early part of the season.</p>
https://www.fieldgulls.com/49ers-rams-cardinals-nfc/2014/8/7/5976859/seahawks-preseason-2014-broncos-t-j-ward-demarcus-wareDanny Kelly