|
Unlike Thompson, Ball isn't a factor on special teams,Cheap NFL Jerseys Wholesale, and that's working against him.
Among those is Montee Ball, the starter a year ago who has slipped behind Anderson, Hillman and Juwan Thompson on the depth chart. Hillman leads the Broncos' backs with a 7.3-yard average, followed by Anderson (4.6), Thompson (3.4) and Ball (2.6).
The Broncos' starters have allowed just six points in 11 drives this preseason. Wade Phillips' unit has 15 sacks altogether, most of those coming by backups after cameo appearances from Von Miller and DeMarcus Ware, who had a sack for a safety in Denver's 19-12 victory over San Francisco.
"Actually, when you sort of think about it, defenses win championships. That's what we're trying to do,Wholesale NBA Jerseys Authentic," Ware said. "... The offense is going to do what they need to do and they're going to put more points on the board during the season, but we have to do what we do. We have to keep the other offenses scoring low points."
With his defense.
"There's nothing Montee's done (wrong)," Kubiak said. "He continues to work hard. Special teams are a big factor with him and Juwan as far as playing on a regular basis. We'll see. I'm fine with Montee."
"It will be great when he's back," Anderson said.
The Broncos are bracing for more low-scoring games after piling up the points in Manning's first three seasons in Denver.
Thomas should get fewer double-teams and the running lanes should widen when Sanders gets back in the lineup, too.
DENVER (AP) — His two Pro Bowl receivers haven't been together on the field with him all offseason. He hasn't found the end zone all month. And he's coming off his first three-sack outing since mid-2013.
The Broncos (3-0) are dusting off the old blueprints from John Elway's final years as a quarterback, when a good ground game and dominant defense took the pressure off the passer's shoulders and resulted in back-to-back titles.
Both are expected to practice Monday,Wholesale NHL Jerseys, when coach Gary Kubiak said he'll make his first round of cuts. But they won't play in the exhibition finale against Arizona when backups and bubblers get their final auditions.
"They're certainly playing well so far this preseason, and they're looking to improve, as well," Manning said. "... I think our offense can feed off of them."
Kubiak gave a strong hint at his solution, saying,China Jerseys Free Shipping, "Emmanuel's very capable and could be a great, great punt returner," he said. "We have to get him back. Obviously,Wholesale Jerseys Free Shipping, protecting the ball is of the utmost importance."
The starters didn't allow a completion by Colin Kaepernick until the final minute of the first half and only allowed two catches for 13 yards Saturday night,Authentic NHL Jerseys.
Which is why Manning is so pleased with what he's seeing from the sideline on game day and from the line of scrimmage during the week.
"It's been good for us going against them throughout training camp," Manning said. "Going against the linebackers, our guys up front trying to block their front and trying to go up against their secondary, it's been a good test. I think that will make us better as well throughout the season."
Sanders might not be the savior but he's certainly part of the solution to Denver's multiple concerns on offense and special teams, where Omar Bolden fumbled the opening kickoff and Isaiah Burse muffed a punt.
The Broncos get a boost on offense this week with wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders returning from a hamstring injury and two-time Pro Bowl guard Evan Mathis, signed last week, stepping in to settle down the O-line.
Elway said last week this offense is a work in progress and probably will be for a while. So, they'll be leaning heavily on running backs C.J. Anderson and Ronnie Hillman and their star-studded defense until they get the kinks worked out.
Yet, Peyton Manning is thoroughly impressed. |
|