3 Hard Takeaways From Broncos' 2nd Preseason Collapse Under Sean Payton

The Denver Broncos controlled much of Saturday night's preseason tilt vs. the San Francisco 49ers, but like the week prior, the defense collapsed in the clutch. The final score: 21-20, Niners.

Broncos defensive coordinator Vance Joseph was apoplectic on the sideline, as his third and fourth-string unit continued to display one lapse after another with the game on the line. Joseph's animation, while encouraging to see, will offer cold comfort to Broncos fans who are sick of losing, even exhibition games.

However, it's important to remember that of all the Broncos defenders on the field for those game-deciding Niners possessions, maybe two or three of them will still be on the roster in two weeks' time.

While the alarm bells are sounding in the minds of a still traumatized fan base, there were some good things to take away from the Broncos' second preseason performance. Here are my three big takeaways.

Sean Payton as Good as His Word

After Russell Wilson and Jarrett Stidham were two of the top-three most-pressured quarterbacks in the NFL's first week of preseason, Payton took to the podium the Monday after the game and minimized the Broncos' leaky protection, stating with quiet confidence that it would be cleaned up.

True to his word, the Broncos' pass protection was leaps and bounds better in Game 2. Wilson had time to throw on the Broncos' opening possession, and Stidham was also afforded a mostly-solid pocket for the duration of his snaps.

The Broncos relinquished just two sacks to a predatory Niners defense. First-team offensive tackles Garett Bolles and Cam Fleming were better, as were center Lloyd Cushenberry III and right guard Quinn Meinerz. But, if there's any cause for alarm here, it's the continued poor protection from high-dollar free agent Ben Powers at left guard.

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A Disjointed Pass Game | Dominant Run Game

While the Broncos' rushing attack was prolific in San Fran, finishing the night with 169 yards and a touchdown, it's clear that Payton's passing offense is still a work in progress with this collection of three QBs. Wilson had a solid outing, based on his one possession, but he seemed to struggle in making his first read.

However, Wilson made up for it with a dazzling reminder of how dangerous he can be with his legs, finishing the night with 25 rushing yards on three carries. But whether it was Wilson, Stidham, or Ben DiNucci, Saturday night's action seems to suggest that Payton's scheme is still a work in progress when it comes to the passing offense.

Wilson finished 3-for-6 for just 24 yards, with a QB rating of 60.4. Stidham went 12-of-17 for 93 yards and a rating of 60.4, while DiNucci went 3-for-7 for 13 yards and a touchdown, with a rating of 89.9.

Juxtaposed with San Francisco's trio of QBs, none of whom posted a rating lower than 93.1, it's clear that Payton has some work to do. The Broncos are yet to find a passing rhythm.

Broncos' Pass Rush is Vastly Improved

Joseph said a week into training camp that this is the best edge rusher group he's coached in a long time. After watching Saturday night's action, that might not have been hyperbole.

Jonathon Cooper was a menace, finishing with a sack, as was Randy Gregory, who also notched a sack. High-dollar free-agent acquisition Zach Allen was a penetrating dynamo in San Fran, notching a sack and harassing Brock Purdy and Sam Darnold.

Not to mention the second-year Nik Bonitto, who may not have notched a sack, but his speed, combined with the obvious improvements he's made to his NFL body, make him a formidable presence on the edge. It's good to see, especially with Baron Browning's timetable to return still up in the air.

The only rush linebacker in the top-four of the Broncos' depth chart who failed to get in on the action was Frank Clark. But considering that he was signed on the doorstep of camp and that this was his first preseason action of the summer, it's nothing to worry about.

Fans will agonize over how Payton's team collapsed in the clutch in two straight games. But again, in a perfect world, as much as Payton would absolutely prefer to get the win in a preseason game, the Broncos have much bigger fish to fry when it comes to further assimilating the new schemes across all three phases, seeing how these young players develop, and how the roster battles play out.

Deep breath. Exhale.

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