Broncos' 3 Big Areas to Improve in Preseason Game 2 vs. Niners

The Denver Broncos did some good things in the preseason opener, but plenty of issues need to be fixed if they expect to succeed in the regular season.

While it's not time to panic, improvement must be shown in certain areas of play. While a win would be nice, the main thing about preseason games is that the Broncos improve and that starting players demonstrate that they can get the job done.

After the preseason opener, there are three areas in which the Broncos need to show improvement. Given that the defense did well for the most part, it will come as no surprise that these issues mostly pertain to the offense.

1. Finish Drives With Points

The Broncos' first-team offense had four drives, with three that finished in opposing territory, one with good field position after an interception. However, the Broncos got points just once on the three that got into enemy territory.

After Essang Bassey's interception, Russelll Wilson had a nice throw to Jerry Jeudy for 19 yards to the Arizona Cardinals 22-yard line. Then the drive stalled, and Wilson took a sack. Brett Maher punctuated the short drive with a missed 47-yard field goal attempt.

The Broncos defense forced a punt, and the offense did move the ball well, but once they got to the Arizona 32-yard line, a Wilson pass to Courtland Sutton fell incomplete due to an apparent miscommunication. Elliott Fry then missed a 50-yard field goal attempt.

The offense did score on its next possession, and Wilson had his best series of the game, but Jeudy dropped a pass on third down. It was good to see him bounce back with a nice catch and run for a touchdown on fourth down.

However, the Broncos need more production than that. Finishing drives was a major concern last year, and that has to be corrected for the Broncos to have a chance at winning games.

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2. Better Blocking

In watching Wilson's play against Arizona, there were times when he didn't make good throws, but on others, he did so and made good decisions. However, while Wilson has room for improvement, he was far from the main reason that the offense struggled.

The offensive line was a mess, with veterans Garett Bolles and Ben Powers struggling and younger players like Lloyd Cushenberry III and Quinn Meinerz not doing much better. It's true the Broncos didn't have right tackle Mike McGlinchey available, but they can't blame everything on his absence.

What's concerning is that the offensive line's struggles came against younger players, some of who are fighting to make the Cardinals' roster. It's one thing to get beaten by proven veterans, but against depth players, that's another.

The Broncos have a new O-line Coach in Zach Strief, the third position coach they've had in the past three seasons. Butch Barry certainly did the O-line no favors with his poor coaching last year, but it shouldn't have been as bad as it was last week, even with a first-time offensive line coach.

While some issues could be blamed on the linemen adapting to what Strief wants from them, it can't be used as an excuse. The offensive line needs to do a better job in preseason Game 1, particularly if the San Francisco 49ers decide not to play their starters for too many series.

As long as we see some improvement, we can breathe a little easier. But if the line shows no improvement, some difficult decisions lie ahead.

3. Clean Up the Kicking Game

Special teams was a major concern last season, but the Broncos did have some positives against the Cardinals. For instance, Montrell Washington looked more comfortable with punt returns, and the Broncos had some players who made good stops covering returns.

However, the kicking game left plenty to be desired. The team's decision to cut Brandon McManus raised plenty of eyebrows, and now, that move looks like a major mistake.

Fry missed one field goal, though he made another. Maher missed one as well, and while the blocked field goal was on the blocking up front, it still resulted in points denied to the Broncos.

The Broncos have already placed Fry on injured reserve, meaning his season is over, because IR-designate to return isn't an option in the preseason. Maher is the only kicker left, but he has far from secured the job.

The Broncos also brought in another long snapper, which would indicate they want better play there and that it could be impacting the kicking game.

Whatever the issue is, it needs to get cleaned up. While touchdowns are preferable, you will sometimes have to go with a field goal. But when moments come when the Broncos need a field goal, the kickers have to come through.

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