CAN THE BRONCOS PLAY CLEANER?
After the Broncos’ win over the Colts, Payton pointed out that penalties and turnovers were an area where Denver needed to be better.
The Broncos’ first drive in Indianapolis was hampered by three penalties and the team moved from the Indianapolis 29-yard line back to their own 47-yard line.
Denver’s second possession ended after a swing pass was botched and intercepted. Rookie running back Audric Estime later stripped the ball and returned it for a touchdown.
The Broncos also had a fumble on three other occasions, when Lucas Krull lost a fumble on a catch and Nix and Wilson each had trouble with a snap.
“We had four fumbles,” Payton said after the Colts game. “That has to get better. We talked about it before this game, this defense does a good job. They play a lot more zone coverage. They try to separate the ball from the receivers or runners, and in that respect we’re lucky we still won.”
Denver now needs to play cleaner to start the regular season. On Sunday against the Packers, the Broncos have a chance to show that they have improved their routines.
WHO IS COMPETITIONING FOR A PLACE IN THE SQUAD?
The deadline for roster cuts is August 27, and there are still players fighting for a spot on Denver’s 53-man roster.
Payton said Friday that about 60 or 61 players are in the running for a spot on the active roster and that those players will get another chance to showcase their skills on Sunday against the Packers.
As Payton noted, the competition for players is about more than just who currently plays for the Broncos.
“We talk about it all the time. You’re not just competing with your position group,” Payton said. “You’re competing with the other 31 positions you play. You do that drill. I’d say there are nine or 10 spots that I’m still looking at and (general manager) George (Paton) is, too. We discuss. We’ve got another game here that we can use. It’s the second preseason game, so we’ve got plenty of time.”
One of the Broncos’ biggest competition is the battle for the wide receiver position, and Payton believes Denver has quality players who could make a splash in the league.
“I can’t remember how much competition there is at that position — we may have guys that end up playing for another team,” Payton said Wednesday. “It’s early in the process. … These guys work hard and that’s a good problem to have.”
