Karl Mecklenburg originally shared this post on his social media pages, and it was re-shared here with permission.
The Broncos' first-preseason game went well. They beat Atlanta in a quiet and mostly empty stadium. Quarterback Jerrett Stidham bounced back from his disastrous AFC Championship appearance and had a good showing with the Broncos' first-team offense. The Broncos' offensive line gave him great protection and Stidham threw the ball well. The Broncos defense got some turnovers and controlled the game throughout. Rookie players who stood out to me were undrafted free agent wide receiver Joseph Manjack IV and 4th round running back Jonah Coleman. I was also impressed with Davis Webb calling the plays. Not only was the Atlanta defense off balance
but Denver didn’t have to waste any timeouts due to communication problems.
Sam Ehlinger, the other quarterback fighting for a position behind Bo Nix, didn’t play as well. He didn’t have the advantage of playing with the starters last Friday and it showed. Hopefully this Friday we will see Bo Nix quarterbacking the first-string group with Ehlinger getting some time with the first team line, backs, and receivers as well.
Last Friday was the [eighth] preseason win in a row for the Broncos. Preseason wins don’t count for qualifying for the playoffs, but winning becomes a habit. When a team prepares to win, and expects to win, they play to win. The veterans set the tone. They were engaged on the sidelines, encouraging the backups, and congratulating them for big plays and scores. When veterans in any business are engaged and supportive of newcomers it makes a huge difference.
This Friday the Green Bay Packers will be in Denver to play the Broncos. The stadium won’t be quiet or half empty like it was in Atlanta. I would expect the healthy first-string players to play for the first half, and maybe one series into the second half. Playing one series into the second half would allow them to work on making half time adjustments with play caller Davis Webb, like they will in the regular season. With the preseason goals of identifying talent, staying healthy, growing as a team, and always playing to win, this Friday’s game should be fun. Go Broncos!
Mecklenburg played for the Denver Broncos from 1983-1994, earning six Pro Bowl nods and five All-Pro selections during his decorated career in the NFL. Mecklenburg is now a motivational keynote speaker. You can book Mecklenburg on his website.
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This article originally appeared on Broncos Wire: Karl Mecklenburg reacts to Broncos' preseason opener, previews Week 2
