The Broncos are set to hit the road for one final preseason outing as they travel to New Orleans to face the Saints on Saturday.
With the NFL-mandated 53-man roster deadline fast approaching, the Broncos' preseason finale will provide critical evaluation opportunities across the depth chart. Coaches and personnel staff will be looking closely at which players step up under the spotlight to solidify their roles ahead of Week 1.
"There's still some real important decisions to be made," Head Coach Sean Payton said Thursday.
Here's a look at what to watch for in Denver's preseason finale:
WHO WILL STAND OUT IN THE STARTERS' LIMITED ACTION?
After sitting out the Broncos' Week 2 preseason win, Denver's starters will be back in action on Saturday.
"Our plan is to play our starters for eight to 10 plays — depending, that's not just etched in stone — and then get into our second phase and third phase," Payton said.
That short window could still provide a chance for Bo Nix and the starting offense to build on last week's impressive joint practice performance against the Cardinals. The snaps will be the first game action for many of Denver's starters since the preseason opener against the 49ers, when Nix completed 6-of-11 passes in his Year 2 debut and cornerback Ja'Quan McMillian set up the team's first score with a diving interception.
Tight end Evan Engram, one of a few starters to play in Week 2 against Arizona, will look to show off his playmaking ability that was evident on an explosive 58-yard catch-and-run that helped fuel a 97-yard touchdown drive.
The starters may not get many snaps, but they'll look to make them count on Saturday.
CAN THE BRONCOS' DEFENSIVE DEPTH DELIVER ANOTHER IMPRESSIVE PERFORMANCE?
Through two preseason games, Denver's defense has been nothing short of dominant. The unit has held opponents to just 3-of-25 on third down (12%), allowed only two touchdowns and surrendered an average of 169 net yards per game.
The success has come from all levels of the roster. McMillian's interception and Nik Bonitto's sack against the 49ers were complemented by steady play from the second- and third-team groups, who helped limit San Francisco and Arizona to minimal scoring opportunities.
"I think it gives us just depth in this league," Defensive Coordinator Vance Joseph said Wednesday. "Having corners, rushers, defensive linemen, having guys who can finish games, who can start for a month for you, and the standard doesn't change. That's important for us."
If the depth continues to shine, paired with a fast start from the first-team unit, the Broncos could close out the preseason with momentum heading into Week 1.
WHO MAKES A FINAL CASE FOR A ROSTER SPOT?
The NFL's roster deadline is just days away, and Saturday's game will be the final chance for many players to make their case.
Special teams contributions will weigh heavily in those final evaluations and could be the determining factor in certain instances.
"Those are the conversations that are going to happen here in these next few days," Special Teams Coordinator/Assistant Head Coach Darren Rizzi said Wednesday. "And then after the game, it's when you're looking at the bottom half of the roster. [Head] Coach [Sean Payton], [General Manager] George [Paton], they're going to ask me on my opinions on the roles those guys can play. … It's going to come down to those roles that guys can play [on special teams]. What's our forecast for the starting punt team; who the returners are going to be? Those things are going to factor into the decisions here with the 53-man."
Position battles across the board, including in the running back room, will also be in the spotlight in New Orleans.
With roster depth emphasized throughout training camp, the Broncos enter the weekend facing some of the toughest decisions of the summer. Preseason games don't count in the standings, but for players on the cusp, Saturday's matchup could prove to be the most important opportunity yet.
