We asked Raiders Wire five questions about the Raiders ahead of their showdown with the Broncos.
Ahead of the Denver Broncos game against the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday, we asked Levi Damien of Raiders Wire five questions about Las Vegas and Sunday’s showdown. Check out our questions and Levi’s answers below.
1. Aidan O’Connell got just two starts this season before landing on injured reserve. Was that (plus last year’s 10 starts) enough to know if he’s the long-term answer at QB?
No. If anything, AOC’s starts have shown he is decidedly not a franchise QB. He has a big arm and that’s about where it ends. I don’t see him being that charismatic leader of an NFL team, he doesn’t improvise well, and he’s not the slightest bit mobile. I think last year the defense came on strong late and led this team to some surprising success. That didn’t follow into this season and as mediocre as Minshew has been, he still outplayed AOC in camp. Pierce only made the change earlier this season to try and find a spark of some kind. Of any kind. It’s past time to start looking at a top-of-the draft franchise QB.
2. If the Raiders don’t get back on track soon, do you think Antonio Pierce could be let go during the season?
He absolutely could, yes. The fire he built last season was stoked atop the ‘Ding-Dong-the-witch-is-dead’ of Josh McDaniels’s departure (something you folks in Denver surely understand) and he seized upon that. But this team was lost two weeks into this season. When he overreacted with his “business decisions” comment after the Week two loss to the Panthers, everything was gone. He is just too volatile. First the overreaction to the loss and then the overreaction to the win over the Browns. And then, of course, there’s his bizarre decisions on fourth down this season. And I say this as someone who really likes Pierce. He’s a great guy and I love how open and forthright he is in press conferences. But this team needs to right itself and Pierce may not be the steady hand to do it.
3. Does Las Vegas have an underrated player that Broncos fans should be aware of this week?
Would it be strange if I said no? Their good players are pretty obvious and rated accordingly. It’s Maxx Crosby, Brock Bowers, and Jakobi Meyers. Early on, Tre Tucker seemed like he might make some noise, so I guess there’s always that threat, but that’s it.
4. It appears that Brock Bowers has lived up to his pre-draft hype. Is he the Raiders’ biggest threat on offense?
Biggest threat is an understatement. He is the key to their entire offense. His ability to get yards after the catch is unreal. If you haven’t been watching him this season, you will soon realize what I’m talking about. He is a legit superstar.
5. What’s your prediction for Sunday — who wins and why?
Broncos win because they’re a very good team on both sides of the ball and the Raiders are the opposite of that. I expect a lopsided affair pretty much on par with what we saw in their last matchup.
We asked Saints Wire five questions about New Orleans ahead of their showdown with the Broncos on TNF.
Ahead the Denver Broncos‘ showdown with the New Orleans Saints on Thursday Night Football, we asked John Sigler of Saints Wire five questions about New Orleans and Thursday’s matchup. View our questions and John’s answers below.
1. How does the Saints’ fan base feel about QB Spencer Rattler’s first NFL action? (22-of-40 for 243 yards, one TD, two INT)
(Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports)
Fans were optimistic. Rattler made some plays under pressure we hadn’t seen from Derek Carr, and he throws a mean fastball. There’s a lot to like there. It’s just tough to properly evaluate him with so many injuries hitting the offensive line and receiving corps. That will be the case again this week, too.
2. What is the biggest strength of the team six weeks into the young season?
(Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images)
It’s got to be the pass defense, even after they just gave up so many yards and touchdowns. They have a deep secondary full of ballhawks and intelligent playmakers with great football instincts. Paulson Adebo and Alontae Taylor can be picked on in coverage, but they’re both capable of taking the ball away in the time it takes to blink.
3. On the flip side, what is the biggest weakness of the team at this point? What can be done to fix it?
(Stephen Lew-Imagn Images)
The interior offensive line depth and run defense have both been lacking. Both Week 1 starters at guard are hurt, and so is Pro Bowl center Erik McCoy. Defensively, they’re too soft at the line of scrimmage and lax in pursuit in the open field. You’d like to think that can be coached up but it’s not like none of these guys have tackled a dummy or moved a blocking sled before.
4. The Saints have had back-to-back short weeks (Week 5 MNF, Week 6 on Sunday, Week 7 TNF). Do you think that will play a determining factor in Thursday’s game?
(Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports)
Yes, the short rest is a major concern. They’ve got 18 players listed on the injury report which would be a challenge to navigate even during a long bye week. Guys who might otherwise press to play through minor injuries may be held out. It’s a long season, but they’re already shorthanded.
5. What will be a key to Thursday’s game in order for New Orleans to win?
(Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
Pressuring Bo Nix and getting negative plays out of him is going to be the difference-maker. That’s easier said than done when the Saints’ pass rush has been pedestrian at best, but that’s their clearest path to victory. Winning the turnover battle, setting up Rattler on short fields, and taking away Sean Payton’s opportunities to call bold plays are key. Whichever team better protects and supports their rookie quarterback should win this one.
Thursday’s game will be available to stream exclusively on Prime Video.
We asked Raiders Wire five questions about Las Vegas ahead of their game against the Broncos on Sunday.
The Denver Broncos (2-2) are set to host the Las Vegas Raiders (2-2) in Week 5 of the 2024 NFL season. Ahead of that AFC West showdown, we asked Levi Damien of Raiders Wire five questions about Las Vegas and Sunday’s matchup. View our questions and Levi’s answers below.
1. How has Gardner Minshew looked through four games? Do you think Aidan O’Connell might overtake him at some point this season?
(Kirby Lee-Imagn Images)
He hasn’t looked great. He literally had one good quarter in the first four games. It was the fourth quarter of the Ravens game, so it was a good time for it, but you can’t tell me he’s just deciding to turn it on and off. He’s just jittery in the pocket and misses way too many open receivers.
AOC could certainly overtake him at some point, but honestly, it would just be change for the sake of change. He’s not the answer either and looked completely lost in this offense in camp and preseason.
2. Do the Raiders have any notable weaknesses that Denver might be able to exploit?
(Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images)
The injury report. Literally half the starters are either on the injury report or on injured reserve. But even healthy, the offense is the glaring weakness. The passing offense is clunky and the run game had been literally the worst in the NFL before they got the receivers involved last week and found some running room. And to say it’s the offensive line’s fault is to miss the bigger picture. The whole offense is just not picking up what Luke Getsy is putting down, especially the zone blocking scheme. Even usually solid left tackle Kolton Miller has looked terrible this season.
3. Tyreik McAllister spent time as an RB in Denver and he’s now listed as a WR on Las Vegas’ roster. What kind of role does he have?
(Photo by Ian Maule/Getty Images)
First, he was inactive each week until last week. And he is primarily a special teams guy, as a gunner and return specialist. But he was also used on a couple sweeps last week as well. He’s an outstanding returner and took one to the house in preseason which is what earned him a spot on the roster.
4. Who is an under-the-raider Raiders player that Broncos fans should be aware of this week?
(Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports)
On offense let’s go with DJ Turner. He will burn you if you’re not careful. And, of course, if Minshew can get him the ball. With Davante Adams out, Turner is the number three receiver. He got open deep last week, but Minshew overthrew him on what would have been a house call. They will try again.
On defense, let’s go with Isaiah Pola-Mao. He’s been hanging around for a few years now, waiting his turn and with the injury to Marcus Epps, Pola-Mao got his first start last week and was as advertised. That advertisement was in camp and preseason. His uncle is Troy Polamalu and Isaiah plays like safety is in his blood.
5. What’s your prediction for Sunday — who wins and why?
(Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports)
If the Raiders were anything resembling healthy, these would be two very similar and evenly matched teams. But the Raiders are not healthy at all. Their star players are both injured at the moment. Maxx Crosby is Questionable with a high ankle sprain that cause him to miss last week’s game and hobbled him in the blowout loss to the Panters. And Davante Adams has a hamgstring thing (but, let’s be honest it’s the trede request that’s keeping him out of this one). And there’s a whole slew of other starters who are OUT or Questionable. They only managed to beat the Browns last week because they’re the friggin Browns and Deshaun Watson is truly terrible. And not just as a human being.
So, anyway, yeah, I think the Broncos finally end their weird long losing streak and actually beat the Las Vegas Raiders for the first time ever.
We asked Jets Wire five questions about their squad leading up to Sunday’s game against the Broncos.
Ahead of the Denver Broncos‘ game against the New York Jets this week, we spoke with Nick Wojton of Jets Wire to gather intel leading up to Sunday’s showdown in New Jersey. Check out our questions and Nick’s answers below.
1. Does Aaron Rodgers look healthy and back to his pre-injury form?
(Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
Personally, I think the jury is still out. Last week was one game. But I’ll give him that one, he was good against the Patriots in that 24-3 win. The scoreboard could’ve been more lopsided than it was. Where he actually impressed the most in Week 3 was his movement. The 40-year-old did not look good on his feet the first two weeks of the season but improved there last week.
2. Braelon Allen has made the most of his limited snaps behind Breece Hall. Do you think we could see Allen get more touches going forward?
(Denny Simmons / The Tennessean / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
In terms of pure touches, Hall will likely get more still because he features in the passing game and Allen really has not to this point. Depending on the opponent or how a game goes, it’s starting to get hard to argue. Allen’s downhill running style is a very positive thing for this Jets offense.
3. Does New York have a notable weakness that Denver might be able to exploit on Sunday?
(Danielle Parhizkaran/NorthJersey.com / USA TODAY NETWORK)
With CJ Mosley (toe) doubtful to play, Jamien Sherwood will be back out there again at middle linebacker. The Jets’ secondary has long been known as a solid unit, but the defensive line has burst onto the scene with 14 sacks in three games so far. If the tight end position could be a rookie quarterback’s best friend for the Broncos, I’d go there.
4. Who is an underrated Jets player that Broncos fans should be aware of this week?
(Steve Roberts-Imagn Images)
Right now it’s probably Allen Lazard. With the Packers, everyone knew him because of his connection with Rodgers. Then he went out of sight because of Rodgers’ injury last year. The wideout already got three touchdowns in three games.
5. What’s your prediction for Sunday — who wins and why?
(Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports)
I’m going to go with the Jets here. They really got after it on offense against the Patriots and I was surprised only 24 points got put up. It felt more like 41-3. Defensively, if the Jets are as good as they say they are, facing a rookie QB in Bo Nix should not be an issue. I’ll go Jets 28, Broncos 14.
Sunday’s game will be regionally televised on CBS (view the TV map). New York is considered a home favorite against Denver this week.
We asked Bucs Wire five questions about their team ahead of Sunday’s game against the Broncos.
Ahead of the Denver Broncos’ game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday, we asked Andrew Harbaugh of Bucs Wire five questions about Tampa Bay and Sunday’s showdown at Raymond James Stadium. Check out our questions and Harbaugh’s answers below.
1. Baker Mayfield’s resurgence has been impressive to watch. Do you think the Bucs have their long-term answer at QB?
(Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports)
I really do, and if we are being honest, he should have been the long-term answer in Cleveland as well. He has seemingly fit in perfectly with the franchise and the structure of things led by Todd Bowles. When you watch him, you can tell that he is processing the plays better and faster, even when they break down. He may never have the most passing yards or touchdowns, but he could be the model of consistency that most teams are desperate to find in the NFL.
2. Does Tampa Bay have any notable weaknesses that Denver might be able to exploit?
(Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images)
The interior of the offensive line, specifically the guard positions, has been an issue this year. The Bucs also are missing their starting right tackle, Luke Goedeke and his replacement gave up five sacks to Aidan Hutchison alone in Week 2. Yes, five sacks to one player. So, with that being said, the pass rush could create problems for the Bucs.
3. Sean Payton said RB Bucky Irving “really made a good impression” at Bo Nix’s pro day this spring. How has Irving looked for the Bucs?
(Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images)
Bucky Irving has honestly been a blast to watch with the Bucs and is a perfect complement to Rachaad White. They have the thunder and lightning, with White being the lightning dynamic playmaker. Irving has been bringing the thunder with power runs on shirt third downs and has been extra beneficial in pass protection as well.
4. Who is an underrated Tampa Bay player that Broncos fans should be aware of this week?
(Eamon Horwedel-Imagn Images)
Zyon McCollum is a Bucs cornerback who just last week had his first interception of his career. Over the last two weeks, he has become the team’s number one corner and has played a significant number of snaps in the process. Look for him to mirror Courtland Sutton and also be schemed uniquely in zone coverage packages.
5. What’s your prediction for Sunday — who wins and why?
(Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports)
I don’t want to come off as arrogant, but I may sound it anyway: I don’t see this being that close of a game. It is a trap game for the Bucs, so perhaps they get caught, but this team has great veteran leadership and a coaching staff keeping them level-headed. I think Mayfield has a big game with the rushing attack, which also helps control time of possession. My score prediction is 31 to 13 for the Bucs in a one-sided affair.
We asked Steelers Wire five questions about Pittsburgh ahead of Sunday’s showdown with the Broncos.
Ahead of the Denver Broncos‘ game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday, we asked Curt Popejoy of Steelers Wire five questions about Pittsburgh and this week’s showdown at Empower Field at Mile High.
View our questions and Curt’s answers below.
1. Russell Wilson or Justin Fields — who do you think should start against the Broncos?
(Barry Reeger-USA TODAY Sports)
If he’s healthy, it has to be Russell Wilson. Fields did a nice job in managing the game last week and didn’t turn it over but winning without scoring touchdowns is the same old story and has to change.
2. Does Pittsburgh have an under-the-radar player who Denver fans should be aware of this week?
(Dale Zanine-Imagn Images)
The guy who really stood out to me last week that might not be known yet is rookie inside linebacker Payton Wilson. He played nearly half the defensive snaps last week and outplayed Elandon Roberts and Patrick Queen.
3. Do the Steelers have a notable weakness that the Broncos might be able to exploit?
(Brett Davis-Imagn Images)
On defense, there isn’t much the Steelers did wrong last week. It might be better to look at it in terms of the Broncos attacking the issues the Steelers have on the offensive line and try and create turnovers. Pittsburgh offensive line is starting a rookie center and backup left guard and the Broncos want will want to focus on that.
4. Najee Harris was way more involved than Jaylen Warren in Week 1, do you expect that trend to continue?
(Dale Zanine-Imagn Images)
I think it will depend on Jaylen Warren’s health. He’s been dealing with an injury and I have to believe it is still giving him issues. Ultimately Harris and Warren need to be co-starters because they offer different things but until Warren is healthy, it’ll be a heavy dose of Harris.
5. What’s your prediction for Sunday — who wins and why?
(Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports)
I went back and watched the Broncos game from Week 1 and these two teams feel pretty evenly matched. Both teams are feeling their way at quarterback and have solid run games. I give the Steelers the edge just based on how well the defense played and the kicking game. It’ll be low scoring but it’s going to be that way all year. Steelers 20, Broncos 14
We asked Seahawks Wire five questions about Seattle ahead of Sunday’s showdown at Lumen Field.
Ahead of the Denver Broncos’ game against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 1, we asked Kole Musgrove of Seahawks Wire five questions about the ‘Hawks and Sunday’s showdown at Lumen Field. View our questions and Musgrove’s answers below.
To read our answers to Musgrove’s questions, visit Seahawks Wire.
1. Of the eight players the Seahawks ultimately landed in the Russell Wilson trade, which one do you think will have the biggest long-term impact in Seattle?
(Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports)
I am going to double dip on this one and give it a tie to the first rounders: left tackle Charles Cross and cornerback Devon Witherspoon. When it comes to draft positioning, the Seahawks have, in a sense, been somewhat victims of their own success. Under John Schneider, Seattle is not a team that picks in the Top 10 of drafts, let alone the Top 5… literally. Before taking Witherspoon at No. 5 overall in the 2023 NFL draft (thank you, Denver) Schneider had never had a pick higher than No. 6, which he had once, in his first year, taking over following the disastrous lone season of Jim Mora Jr. Since then, his highest spot was No. 15 in 2012 until he took Charles Cross No. 9 overall in 2022. Adding elite, immediate-impact type of players like Cross and Witherspoon gave the Seahawks a much-needed infusion of talent at key positions. Defensively, Seattle has been lacking in truly game-changing players (not named Bobby Wagner) for a few years now. As for the offensive line, Cross gives youthful stability at the most important position. Of course, the irony is not lost on anyone in Seattle that it took trading away Russell Wilson to get a left tackle that Russell Wilson never really had.
2. After moving on from Wilson, the Seahawks turned to Geno Smith. Is he more than a short-term solution at QB?
(Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports)
We are entering into year three of the Geno Smith era. Believe it or not, Smith is already statistically a Top 10 Seahawks quarterback all time. Coming off back-to-back Pro Bowl seasons, Smith has rightfully earned the starting role. While he is clearly more than a short-term solution, it is hard to say he is the future of the position in Seattle. Smith will turn 34 in October, and has a team-friendly contract with one year left after 2024 that allows the Seahawks flexibility (he has no guaranteed money due in 2025). Still, if Smith lights it up under Ryan Grubb’s new offense, there is no reason to believe Seattle will not want him back. John Schneider has put it succinctly by saying Geno’s the starter “until he’s not.”
3. Does Seattle have any big weaknesses on offense or defense that Denver might be able to exploit?
(Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
As much as I waxed poetic about Charles Cross giving the Seahawks offensive line the boost in talent, the offensive line as a whole is still… putting it politely, a question mark in Seattle. For years, the Seahawks’ offensive line, specifically the interior, has been the Achilles Heel of this offense. Last season, injuries decimated the unit and despite holding up well to start the year, eventually the unit collapsed as the campaign went on. Seattle did work to improve the interior by signing center Connor Williams, but he is coming off an ACL injury so it is hard to gauge how well he will be without seeing him in action. That goes for the rest of the line as well. Perhaps the issues have been resolved, but until we see proof they can hold up, relentless pressure from Denver could be the key to disrupting an offense that has potential to be one of the better units in the league.
4. Who is an under-the-radar Seahawks player we should be aware of this week?
(Joseph Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports)
He’s certainly not under the radar to the 12th Man, but wide receiver Jake Bobo is a criminally underrated asset the Seahawks have. His raw numbers may not pop off the page, but those who watch Seahawks games know he has a knack for finding himself in the right place at the right time. Right now, Tyler Lockett has been sidelined with a leg injury during the preseason. He says he plans on playing, and I have no reason to doubt the 10-year veteran, but I am curious about what his usage is going to look like. Is he going to be as involved as always? Or is he going to be more of a decoy? In either scenario, the Denver secondary is obviously going to be focused on him, DK Metcalf and Jaxon Smith- Njigba… which leaves plenty of opportunity for Jake Bobo to make hay while the Sunday afternoon is shining. In the least interesting fact ever, the Seahawks are wearing their royal blue throwback uniforms. Who was the first modern player to score a touchdown in these beloved threads? Jake Bobo.
5. What’s your prediction for Sunday – who wins and why?
(Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports)
Seahawks defeat the Broncos 28-17 in a game that will be much closer than the final score might suggest. For a few years now, the Seahawks have fielded one of the worst defenses in the NFL. While I am not expecting the Legion of Boom 2.0 overnight, I do think we’ll see immediate improvement with head coach Mike Macdonald at the helm. What he did with the Ravens’ defense the last two years was remarkable, and I have faith in his system to confuse a rookie quarterback in his debut… albeit a rookie quarterback with a lot more NFL-ready experience than his counterparts. As for the Seahawks offense, they too have a new system under the aforementioned Ryan Grubb. Under Grubb, the Washington Huskies had the best offense in the nation (which bested Bo Nix’s Ducks three times in the last two years). Now it comes to the NFL, and I think it’s going to turn some heads to start the 2024 campaign. In limited action during the preseason, Seattle’s offense looked sharper than ever with the starters playing. I expect a hard fought game with a late Seahawks touchdown to put it out of reach.
We asked Cards Wire five questions about the Cardinals ahead of their preseason showdown with the Broncos.
Before the Denver Broncos face the Arizona Cardinals in their preseason finale on Sunday, we caught up with Jess Root of Cards Wire to learn more about Denver’s opponent and the preseason showdown. Check out our questions and Root’s answers below.
1. Should we expect to see any Cardinals starters on Sunday?
(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Not only should you not expect to see any starters other than the specialists, don’t expect to see any player who has already carved out a contributing role on offense or defense. This will be a game to give the back end of the roster game reps, give guys who aren’t going to make the team snaps to show other teams and to make final roster decisions.
2. Michael Ojemudia was picked by the Broncos in the third round of the 2020 NFL draft but didn’t pan out. How does he look in Arizona?
(Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports)
Sadly, Ojemudia has not been particularly notable. He will certainly play on Sunday but he he deep on the depth chart.
3. Who is an intriguing player on the Cards’ roster bubble that we should keep an eye on this week?
(Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports)
A guy who deserves to be on an NFL roster is running back Michael Carter. He has been great and has made plays in every opportunity, but there appear to already be four backs locked in on the roster. He should play well.
4. If you could steal one player from Denver and gift him to Arizona, who would you pick and why?
(Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports)
That obviously has to be Pat Surtain. What the Cardinals desperately need is a shutdown cornerback. They have young talent, but no alpha. Surtain would be a game changer.
5. Looking way too far ahead, the Broncos will face the Cardinals in 2026. What’s your way-too-early prediction for the kind of QB Bo Nix will be a few years into the future?
(Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports)
Perhaps the best description of Nix that I heard before the draft was that if you squint, you can kind of see Drew Brees, which is obviously why Sean Payton was so enamored with him. Truth be told, I’m not convinced that Payton is what he was in New Orleans and, with as long as Nix played in college, I don’t believe he will be more than a serviceable starter. I don’t think he will ever do more than show some Brees traits a few times over a season.
You can view our answers to Root’s questions on Cards Wire.
We asked Packers Wire five questions about Green Bay ahead of their showdown with the Broncos today.
The Denver Broncos are set to host the Green Bay Packers in Week 2 of NFL preseason tonight. Ahead of Sunday’s showdown, we asked Zach Kruse of Packers Wire five questions about the Packers and the matchup. View our questions and Zach’s answers below.
1. Should we expect to see Packers starters play against the Broncos?
(Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports)
I wouldn’t expect to see many starters. Matt LaFleur said the Packers will use the joint practice in Denver on Friday to give live reps to the starters in a controlled environment and then use Sunday’s preseason game as an extended look at the rest of the roster.
2. The Broncos cut Emanuel Wilson last spring after Jaleel McLaughlin impressed at rookie minicamp. How has Wilson looked for Green Bay and what kind of role will he have in 2024?
(Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
He was awesome last summer on his way to leading the NFL in preseason rushing yards, and he was impressive again in the preseason opener last weekend. He’s big and fast, and he’s starting to figure out some of the smaller but important details of playing the position. If he can continue improving as a pass blocker and receiver, he could be in contention to handle No. 2 snaps behind Josh Jacobs. Expect to see a bunch of Wilson on Sunday night. He’s competing with A.J. Dillon and rookie MarShawn Lloyd.
3. Who is an intriguing player on the Packers’ roster bubble that we should keep an eye on this week?
(Tork Mason/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin)
Receiver Grant DuBose (No. 86) is coming off a standout preseason opener in Cleveland and is making a strong case to be the No. 5 or No. 6 receiver on the roster. At cornerback, keep an eye on rookie Kalen King, No. 34. He’s been around the ball a lot this summer. The Packers are deep at cornerback but the seventh-round pick could keep building his case for a roster spot with another strong performance in Denver.
4. If you could steal one player from Denver and gift him to Green Bay, who would you pick and why?
(Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports)
Either Pat Surtain II or Quinn Meinerz. Surtain and Jaire Alexander would be a dynamite cornerback combo. Meinerz, who played at in-state UW-Whitewater, would immediately fill the hole at right guard. Either one would be a big help to the 2024 Packers. Surtain is the better player, but I might lean towards Meinerz. Building the best offensive line possible is important with a $220 million investment under center.
5. Looking way, way too far into the future, the Broncos will travel to play the Packers in 2027. As a neutral pundit, what’s your prediction for the kind of player Bo Nix will be a few years down the road?
(Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
That’s a tough one. The Packers weren’t looking at one of the top quarterbacks in the 2024 draft class so my work on Nix was minimal. Opinions seemed mixed on his long-term potential. I will say, Nix played a ton of games at the college level and is landing with a coach who is well-respected on the offensive side. Sean Payton obviously saw a quarterback who can get the ball out of his hands on time, make plays with his feet and protect the ball. The NFL needs more quality quarterback play across the board so I’m rooting for Nix to make it.
We asked Colts Wire five questions about Indy ahead of Sunday’s preseason game against the Broncos.
Ahead of the Denver Broncos‘ preseason opener against the Indianapolis Colts, we asked Paul Bretl of Colts Wire five questions about Indy and Sunday’s matchup. Check out our questions and Paul’s answers below.
1. Should we expect to see Anthony Richardson and Indy’s other starters on Sunday?
(Grace Smith/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK)
Yes, after Friday’s practice, head coach Shane Steichen confirmed that the Colts’ starters, including quarterback Anthony Richardson, will play for a series or two. Steichen would also add that there will be a couple of starters who don’t play. This will be Richardson’s first game since Week 5 of last season. When Steichen was asked what he wanted to see in the first preseason game, he mentioned the importance of getting communication right because if that element is off with even one player, the entire play can go wrong.
2. The Colts have a pair of ex-Broncos WRs in Juwann Winfree and Tyrie Cleveland — do you think they’ll end up on the 53-man roster?
(Christine Tannous/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK)
I think both those players will be on the outside looking in. During the draft, the Colts added AD Mitchell and Anthony Gould, making for a more crowded receiver room. Those incoming rookies join Michael Pittman, Josh Downs, and Alec Pierce, already accounting for five roster spots. Returning from injury is Ashton Dulin, who has been a core special teams contributor and someone who has proven to be a reliable presence on offense if the Colts are in a pinch.
3. Who is an intriguing player on Indy’s roster bubble that we should keep an eye on this week?
(Grace Hollars/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK)
Perhaps not on the roster bubble, but all eyes in Indianapolis are on the free safety position. This was a position that struggled last season and during the offseason, no outside additions were made to bolster the competition. We’ve seen a heavy rotation so far, with Nick Cross, Rodney Thomas, and even linebacker/strong safety Ronnie Harrison getting some starting snaps in practice. Nearly three weeks into training camp, there doesn’t seem to be any clarity around who will be starting next to Julian Blackmon come Week 1. Many Colts fans would like to see the team sign former Bronco Justin Simmons to provide some stability.
4. If you could steal one player from Denver and gift him to the Colts, who would you pick and why?
(Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports)
Cornerback Pat Surtain. Somewhat similar to safety, this is another position for the Colts that has some question marks coming into the upcoming season–although, unlike at safety, this positional battle is taking shape. The addition of Surtain would provide a massive boost to a position group on the boundary that didn’t make enough plays on the ball in 2023 and surrendered too many big plays.
5. The Broncos and Indy will face off again in Week 15 this fall. Looking way too far ahead, what’s your early prediction for that game?
(Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports)
As of now, I’ll take the Colts. I’m bullish on them this season and a big reason why is because of their offensive and defensive lines. In the trenches on both sides of the ball, I believe there is the potential for the Colts to have top-tier units, and as the old saying goes, if you can control the line of scrimmage, you can control the game. I also like the team that has been built around Anthony Richardson on offense, with the offensive line, Pittman, Downs, Mitchell, and Jonathan Taylor, which as GM Chris Ballard noted before training camp, means that Richardson won’t have to do it all as a still relatively inexperienced player.
To read our answers to Colts Wire’s questions, click here.
Sunday’s game will be nationally televised on NFL Network. After traveling to Indy in Week 1, Denver will host the Green Bay Packers next week. To view the Broncos’ complete preseason schedule, click here.
