Could the Denver Broncos have a winner of their quarterback derby after their second NFL preseason game of the year on Saturday night against the San Francisco 49ers? Only head coach Vance Joseph can answer that, but he likely will make a call heading into the third preseason game. In addition to reading this game analysis, make sure you also take a look at the NFL betting lines for preaseson games scheduled for Week 2.
Last year, Denver pass-rusher Von Miller praised Niners tackle Trent Brown for his work against him in joint practices. The two get to renew acquaintances. Miller is one of the NFL’s top pass-rushers.
These two teams played last preseason, with the Niners winning 31-24 in Denver. Siemian led a game-opening touchdown drive that C.J. Anderson finished with a 19-yard run, but he also was picked off by Eric Reid, who returned the interception 42 yards for the score. Siemian was 10 of 14 for 75 yards. No 49ers QB who played then is on this roster.
Analyzing the NFL Preseason Week 2 Betting Lines Denver at San Francisco
When: Saturday, Aug. 19, 10 PM ET Where: Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara, Calif. TV: NFL Network Radio: Sirius XM Radio Opening NFL Preseason Lines: 49ers -2.5 (40) GAMETIME WEATHER Clear 19°C/67°F Humidity 75% Precipitation % 1% Cloud Cover 0% Wind 6 mph WNW Stadium Type OpenHow They Fared In NFL Preseason Week 1
San Francisco, which is expected to be terrible again this season, won its preseason opener 27-17 in Kansas City – a game the 49ers would lose big time if it were the regular season. San Francisco rookie QB CJ Beathard hit Kendrick Bourne for a 46-yard TD pass in the fourth quarter, then found him for a tying 2-point conversion. The Chiefs fumbled the ball back and Beathard added a short TD pass to Tyler McCloskey with 10:41 left to give the 49ers the lead for good. Starting QB Brian Hoyer was 1 of 4 for 3 yards in two series. Backup Matt Barkley led San Francisco to two field goals, playing roughly two quarters. He was 10 of 17 for 168 yards without any major mistakes. Denver won in Chicago 24-17 last week. Kyle Sloter threw a 47-yard touchdown pass to Isaiah McKenzie with about six minutes left in the game, and De’Angelo Henderson ran for a 41-yard score with just under two minutes remaining to put the Broncos on top 24-17. Starting QB Trevor Siemian completed 6 of 7 passes for 51 yards and led a field-goal drive. Paxton Lynch came on early in the second quarter and was 6 for 9 for 42 yards.Lynch Gets His Shot
While Siemian started vs. the Bears, it was pre-determined that Lynch, the team’s first-round pick last year, would start this week and play with the fellow first-stringers. The consensus among those who have watched training camp is that Siemian has been leading the quarterback competition. However, Joseph has indicated the media’s opinion won’t affect his decision on who his starting quarterback will be Sept. 11 against the Los Angeles Chargers. Lynch will play until about midway through the second quarter. Siemian will enter and play with the second-stringers through the third quarter. Undrafted rookie Sloter will come in for his encore in the fourth. A final decision on the starting quarterback is expected early next week so he can play with the first team for the third preseason game against Green Bay.49ers Rookies Showing Well
San Francisco’s roster is so barren that a few undrafted free agents could make the team. For example, safety Lorezno Jerome has spent a lot of time working with the starting defense at free safety after the Niners were hit by injuries there. He’s also been involved on special teams and if he does well he projects to have a good chance to win a possible fourth safety spot. Tailback Matt Breida opened eyes with his speed and physical running style as far back as the initial rookie minicamp in May. Breida has been a solid between-the-tackles runner and showed better than expected hands of late. He also could factor into the mix as a kick returner. Meanwhile, rookie first-round pick Reuben Foster has officially been named the 49ers’ starting weak-side linebacker. This was always the expectation, but Foster needed barely two weeks of camp to lock it down. The No. 31 overall pick of the draft, Foster hasn’t been bothered by his troublesome shoulder this summer. Potential surgery on that shoulder hurt his draft stock. Foster left practice about halfway through Wednesday and did not return to contact drills. Lynch said Foster told him after the practice that he’s OK and it doesn’t appear to be anything serious.Matchups To Watch
Denver’s Aqib Talib and Chris Harris Jr. are two of the NFL’s premier cornerbacks. They’ll provide a great challenge for Hoyer, Pierre Garçon and Marquise Goodwin. Those three will look to get going after a sluggish two series last Friday against the Chiefs.
Last year, Denver pass-rusher Von Miller praised Niners tackle Trent Brown for his work against him in joint practices. The two get to renew acquaintances. Miller is one of the NFL’s top pass-rushers.
These two teams played last preseason, with the Niners winning 31-24 in Denver. Siemian led a game-opening touchdown drive that C.J. Anderson finished with a 19-yard run, but he also was picked off by Eric Reid, who returned the interception 42 yards for the score. Siemian was 10 of 14 for 75 yards. No 49ers QB who played then is on this roster.
