Who says winning in the preseason doesn’t matter?
Well, a lot of people, actually, but to hear Broncos tight end Adam Trautman tell it, winning does matter. Or at least being rigorous about practicing winning.
“Yeah, honestly, nobody cares about it, but we do,” Trautman said. “In the building, we care about it. (Head coach Sean Payton) cares about it. It’s a mindset to go out there and, yeah, technically, people say it doesn’t matter. Well, it does matter. It’s like putting your mind to it and always wanting to win. That’s a culture thing.
“That’s how Sean was for 16 years in New Orleans and that’s how we’re going to be here.”
So, another chance to practice winning — and to get a lot of reps and evaluation for a lot of players — arrives Saturday in Santa Clara, California, against the 49ers.
Here’s what to watch for aside from the final score.
Welcome back, Javonte
Broncos running back Javonte Williams is set to make his return to the game field 10 months after having surgery to repair a torn ACL, LCL and other damage in his right knee. It’s been a good camp for him — he’s had a couple of lighter days, maybe, but has mostly been full steam ahead — and now he gets to take the field and hit somebody else.
The last full game he played in: 15 carries for 58 yards in an 11-10 win against the 49ers in Week 3 last year that moved Nathaniel Hackett to 2-1 as a head coach. How long ago does that feel?
Payton said he wants to get 10-12 snaps for Williams — perhaps his only of the preseason — which means three or four carries, a little pass protection and perhaps a route or two. Here’s betting No. 33 will savor each one of them. And the Broncos will be watching closely to see how he cuts at game speed, how he takes (and delivers) contact. The goal is just to clear one more hurdle cleanly.
“It will be good to see his uniform a little dirty,” Payton said.
Secondary opinions
The way it’s shaping up, four roster locks in the Broncos secondary aren’t likely to be available against San Francisco due to injury: Safeties Justin Simmons, Caden Sterns and P.J. Locke, plus nickel K’Waun Williams.
That’s, A) a concern if they’re all still on the shelf three weeks from now, and B) a ton of snaps for other players trying to win roster spots.
Essang Bassey’s had a nice camp and can play in the slot, on the perimeter or at safety. Given the Broncos’ back-end health, he could play his way off the bubble by being able to man any spot needed. JaQuan McMillian is feisty and plays fast. Delarrin Turner-Yell looks like a core special teamer. JL Skinner’s just a rookie and has unique size and range. Tremon Smith got a two-year deal in free agency but has been quiet and hasn’t seen any reps in the return game. Fabian Moreau is a veteran who’s played 90 career games.
But Denver can’t keep all of them unless the injury bug really continues to hit hard. So, who’s going to stake their claim?
Mims the word
Javonte Williams will get the most attention, and rightfully so, but rookie wide receiver Marvin Mims Jr. is set to make his preseason debut, too. He’s been steadily ramping up over the past two weeks after multiple hamstring issues ended his offseason program early and limited him in training camp.
Mims at full health has ramifications for the rest of the receiver room, but perhaps particularly if he handles returner duties as naturally in games as he does in practice. Payton and general manager George Paton raved about his return abilities during the draft, but Montrell Washington handled all of the duties last week against Arizona with Mims out. If Mims wins that job, can Washington still make the team?
Chemistry lab
The Broncos starters are set to get 20-24 snaps, according to Payton. That likely means playing well into the second quarter unless they open with a long drive.
Of particular interest is how the offensive line plays and pass protects. The left side, in particular, struggled against Arizona. Guard Ben Powers and tackle Garett Bolles have both played a ton, they just haven’t played a ton together. It’s natural for Bolles, in particular, to have some rust to shake off given he’d been out since Week 6 last year with a broken leg. But how he moves is at least worth monitoring going forward considering how much down time he’s received during camp. He was in there more frequently this past week than before, which is a good sign, at least.
Stack it up
Running back Jaleel McLaughlin scored a touchdown against the Cardinals. Defensive lineman Elijah Garcia logged two sacks. Offensive lineman Demontrey Jacobs got his first taste of NFL offensive line play.
All of that’s great. Now, what have you done for me this week? Or even this half of this week?
Payton and the Broncos personnel staff meet twice a week to talk about the roster. Much of the evaluation is from practice and meetings, but games obviously count, too.
“When we were in school, we had quizzes and we had tests, and the game would be a test,” Payton said. “If you messed around on a bunch of quizzes like I used to, then the test was important because you didn’t do well on the quizzes. It’s all part of the equation.”
Well, sharpen the pencil. Another test is here. And it’s another chance for the big group of players on the bubble — maybe 40 or more for 20-ish spots, depending on how the injury picture resolves — to ignore the numbers-game pressure.
“That gets back to finding guys with grit and toughness. That’s a trait,” Payton said. “That’s a valuable trait, being able to block out all the noise and still perform and feel like you did your best. The first element of doing that is knowing what to do, knowing cold what to do, so you can go play fast.
“I think that’s important.”
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