The Denver Broncos are set to host the Arizona Cardinals in their preseason finale on Sunday afternoon. Here are five things we’ll be watching for as Denver closes out preseason.
1. Zach Wilson vs. Jarrett Stidham: Bo Nix is the starter, now who will be his backup? If the Broncos only carry two QBs, Sunday’s game could play an important role in the decision.
2. Battle for last WR spots: Jalen Virgil Brandon Johnson, Lil’Jordan Humphrey, David Sills and Michael Bandy have all impressed at times this summer. How many — if any? — of them will make the team? Sunday is one last chance to stand out.
3. Backup offensive linemen: Assuming Luke Wattenberg has the center job secured, the starting lineup on the o-line is set. The backup spots are still up for grabs. Calvin Throckmorton, Nick Gargiulo, Will Sherman and Oliver Jervis are among the contenders at guard. Matt Peart, Alex Palczewski and Frank Crum are fighting for backup spots at tackle.
4. Penalties: Denver committed 13 fouls for 120 yards last week, something coach Sean Payton said he wanted to get cleaned up. We’ll see if the backups can play a clean game.
5. Damarri Mathis: Technically, Mathis has been competing for a starting spot this summer, but we have him on the roster bubble. If he impresses in the Broncos’ preseason finale, Mathis can secure a spot.
After wrapping up preseason, Denver will begin finalizing a 53-man roster. We will track all of the team’s roster cuts on Broncos Wire.
