DENVER -- The Broncos' starters are expected to play at least one full quarter of Saturday's preseason game against the Chicago Bears, which will cap three days of work together.
That will allow Head Coach Vance Joseph to take a longer look at Case Keenum and the No. 1 offense -- and to get a significant glimpse at his second teams, which will play "until we see progress," he said Thursday.
What should you watch for Saturday night?
Looking for a faster start
Slow starts were a problem last year, and in the preseason opener, this persisted. It wasn't entirely on the first team, as the Broncos turned to their backups by the end of the first quarter, but when the Broncos hit halftime, they trailed in total yardage 269-61 and first downs 14-1.
One key moment came when Minnesota running back Latavius Murray ripped off runs of 21 and 20 yards on back-to-back plays during the Vikings' opening march to a touchdown -- an uncharacteristic sequence for a rushing defense that led the league in yardage allowed per carry and first-down rate.
"There were some very, very basic plays -- like Day-1 plays we worked on -- that we [allowed] in the game early," Defensive Coordinator Joe Woods said. "Gap-control issues, guys fitting properly, executing the coverage, so we can definitely be better. To me, we just made some mistakes that we normally don't make."* Showing resilience*
Penalties, missteps and other miscues are inevitable in any game. Last year, one of the Broncos' problems was that they struggled to compartmentalize their mistakes, and one error often led to a damaging stretch before order could be restored. This sometimes exacerbated their slow starts.
How will Chad Kelly do as the No. 2 quarterback?
Kelly faced a higher level of competition this week, going against Chicago's second-teamers. While he wasn't spectacular, he displayed poise and showed signs that he could raise his game to the higher caliber of competition.
"It wasn't perfect, but he made some plays," Joseph said after Wednesday's practice. "They're like Chad always does. He made some nice scramble plays."
Escapability could be crucial for Kelly if the Bears crank up the pass rush on him like they did at times during practices Wednesday and Thursday.
The quest for cornerback depth
If Chris Harris Jr. sits out the game because of his recent oblique-muscle injury, the Broncos will have the chance to learn more about the cornerbacks competing for the No. 3 and No. 4 roles: Tramaine Brock, Isaac Yiadom, Brendan Langley and C.J. Smith, among others.
Yiadom, in particular, turned in a "very promising" game last week, Woods said. Yiadom started and lined up against Minnesota wide receiver Stefon Diggs at the beginning and end of the Vikings' first possession.
Containing Chicago's running backs and tight ends
The questions posed by Chicago's offense are similar to those the Broncos will face when they take on the Chiefs this season: a young quarterback with an array of short-to-intermediate targets from running back and tight end.
The Broncos traded for Su'a Cravens to help improve their work in this area, but he has not practiced the last two weeks because of knee soreness. Their depth has been further tested by Jamal Carter's season-ending hamstring injury and the absence of Dymonte Thomas and Shamarko Thomas at times this week.
With the Bears in town ahead of their preseason game on Saturday, the Broncos reunited with old friends and got in a friendly practice Wednesday with the Chicago Bears in the first of two joint practices.
during training camp at UCHealth Training Center in Centennial, CO, August 15, 2018. Photo by Gabriel Christus
during training camp at UCHealth Training Center in Centennial, CO, August 15, 2018. Photo by Gabriel Christus
during training camp at UCHealth Training Center in Centennial, CO, August 15, 2018. Photo by Gabriel Christus
during training camp at UCHealth Training Center in Centennial, CO, August 15, 2018. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Running back De'Angelo Henderson Sr. (33) speaks with Bears offensive quality control coach Mike Snyder and assistant special teams coach Brock Olivo, who was the Broncos' special teams coordinator in 2016, during a training camp practice with the Chicago Bears at UCHealth Training Center on Aug. 15, 2018.
The three have connections to Coastal Carolina, where Henderson went to college from 2012-16. Snyder was an offensive analyst and helped the running backs in their daily drills from 2015-17. Olivo was an assistant coach from 2012-13 and coached running backs and assisted on special teams.
Running backs Phillip Lindsay, De'Angelo Henderson, Devontae Booker, Dave Williams and Royce Freeman during a training camp practice with the Chicago Bears at UCHealth Training Center on Aug. 15, 2018.
Defensive end Zach Kerr (92) laughs while speaking with a Bears coach during a training camp practice with the Chicago Bears at UCHealth Training Center on Aug. 15, 2018.
during training camp at UCHealth Training Center in Centennial, CO, August 15, 2018. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Outside linebacker Shane Ray (56) and inside linebacker Brandon Marshall (54) talk with former Broncos WR Bennie Fowler III during a training camp practice with the Chicago Bears at UCHealth Training Center on Aug. 15, 2018.
during training camp at UCHealth Training Center in Centennial, CO, August 15, 2018. Photo by Gabriel Christus
during training camp at UCHealth Training Center in Centennial, CO, August 15, 2018. Photo by Gabriel Christus
during training camp at UCHealth Training Center in Centennial, CO, August 15, 2018. Photo by Gabriel Christus
during training camp at UCHealth Training Center in Centennial, CO, August 15, 2018. Photo by Gabriel Christus
during training camp at UCHealth Training Center in Centennial, CO, August 15, 2018. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Tight end Jake Butt (80) during a training camp practice with the Chicago Bears at UCHealth Training Center on Aug. 15, 2018.
during training camp at UCHealth Training Center in Centennial, CO, August 15, 2018. Photo by Gabriel Christus
during training camp at UCHealth Training Center in Centennial, CO, August 15, 2018. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Running back Devontae Booker (23) and Running Backs Coach Curtis Modkins during a training camp practice with the Chicago Bears at UCHealth Training Center on Aug. 15, 2018.
Running backs go through rope drills during a training camp practice with the Chicago Bears at UCHealth Training Center on Aug. 15, 2018.
during training camp at UCHealth Training Center in Centennial, CO, August 15, 2018. Photo by Gabriel Christus
during training camp at UCHealth Training Center in Centennial, CO, August 15, 2018. Photo by Gabriel Christus
during training camp at UCHealth Training Center in Centennial, CO, August 15, 2018. Photo by Gabriel Christus
during training camp at UCHealth Training Center in Centennial, CO, August 15, 2018. Photo by Gabriel Christus
during training camp at UCHealth Training Center in Centennial, CO, August 15, 2018. Photo by Gabriel Christus
during training camp at UCHealth Training Center in Centennial, CO, August 15, 2018. Photo by Gabriel Christus
during training camp at UCHealth Training Center in Centennial, CO, August 15, 2018. Photo by Gabriel Christus
during training camp at UCHealth Training Center in Centennial, CO, August 15, 2018. Photo by Gabriel Christus
during training camp at UCHealth Training Center in Centennial, CO, August 15, 2018. Photo by Gabriel Christus
during training camp at UCHealth Training Center in Centennial, CO, August 15, 2018. Photo by Gabriel Christus
during training camp at UCHealth Training Center in Centennial, CO, August 15, 2018. Photo by Gabriel Christus
during training camp at UCHealth Training Center in Centennial, CO, August 15, 2018. Photo by Gabriel Christus
during training camp at UCHealth Training Center in Centennial, CO, August 15, 2018. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Inside linebacker Brandon Marshall (54) breaks up a pass during a training camp practice with the Chicago Bears at UCHealth Training Center on Aug. 15, 2018.
during training camp at UCHealth Training Center in Centennial, CO, August 15, 2018. Photo by Gabriel Christus
during training camp at UCHealth Training Center in Centennial, CO, August 15, 2018. Photo by Gabriel Christus
during training camp at UCHealth Training Center in Centennial, CO, August 15, 2018. Photo by Gabriel Christus
during training camp at UCHealth Training Center in Centennial, CO, August 15, 2018. Photo by Gabriel Christus
during training camp at UCHealth Training Center in Centennial, CO, August 15, 2018. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Running back Royce Freeman (37) makes a catch as Bears linebacker Roquan Smith trails during a training camp practice with the Chicago Bears at UCHealth Training Center on Aug. 15, 2018.
Former Broncos linebacker Danny Trevathan speaks with President and CEO Joe Ellis during a training camp practice with the Chicago Bears at UCHealth Training Center on Aug. 15, 2018.
during training camp at UCHealth Training Center in Centennial, CO, August 15, 2018. Photo by Gabriel Christus
during training camp at UCHealth Training Center in Centennial, CO, August 15, 2018. Photo by Gabriel Christus
during training camp at UCHealth Training Center in Centennial, CO, August 15, 2018. Photo by Gabriel Christus
during training camp at UCHealth Training Center in Centennial, CO, August 15, 2018. Photo by Gabriel Christus
during training camp at UCHealth Training Center in Centennial, CO, August 15, 2018. Photo by Gabriel Christus
during training camp at UCHealth Training Center in Centennial, CO, August 15, 2018. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Inside linebacker Josey Jewell (59) and defensive lineman Clinton McDonald (98) combine on a tackle during a training camp practice with the Chicago Bears at UCHealth Training Center on Aug. 15, 2018.
during training camp at UCHealth Training Center in Centennial, CO, August 15, 2018. Photo by Gabriel Christus
during training camp at UCHealth Training Center in Centennial, CO, August 15, 2018. Photo by Gabriel Christus
during training camp at UCHealth Training Center in Centennial, CO, August 15, 2018. Photo by Gabriel Christus
during training camp at UCHealth Training Center in Centennial, CO, August 15, 2018. Photo by Gabriel Christus
during training camp at UCHealth Training Center in Centennial, CO, August 15, 2018. Photo by Gabriel Christus
during training camp at UCHealth Training Center in Centennial, CO, August 15, 2018. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders (10) talks with Bears WR Taylor Gabriel during a training camp practice with the Chicago Bears at UCHealth Training Center on Aug. 15, 2018.
during training camp at UCHealth Training Center in Centennial, CO, August 15, 2018. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Wide receiver Demaryius Thomas (88) works with Bears WR Kevin White during a training camp practice with the Chicago Bears at UCHealth Training Center on Aug. 15, 2018.
Wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders (10) speaks with former Broncos WR Bennie Fowler III during a training camp practice with the Chicago Bears at UCHealth Training Center on Aug. 15, 2018.
during training camp at UCHealth Training Center in Centennial, CO, August 15, 2018. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Pass Rush Consultant (and former outside linebacker) DeMarcus Ware offers instruction to outside linebacker Bradley Chubb (55) during a training camp practice with the Chicago Bears at UCHealth Training Center on Aug. 15, 2018.
during training camp at UCHealth Training Center in Centennial, CO, August 15, 2018. Photo by Gabriel Christus
during training camp at UCHealth Training Center in Centennial, CO, August 15, 2018. Photo by Gabriel Christus
during training camp at UCHealth Training Center in Centennial, CO, August 15, 2018. Photo by Gabriel Christus
during training camp at UCHealth Training Center in Centennial, CO, August 15, 2018. Photo by Gabriel Christus
during training camp at UCHealth Training Center in Centennial, CO, August 15, 2018. Photo by Gabriel Christus
during training camp at UCHealth Training Center in Centennial, CO, August 15, 2018. Photo by Gabriel Christus
during training camp at UCHealth Training Center in Centennial, CO, August 15, 2018. Photo by Gabriel Christus
during training camp at UCHealth Training Center in Centennial, CO, August 15, 2018. Photo by Gabriel Christus
during training camp at UCHealth Training Center in Centennial, CO, August 15, 2018. Photo by Gabriel Christus
during training camp at UCHealth Training Center in Centennial, CO, August 15, 2018. Photo by Gabriel Christus
during training camp at UCHealth Training Center in Centennial, CO, August 15, 2018. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Inside linebacker Todd Davis (51) chases Bears QB Mitchell Trubisky during a training camp practice with the Chicago Bears at UCHealth Training Center on Aug. 15, 2018.
during training camp at UCHealth Training Center in Centennial, CO, August 15, 2018. Photo by Gabriel Christus
during training camp at UCHealth Training Center in Centennial, CO, August 15, 2018. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Safety Shamarko Thomas (47) breaks up a pass intended for Bears TE Colin Thompson during a training camp practice with the Chicago Bears at UCHealth Training Center on Aug. 15, 2018.
during training camp at UCHealth Training Center in Centennial, CO, August 15, 2018. Photo by Gabriel Christus
The Bears and Broncos line up against each other for a field goal attempt during a training camp practice with the Chicago Bears at UCHealth Training Center on Aug. 15, 2018.
during training camp at UCHealth Training Center in Centennial, CO, August 15, 2018. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Defensive end Derek Wolfe (95) talks with former Broncos LB Danny Trevathan during a training camp practice with the Chicago Bears at UCHealth Training Center on Aug. 15, 2018.
Ring of Fame former wide receiver Rod Smith talks with Bears defensive backs coach Ed Donatell and Bears CB Bryce Callahan during a training camp practice with the Chicago Bears at UCHealth Training Center on Aug. 15, 2018. Donatell was the Broncos' defensive backs coach from 1995-99 and secondary coach from 2009-10.
Senior Personnel Advisor Gary Kubiak talks with Bears defensive backs coach Ed Donatell during a training camp practice with the Chicago Bears at UCHealth Training Center on Aug. 15, 2018. Donatell was the Broncos' defensive backs coach from 1995-99 and their secondary coach from 2009-10.
during training camp at UCHealth Training Center in Centennial, CO, August 15, 2018. Photo by Gabriel Christus
during training camp at UCHealth Training Center in Centennial, CO, August 15, 2018. Photo by Gabriel Christus
during training camp at UCHealth Training Center in Centennial, CO, August 15, 2018. Photo by Gabriel Christus
during training camp at UCHealth Training Center in Centennial, CO, August 15, 2018. Photo by Gabriel Christus
during training camp at UCHealth Training Center in Centennial, CO, August 15, 2018. Photo by Gabriel Christus
during training camp at UCHealth Training Center in Centennial, CO, August 15, 2018. Photo by Gabriel Christus
during training camp at UCHealth Training Center in Centennial, CO, August 15, 2018. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Tackle Garett Bolles (72) talks with Bears QB Mitchell Trubisky during a training camp practice with the Chicago Bears at UCHealth Training Center on Aug. 15, 2018.
Tackle Garett Bolles (72)'s son, Kingston, holds up a phone as if he's taking a photo during a training camp practice with the Chicago Bears at UCHealth Training Center on Aug. 15, 2018.
Tackle Cyrus Kouandjio (79) and his daughter Eleanor during a training camp practice with the Chicago Bears at UCHealth Training Center on Aug. 15, 2018.
Outside linebacker Von Miller (58) signs a boy's jersey after a training camp practice with the Chicago Bears at UCHealth Training Center on Aug. 15, 2018.
Outside linebacker Von Miller (58) takes a photo with a young fan during a training camp practice with the Chicago Bears at UCHealth Training Center on Aug. 15, 2018.
