NFL reporter Mike Klis suggests five goals for the Broncos in their final preseason game Thursday night at Dallas:
1. Work the kicker: Freshly acquired kicker Brandon McManus will make his Broncos debut. The more field goals, extra points and kickoffs after scores he gets, the easier it will be for the Broncos to determine whether he’s the guy to replace Matt Prater in the first four games.
2. Prepare the backups: There will be players in this game who will also play in the season opener against Indianapolis. Players such a Bradley Roby, Kayvon Webster, C.J. Anderson, Cody Latimer, Marvin Austin, Mitch Unrein and Lerentee McCray, maybe Kevin Vickerson, Jacob Tamme and Quinton Carter. Whether they need the reps to stay sharp doesn’t matter. They’re getting them.
3. A sudden Burse: With Wes Welker woozy and Jordan Norwood done, undrafted rookie Isaiah Burse has a chance to make the 53-man roster as a punt returner and backup slot receiver. He did a nice job on punt returns Saturday against Houston. He needs to demonstrate sure-handed catching ability and the occasional return in this one.
4. Brock bounce back: Backup quarterback Brock Osweiler played decent in his first preseason game, great in his second game, but struggled in his third. As a reminder, he is one play away from becoming the Broncos’ starting quarterback. He could use a confidence-building performance.
5. Keep those toes back: No players projected to start against Indy will play, but the starters will watch from the sideline. They need to stay alert in case the play comes their way. (Hey, you try coming up with five significant goals for a fourth preseason game!)
