The Denver Broncos end Preseason on a high note with a 23-13 win over the Minnesota Vikings. After week one vs. the Dallas Cowboys, the Journeyman Josh Johnson seemed to have the backup quarterback position in the bag after a poor performance vs. the Bills and a mediocre performance against the Vikings Sunday.
The Broncos announced today that Brett Rypien won the backup QB competition.
Broncos General Manager George Paton on the backup quarterback competition
"Brett and Josh had a great competition -- it came down to the final (preseason) game,"
"I just think the way Rypien operated the offense, the way he moved the team; he did some really good things."
Brett Rypien started the game and made vital strides to win the backup QB position. The undrafted free agent took command of the offense, completing 14/21 for 137 yards despite throwing the first-and-goal interception.
Josh Johnson, However, completed 11/14 for 107 yards. Not his best performance, but the Broncos intend to try to sign him back to the practice squad on Wednesday.
Change in the running GAME
For the first time during the entire Preseason, the Denver Broncos rushed the ball effectively. Devine Ozigbo led the rushing attack with 13 attempts for 59 yards, while his running mate Mike Boone backed him with five carries for 44 yards.
Javonte Williams and Melvin Gordon are the Bronco's primary running backs, but you can't go wrong with signing a third-string back with a solid upper body, big thighs, and tapered lower legs.
Denver waived running back Devine Ozigbo on Tuesday While retaining Mike Boone, who proved his versatility for a shot at a more prominent role in Denver.
Head Coach Nathaniel Hackett on the running game"It starts up front. I mean, they were getting a lot of good movement on that offensive line. They were pushing those guys back. (Mike) Boone started it off by being able to take advantage of some great presses and cutting it back,"
"I felt like those guys all bought in on that. They looked good today."
Standout Performance
While both teams rested their starters in the preseason finale, one player continues to stand out. Baron Browning solidified the Broncos' 23-13 win over the Vikings with a 17-yard fumble return after a strip-sack from Sean Mannion.
“Scooping and scoring, we work on it all the time in practice.” -Baron Browning on strip sacks
The 105th overall pick in the 2021 NFL draft has panned out to be a great fit in Denver after moving to the outside linebacker position. Browning has arguably been the Broncos' best player in the Preseason.
The Sophomore OLB has proven to be a natural pass-rusher with a high football IQ. In my opinion, there is no doubt that Browning is the type of player you want on your defense.
BUCKLE UP/ NEXT UP is the regular season. Week 1 vs. the Seattle Seahawks