The Atlanta Falcons open their 2019 preseason schedule on Thursday night in the Hall of Fame Game against the Denver Broncos.
To learn more about Denver, we spoke with Broncos Wire managing editor Jon Heath. Here are five questions he answered about his team.
Falcons Wire: Why did Denver get rid of Case Keenum and trade for Joe Flacco?
Broncos Wire: Keenum had a dream season with the Vikings in 2017, but it seems like that was more of an outlier than a new normal for him. Plus, Denver’s 2018 roster wasn’t close to Minnesota’s 2017 roster. So, the Broncos moved on from Keenum and they brought in Flacco, who has had success in the past playing for a defensive-minded team with a strong rushing attack. Denver aims to be a defensive-minded team with a productive ground game in 2019.
FW: Who do you think will start Week 1?
BW: Flacco will absolutely start unless he goes down with an injury. Drew Lock isn’t even listed as the No. 2 QB on the depth chart at the moment. Kevin Hogan has more experience and he might even make the 53-man roster if the Broncos are comfortable with the idea of Lock being Flacco’s backup right away.
FW: Is Von Miller still an elite pass rusher?
BW: Miller sure looked like he was still elite last year, totaling 14.5 sacks, his highest total since 2012. He’s 30 years old now but he’s taken good care of his body and teams have to worry about Bradley Chubb now, too, which may give Miller some relief. There’s no reason to believe he won’t have another productive year in 2019.
FW: The AFC West is tough with the Chiefs and Chargers both contenders. Do the Broncos have any shot at the playoffs?
BW: Denver probably has a shot as a wild-card team but, as you noted, the AFC West is probably out of reach. It will probably just depend on how the rest of the AFC stacks up — is 9-7 enough to sneak into the postseason? We’ll find out.
FW: Are there any rookies or under-the-radar players we should watch out for?
BW: Undrafted wide receiver Trinity Benson has looked sharp at camp and he is an explosive returner. With Emmanuel Sanders and a few other WRs recovering from injuries, Denver will rely on a lot of young options in the Hall of Fame Game, including Benson. If he has a strong preseason, Benson could make the 53-man roster as a reserve receiver and punt returner.
