The Broncos will face the Cardinals in their preseason finale on Thursday in a game that will represent a final opportunity for Kevin Hogan or Brett Rypien to step up and win the backup quarterback job.
Drew Lock (thumb) is expected to be sidelined for several weeks so the backup position behind starter Joe Flacco is up in the air.
“I just want to go out and make some big plays, put on a show for the fans and have fun,” Hogan said Tuesday. “I think we need to be able to open it up a little bit. I think that’s what we’re going to do. I’m expecting some successful drives and some points on the board.”
Hogan has completed 50 percent of his passes with no touchdowns and one interception in preseason so far, good for a 51.0 passer rating.
Hogan and Rypien may both feel added pressure and emotions this week knowing that their roster spots are on the line. If Rypien is feeling any extra pressure, though, he’s not admitting it.
“Not really,” Rypien said Tuesday when asked about adding emotion. “For me, at the end of the day, I have to go out and I have to play well. I have to focus on that and I have to focus on having a good practice today to prepare to go play well on Thursday.”
Rypien has completed 57.6 percent of his passes with one touchdown and one interception in preseason, good for a 62.8 passer rating.
If neither Hogan nor Rypien steps up against Arizona, the Broncos may bring in a veteran quarterback after roster cuts this weekend.
