Broncos vs. 49ers: TV Schedule, Live Stream, Time and Predictions
By Chris Roling
Aug 3, 2013; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) before a scrimmage held at Sports Authority Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Talk about a potential Super Bowl preview in Week 1 of the preseason when Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos travel to San Francisco to take on Colin Kaepernick and the 49ers.
All potential foreshadowing aside, both the Broncos and 49ers have an opportunity on Thursday to start knocking the rust off and answering some serious questions about the roster as they both head into very important seasons.
Here’s a full preview.
Where: Candlestick Park, San Francisco California
When: Thursday, August 8 at 9:00 PM EST
Watch: Local
Live Stream: NFL Game Rewind
Broncos Player to Watch: Wes Welker
Jul 27, 2013; Englewood, CO, USA; Denver Broncos wide receiver Wes Welker (83) walks off the field following the end of training camp at the Broncos training facility. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Were you expecting someone else? Honestly there are a ton of options that could have fit here, but it’s just too intriguing to not focus on Welker at this point.
Welker is making the jump from Tom Brady to the elder Manning and it’s going to be fun to watch. How will Welker fare in the transition? We won’t see him for long in Week 1 of the preseason, but it’ll be interesting nonetheless.
49ers Player to Watch: LaMichael James
Jun 11, 2013; San Francisco, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back LaMichael James (23) runs with the ball during minicamp at San Francisco 49ers training facility. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports
James has all the potential in the world but has been stuck behind Frank Gore. That’ll change against the Broncos here in Week 1, but in what role?
Gore won’t see a lot of time, but how will the coaching staff use James? Kendall Hunter is still a viable option for the 49ers behind Gore, so does James see snaps at receiver as well? Or little work overall?
It’s time to see what James has to bring to the table under a full workload. We’ll see if the coaching staff agrees.
Matchup to Watch: 49ers Secondary vs. Broncos Receivers
Jul 27, 2013; Englewood, CO, USA; Denver Broncos wide receiver Demaryius Thomas (88) following the end of training camp at the Broncos training facility. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
The 49ers have a host of new cornerbacks set to take the stage in 2013, especially with Chris Culliver out for the year. Tramaine Brock and Nnamdi Asomugha are the new faces in town but they’re going to have their hands full with guys like Welker and Demaryius Thomas.
The depth at corner for the 49ers is going to be seriously tested with the Broncos aerial attack looking to take advantage. It’s been a tough preseason already for the position, but it could get much tougher on Thursday.
Prediction
July 28, 2013; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers general manager Trent Baalke (facing) watches during training camp at the Marie P. DeBartolo Centre. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
It’s hard to go either way in this one. This early in the preseason the outcome will come down to depth and the 49ers appear to have more of it on paper.
San Francisco gets the nod here. The defensive depth is impressive and veteran quarterback Colt McCoy should be able to move the ball well against the Denver defense.
The 49ers defend their home turf.
Broncos 13, 49ers 21
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