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49ers vs. Broncos: Q&A Session with Predominantly Orange for Preseason Week 2

By Peter Panacy

Oct 19, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; San Francisco 49ers tackle Anthony Davis (76) pass protects on Denver Broncos outside linebacker Von Miller (58) in the third quarter at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 19, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; San Francisco 49ers tackle Anthony Davis (76) pass protects on Denver Broncos outside linebacker Von Miller (58) in the third quarter at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /
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The San Francisco 49ers travel to take on the Denver Broncos in Week 2 of the NFL preseason. Niner Noise sat down with Ty Walden of FanSided’s Predominantly Orange to break down the contest and all things Niners and Broncos.

As the San Francisco 49ers get ready to take on the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field on Saturday night, Niner Noise joined forces with the Broncos’ FanSided site, Predominantly Orange, to discuss each team gearing up for this preseason bout.

For fans and readers new to Niner Noise, we’ll typically team up with other FanSided NFL sites from around the league to preview upcoming matchups.

In this Q&A session, Ty Walden from Predominantly Orange asked us a few questions about the 49ers offseason and what to expect during Saturday’s game.

To see Niner Noise’s responses, be sure to click here.

For that post, much of the attention Walden’s questions were about focused on head coach Chip Kelly and the 49ers offseason.

You’ll want to give it a read and see how many Broncos fans might be perceiving what’s going on in San Francisco.

But let’s not keep you from Niner Noise’s own questions for Walden and Predominantly Orange.

Quarterback Competitions for Both San Francisco and Denver

NN: The 49ers and Broncos both have quarterback competitions going on right now. Is there a clear-cut answer for Denver and do you think whoever starts in Week 1 will still be the starter at the end of the season? And how will this competition affect the Broncos’ chances?

"PO: There is not a clear cut answer as of right now. With Trevor Siemian starting this game, it will be interesting to see how he does with the No. 1 offense. If he does well, I could see him with the inside track to the starting role. From what I have seen from last season, the Broncos just need a quarterback that can limit turnovers. The defense has proven that it can help carry the offense.I believe in whomever gives the Broncos the best chance to win, I am behind them. If that is Sanchez, Siemian, or Lynch, I am okay with it."

Jun 8, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers head coach Chip Kelly speaks to the media during minicamp at the San Francisco 49ers Practice Facility. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 8, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers head coach Chip Kelly speaks to the media during minicamp at the San Francisco 49ers Practice Facility. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /

Denver-Based Take on the 49ers Offseason

NN: As an outsider, what’s your take on the 49ers and what’s happened from the tail end of last year through this offseason? Do you consider the hiring of Chip Kelly as head coach a good move?

"PO: It has been very interesting. I have seen quite a bit of retirements from that team alone. The one that really surprised me was Chris Borland in such a short amount of time. The quarterback situation there is very tricky. Mostly because of Colin Kaepernick went from Super Bowl QB to the bench.I think it is a good move. I believe that Chip Kelly had a rough going in Philadelphia, but I think the 49ers are a good match on paper. I will not know for sure until around year two or three. But I believe he can turn this team around if he gets the right players."

Broncos Overcoming Defensive Losses and Holding the AFC West

NN: How will the Broncos make up for the losses of key defensive contributors like Malik Jackson and Danny Trevathan? Do you expect Denver’s defense to be at the same level it was a year ago?

"PO: I do believe it will be at the same level, if not even better. Almost every piece I have seen has said that the Broncos will be worse. They return nine of 11 starters. With players like Von Miller, Demarcus Ware and the No Fly Zone, this team will be stronger than before. As long as the offense can keep pace, they should be OK."

NN: The Oakland Raiders have been on the rise in recent seasons, and there are those who consider them a dark-horse candidate to seize the AFC West. What would the Broncos have to do to ensure this doesn’t happen, and how does the rest of the division pan out?

Dec 13, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Oakland Raiders wide receiver Michael Crabtree (15) is brought down by Denver Broncos cornerback Chris Harris (25) during the second half at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Raiders won 15-12. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 13, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Oakland Raiders wide receiver Michael Crabtree (15) is brought down by Denver Broncos cornerback Chris Harris (25) during the second half at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Raiders won 15-12. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports /

"PO: Just keep up the division dominance. During [Peyton] Manning’s time in Denver, the Broncos have gone 21-3 in the division, which includes four AFC West titles. I will admit that the Raiders are getting better, but until the games start, I want to be able to see their progress. They did win in Denver last year, catching the team off guard.If they can prevent the Raiders and, perhaps, even the Chiefs from gaining any ground early on, then I can see a sixth division title in a row."

Offensive Scheme in the Post-Peyton Manning Era

NN: What offensive scheme changes, if any, should we expect to see from the Broncos this year, sans Peyton Manning and Brock Osweiler? Do you think the 49ers will see some of these changes this weekend?

"PO: I believe they will see these changes. The Broncos are moving to a zone-blocking scheme that they did try with Manning, but he was more of a shotgun quarterback. Now with Sanchez, Siemian and Lynch on the roster, Kubiak believes now is the time to try it out.We might see the running game more in this one with the running back competition going on. Kapri Bibbs played well in the preseason opener, so I am going to be paying more attention to him. I like how this offense is operating and hope that it continues."

Can the Broncos Repeat as Super Bowl Champs?

NN: The 49ers and Broncos both have won back-to-back Super Bowls. Considering how difficult this feat is, do you realistically feel as if Denver can repeat in 2016?

More from Niner Noise

"PO: Repeating as champions in any sport is a challenging feat. With the Denver Broncos having a target on their backs, I see this being a tricky season for them. However, they do have a favorable schedule with most of their toughest opponents at home, where they have been nearly dominant.With the defense, I believe the Broncos do have a good chance to repeat in 2016. The only team I can see threatening that as of right now is the New England Patriots. If they can get to a good start to the season, it will make it easier down the road. Also, if they fend off the divisional opponents, it should be another division title.So, I do like their chances to repeat, even if everyone else does not."

Walden gives us some good insight on what’s going on in Denver with the Broncos as well as how outsiders are viewing the 49ers situation.

Be sure to give our friends Predominantly Orange a follow on Twitter — @PredomOrange — as well as Walden — @tyflyguy15.

Next: 5 Things to Look for from the 49ers versus the Broncos

All statistics, records and accolades courtesy of ESPN.com, Pro-Football-Reference.com and Sports-Reference.com unless otherwise indicated.