49ers vs. Broncos 2019 preseason: Q&A with FanSided’s Predominantly Orange

With the San Francisco 49ers visiting the Denver Broncos for Week 2 of the 2019 NFL preseason, Niner Noise joined forces with FanSided’s Broncos site, Predominantly Orange, to preview this bout and more.

Week 1 of the NFL preseason is typically uninspiring, but the San Francisco 49ers‘ Week 2 exhibition bout versus the Denver Broncos should pick up the tempo a little bit.

A key reason why is the Niners are expected to play their starters and first-team units a bit more during this contest. While quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo and Co. are likely to see only a handful of drives, at most, at least there will be some semblance of regular-season football when both teams kick off in Denver.

The 49ers and Broncos engaged in joint practices leading up to the game itself. And while there are stark contrasts between the two squads, there are also a lot of similarities.

Denver, which brought aboard former Niners and Chicago Bears defensive coordinator Vic Fangio as head coach, is sitting in that limbo spot, where it could be viewed as a playoff contender. Yet there are still plenty of question marks. Both teams have questions at quarterback, albeit Garoppolo and Broncos QB Joe Flacco are on nearly opposite ends of their respective careers.

Whatever the context might be, this should be an interesting preseason contest. And as Niner Noise often does in advance of a game, we met up with Predominantly Orange — FanSided’s Broncos blog — site expert Ty Walden to see what’s going on in Denver and to preview this exhibition bout.

NN: 49ers fans know Vic Fangio well from his time in San Francisco under former head coach Jim Harbaugh. What are the early returns on the difference Fangio has made in Denver so far?

"PO: He has made a spectacular impression on me so far. His old school coaching and no nonsense are two qualities that I have enjoyed. I am surprised this is only his first head coaching gig. But he truly appears as if he knows what is best for the team. I am looking forward to what he can bring to the table come the regular season."

NN: It’s not hard to find critics suggesting general manager John Elway has difficulty identifying quarterbacks. Joe Flacco could be an exception in the short term, but what’s the sentiment in Denver about the veteran signal-caller?

"PO: From my perspective, I think the Flacco trade was one of the most underrated moves of the entire offseason. I am uncertain of how much he has in the tank, but watching his first drive last week gave me a bit of hope at how he was able to get down the field. There is a chance he has one more Super Bowl run in him. It would be amazing if he can win another title while he is in Denver."

NN: What rookies are turning heads among Broncos fans during training camp? Is there any player worth watching when the 49ers square off with Denver this Monday?

"PO: On offense, it has to be Dalton Risner. Vic Fangio has given him nothing but praise. Denver drafted him in the second round and he has looked great with the starters. I am interested to see if he can make that move to be a long time starter on the offensive line. Defensively, Malik Reed has really impressed me. He is an undrafted rookie who just appears like he has played in the NFL for a while. I think he has a really good shot at making the team. If I am a 49ers fan, I am keeping an eye on both of them."

NN: Is there one Broncos player you’d like to see more from this preseason?

"I would like to see more of Kelvin McKnight from Denver. He had a strong showing in his one punt return in the Hall of Fame game. But I want to see if he can be that Swiss army knife as far as on the offensive side of the football. He can truly be that gadget player if he makes the final roster."

NN: What are some of the goals and things on the must-do list for Denver when it hosts San Francisco? Are there any units or individual players you want to see perform well during the game?

"Just play a clean game. Denver had 11 penalties last week against Seattle and the majority of them were for holding on offense or defense. Just need to work on that. I really want to see the second and third string players perform a little bit better. They looked sloppy last week and I fear for the season if Denver does not have a lot of depth behind the starters. I really want to see Noah Fant and Drew Lock play better because those two are the future for the Denver Broncos most likely. I will feel a little better if they show signs of improvement on Monday."

It’s interesting Walden pointed out penalties as an aspect the Broncos need to work on during this contest, citing the 11 called against them during their preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks.

Ironically, the 49ers were hit with 18 for 216 yards during their 17-9 preseason victory over the Dallas Cowboys last week.

Penalties are common early in the preseason, especially with younger players not quite used to jelling with each other in an actual in-game situation. Regardless, it is an aspect both teams could afford to clean up this Monday.

Speaking of that contest, the Niners and Broncos kick off on Monday, Aug. 19 at 8 p.m. ET from Broncos Stadium at Mile High.

And as always, be sure to give our friends over at Predominantly Orange a follow on Twitter — @PredomOrange — and follow Walden, too — @tyflyguy15.