Broncos vs. Cardinals: 5 Positives for Denver Despite Ugly NFL Preseason Finale

The Denver Broncos preseason ended tonight against the Arizona Cardinals. Thankfully, after an ugly performance by the second-, third- and fourth-string guys the regular season is now a little over a week away.

Despite, ex-backup quarterback Brady Quinn's terrible performance, some of the other Broncos competing for a roster spot in 2011 made some plays and are deserving of a place on the 53-man roster. The deadline to make the cuts is Saturday, September 3.

These Broncos deserve to make the squad based on Thursday night's performance against the Cardinals.

Jason Hunter, Defensive End

For a team short on healthy, quality defensive linemen, the Broncos cannot part with Jason Hunter. Hunter fired up the defense and was a team leader to get the Broncos' young defense going.

Hunter had two solo tackles and combined for a total of five tackles; two of those tackles went for a loss. Hunter will be a valuable asset against the run next season if he is retained by the Broncos.

Run defense has been a point of emphasis for the Broncos this offseason and a leader like Hunter would bolster a team in need of quality run-stoppers.

Mike Mohamed, Linebacker

The Denver Broncos drafted Mike Mohamed in the sixth round of this year's draft and the fourth preseason game of the season was really his first time to shine in a linebacking corps led by sensational rookie Von Miller.

Mohamed got a chance to come out of Miller's shadow this week against the Arizona Cardinals.

Mohamed flew to the ball and made 10 tackles; eight of those were solo tackles. He was able to step up, deliver hits to incoming running backs and receivers and make plays.

Mohamed will be a valuable player to groom for the future if the Broncos keep him around.

Eron Riley, Wide Receiver

I am not sure why the Broncos quarterbacks didn't look Eron Riley's way more often. In the three times he was targeted, he made each reception, averaging 48 yards per catch. 

His performance included a 43-yard reception to cap off the Broncos' only scoring drive. The pass was a perfectly lofted pass from Tim Tebow which dropped right in his hands.

Riley also had probably the most exciting highlight of the night for the Broncos when he turned a short-yardage pass from fourth-string quarterback Adam Weber into a dazzling 89-yard reception. He was only a few yards from scoring when the Cardinals defender got a hand on him to push him out of bounds.

Riley has spent a couple seasons around the Broncos organization. His performance tonight shows that he is a valuable player that can turn a play that looks like it will only go for short yardage into something special.

The Broncos need to keep him around for 2011.

Darcel McBath, Safety

It seems like Darcel McBath has been on the roster bubble for the last three seasons.

He has shown great signs of intensity, an ability to run to the ball and tonight, I believe he showcased the ability, which has kept him on this team the past two seasons.

McBath pulled in an interception against the Arizona Cardinals backup quarterback, Richard Bartel, as the Cardinals edged a scoring position on the field.

McBath has a nose for the ball and put up the only blemish on the impressive Bartel's stat sheet for the night.

McBath will make plays next season if the Broncos retain his services.

Adam Weber, Quarterback

Adam Weber came into the game with less than a minute to go and no timeouts. His first attempt he was rocked by Cyril Obiozor who came on a blitz on his blind side from the corner.

Undaunted by the speedy backers gunning for him, Weber took the snap, dropped back to pass and hit Eron Riley for a short gain that went for 89 yards after some spectacular running by Riley.

After a couple of penalties backed the Broncos up to the Arizona Cardinals 14-yard line, Weber tucked the ball and ran it for 13 yards, coming up just inches short of the goal line before time expired. 

Weber probably shouldn't make the 53-man roster, but his courageous performance in the only preseason action he received should earn him a spot on the practice squad this season. 

And if all goes well, Weber could be competing with Tim Tebow for the starting job next year when Kyle Orton and Brady Quinn's contracts run out.