Broncos vs. Seahawks: What to Watch for in Best Gauge of the Offseason

As expected, John Fox confirmed that the Broncos' starters will get the opportunity to play into the third quarter on Saturday, when the Broncos face, their former divisional rival, the Seattle Seahawks.

The Week 3 test for the Broncos is one of the best gauges that the coaching staff and fans alike will be able to see how much progress has been made this offseason and what work remains to be done.

As we look forward to assessing the strides the Broncos have made thus far, I offer to you various keys of the game to keep an eye on.

These are the areas that have been points of emphasis for the team since the arrival of Fox as the Broncos' head coach. 

There are also areas that must improve compared to last season in order for the Broncos to turn around their team, who won just four games last season.

Stopping the Run

The Broncos difficulties at stopping the run are well-documented.

They were 31st in yards surrendered last season out of 32 teams.

A main reason the Broncos selected John Fox as their head coach was his proven track record on defense, especially stopping opposing team's running backs.

In the first two preseason games, there have been seven different opposing rushers who've had huge gains of over 10 yards against the Broncos.

The biggest gain on the ground was by Fred Jackson in last week's matchup against Buffalo. He gained 20 yards on a rush towards the end of the 2nd quarter.

It set the Bills up in great field position before D.J. Williams picked off Ryan Fitzpatrick.

The Seahawks have some powerful rushing weapons on their roster: Leon Washington, Justin Forsett and Marshawn Lynch all will be given lots of opportunities to test the Broncos' patches on the defensive line.

The Broncos must respond to the challenge and demonstrate that 2011 will be different on defense.

They must stop the run.

Effectively Run the Ball

It is as important to stop the run on defense as it is to effectively move the chains by running the ball on offense.

Having an effective run game controls games. It controls the game's pace. It wears down opposing defenses. It gives your defense a rest.

It secures victories.

Holding leads late in the game has been an area the Broncos have struggled in the past few seasons.

They would go up early in a game with a few quick scores, but late in the game, when their opponents would respond.

The Broncos haven't had a running game to burn the clock and stave off comebacks.

If the Broncos hope to make strides in 2011, the running game will be key.

I believe in Knowshon Moreno and Willis McGahee to be the backs to get it done in the run game. A big game by this combo would solidify that belief and give confidence to the rest of the team as the regular season is drawing near.

Tighten Up the Mental Mistakes

It's still preseason. The Broncos appear to be starting four rookies in 2011.

With the addition of these new rookies, there are going to be mistakes.

However, this game is the one where everyone, including the rookies must tighten up their game and cut out the mental mistakes.

The most glaring stat to look at for the Broncos this preseason is penalties.

Against the Cowboys, the Broncos committed ten penalties for 85 yards.

At Mile High last weekend, they committed six penalties for 55 yards.

Penalties give offenses second chances.

When a drive should have gone three and out, a bonehead penalty on a late hit out of bounds, re-energizes the opponent's offense with a fresh set of downs and 15 free yards.

On offseason a penalty negates a huge gain, or it puts the team in a deep hole, especially a team with a conservative, run-heavy offense like the Broncos.

The mental errors need to be fixed not only just by cleaning up penalties, but also by knowing your assignment. Being in the right place, at the right time. Not being fooled by opponents confusing fronts.

This part of the game will be a big adjustment for many of the rookies, who have looked at times like they were in over their heads.

One missed assignment or coverage could leave a receiver wide open for an easy touchdown, or let a stunting defensive lineman get a clean shot at the quarterback.

Quarterback Containment

Last week, No. 2 overall draft pick, Von Miller got his first NFL sack.

The starting quarterback position in Seattle appears to be Tavaris Jackson's for the taking. He will likely start at quarterback this weekend as well.

Jackson's is an athletic quarterback with quick feet. He has been known to tuck the ball and run with it if pressure is applied.

The Broncos defense has shown an ability to put opposing quarterbacks under duress so far this offseason.

The new challenge for the Broncos against the Seahawks will be how they handle a quarterback like Jackson, who could turn and run with the ball. 

Will the Broncos be able to contain Jackson if he decides to escape the pocket?

What kind of closing speed does the Broncos defense have?

Offensive Line Must Create a Pocket

The Broncos have four of their five starting linemen with three years of experience or less.

Their inexperience has been evident at times this preseason.

The Seahawks defense has been above average in their ability to hurry the quarterback, knock the quarterback down, and pick up sacks.

Their big front line and speedy rushers will be a great test for the Broncos O-Line to gauge their progress so far this offseason.

The offensive line for the Broncos must show improvement against the Seahawks so that the Broncos quarterbacks have time to find the open receiver and make the right reads.

If they can create a sustained pocket, the Broncos should be able to make passes down the field and pick up big gains.