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drewloc
08-23-2008, 08:32 AM
Here was Williamson's take on the game. Taken from ESPN.com

http://myespn.go.com/blogs/afcwest/0-2-348/QBs-impress-in-Broncos-Packers-matchup.html

QBs impress in Broncos-Packers matchup

August 23, 2008 1:46 AM

Posted by ESPN.com's Bill Williamson

DENVER -- Here is a look at the Broncos' 27-24 loss to Green Bay on Friday night:

As I mentioned earlier, the starting quarterbacks were hot. Green Bay's Aaron Rodgers calmed the entire state of Wisconsin with a fabulous evening. Brett Favre's replacement bounced back in a big way from a bad game last week against San Francisco with a masterful performance Friday night.

Rodgers, who departed the game after the first series of the second half, completed 18 of 22 passes for 193 yards and one touchdown. Denver quarterback Jay Cutler led Denver on a 99-yard drive and guided the offense to scores on all three of his drives. He finished 6-for-13 for 115 yards. It was a fine finish after a slow start in which he completed just one of his first seven attempts.

While the starting quarterbacks were great Friday night, the backup quarterbacks did not fare as well. Denver backup Patrick Ramsey completed 10 of 16 passes for 70 yards. A late game interception deep in Denver territory allowed Green Bay to score the winning touchdown. Ramsey appeared banged up after the play. After the game, Denver coach Mike Shanahan said he didn't know if Ramsey was hurt.

Green Bay backup, rookie Brian Brohm, missed all four of his pass attempts and looked uncomfortable on every pass play.

The Broncos suffered a few bumps and bruises. Defensive end Elvis Dumervil broke his pinkie finger on his right hand. He said he will be able to play when Denver starts the regular season Sept. 7 at Oakland. Safety Marquand Manuel broke his right thumb on the opening kickoff of the second half. He said he will play through the injury. Manuel took over a starting safety spot when Hamza Abdullah went out with an injury during training camp.

Matt Prater looks like he has sealed up Denver's kicking job, replacing longtime star Jason Elam. Prater made his only field goal attempt, from 40 yards and he is now 7 of 9 on field goal attempts in the preseason. Prater also had four touchbacks on his five kickoffs.

Brett Kern, an undrafted free agent, took a major step toward becoming the team's punter as he was the only punter Denver used. Another sign second-round pick Edide Royal will stick as the No. 2 receiver is that Glenn Martinez returned both punts and kicks. Royal was drafted to be the returner but has made a name as a receiver.

Both Denver running backs Selvin Young and Andre Hall looked good. They combined for 86 rushing yards on 15 carries. Meanwhile, Denver's run defense, which was 30th in the NFL last week, had its second straight good game. Green Bay had 94 yards on 32 rush attempts.

Don't be surprised if seventh-round pick Peyton Hillis, the lead blocker for Darren McFadden and Felix Jones last year at Arkansas, plays a major role in Denver's offense. He is a rugged player.

Nate Webster played well in his starting role at middle linebacker. It appears he may hold off Niko Koutouvides for the starting job.

Veteran receiver Sami Parker didn't play, which does not help his chances of making the team. Keary Colbert, signed to be the No. 2 receiver, toiled in the fourth quarter and had one catch for seven yards.

Rookie running back Ryan Torain said he is thrilled that he is now set to return from a broken elbow three weeks earlier than expected. The team is focusing on Oct. 20 at New England for his return date.

Denver defensive back Domonique Foxworth, a member of the NFLPA's executive committee, said the group will have a conference call next week to regroup after the sudden death of executive director Gene Upshaw.