Denver, CO
Broncos Player Grades From Preseason Colts Win Revealed
The Denver Broncos defeated the Indianapolis Colts on the road, 34-30. It wasn’t a perfect preseason performance, but there were many bright spots in the game that gave Broncos fans hope for this team’s future.
The with the return of preseason games, Mile High Huddle‘s player grades are back. For the preseason, every player will get a grade.
Typically, only players with a specific snap count get graded, but since the preseason is for evaluation purposes, that requirement will be overlooked temporarily. Let’s dive into the grades to see how each player acquitted himself in Indy, starting with the all-important, uber-scrutinized quarterback position.
Both veteran quarterbacks were solid overall. Stidham had a good command of the offense and dealt with issues beyond his control.
As the first quarterback on the field, Stidham wasn’t aggressive when passing and sometimes seemed to leave yards on the field, while Wilson was a little more aggressive, but his technical issues are still there and were part of the many reasons for his issues with the New York Jets.
Nix had some excellent moments and some questionable ones. Overall, it was a good showing that should give Broncos fans hope that the team has its quarterback of the future.
While it was a good showing, Nix will need to show more technical consistency and back up his performance against the Green Bay Packers, where he will start the game.
Williams and McLaughlin both had a good game and showed some good running ability. The best play of the veteran running backs was a wheel route catch from McLaughlin.
Badie showed off his speed and quickness on a toss run that he took in for the score. It was a rough game for Perine, though, including a bobbled catch that turned into a Stidham interception. Perine had a limited role in the game and struggled, even when facing second-string players, which doesn’t bode well for his roster chances.
Estime had a bad fumble, but the rookie showed his power as a runner and how short-yard gains are a given for him. He also showed solid receiving ability out of the backfield, catching all three targets for 13 yards.
Watson is a quick and explosive player with the ball in his hands. He has made plays as a runner and receiver. He is making a good case to make the roster.
Burton has a very limited role and likely won’t see the field on offense much. His play on his six snaps in the first game was decent, but the Broncos could use more consistency in the regular season.
The wide receivers’ showing was great overall. Mims had multiple good plays catching the ball, but the Broncos need him to step up as a blocker. It was noteworthy that the starting trio didn’t include Mims. Sutton, Patrick, and Reynolds were the starting trio, and they brought a blocking ability and demeanor that you don’t get from Mims.
Sills had a good catch and run, and he, Johnson, and Humphrey did well when tasked with blocking. While Virgil had a great play as a returner that will likely put him squarely in that competition, he wasn’t targeted on offense, and 11 of his 16 snaps were as a run blocker, which he doesn’t do well. Bandy and Dorsett had little to no impact.
Franklin’s opportunities were limited, with one uncaught target. He will have to continue working on his route running. His lack of blocking will likely always be a limitation.
There has been a lot of hype around Vele, and there were some moments in the game that showed his promise, but his best plays came from drawing defensive pass interference calls. You want to see the camp practice hype show up in real game action.
It was a mostly disappointing showing from the tight ends. Trautman was hit-or-miss as a blocker, and Dulcich wasn’t put into the best position as a receiver. The blocking specialist, Adkins, had a rough game and opened the door for Kampmoyer, who did alright as a blocker and showed decent receiving ability.
If it weren’t for an unsecured reception, Krull would’ve ended with the highest grade at the position, as he had a good day as a receiver outside of that play. His blocking leaves a lot to be desired, though.
Yassmin was decent, but much work must be done to develop him. Since he does not count against the roster due to an international player exception, he should be kept around as a 17th player on the practice squad under the same designation.
There isn’t much to note of Bolles and McGlinchey. They were what you would come to expect after watching their play last season.
Jacobs and Peart had a great game working as the left tackles. Both created running lanes and push on the ground while holding their own as blockers and not allowing any pressure. Palczewski worked on the right side, at tackle and guard, looking better as a guard than he did as a tackle.
Crum’s athleticism was on display in multiple reps in pass protection, but his lack of core power and strength was an issue in the running game.
The starting centers were solid in their limited playing time, but what stood out was that Wattenberg worked quite well as the starting center. It wasn’t perfect, but how he handled his business was that of a starting caliber center. He separated himself from Forsyth, who struggled at center and guard and may be closing in on a battle with Mustipher for a roster spot after Mustipher had a good game.
Throckmorton should have a leg up on Sherman as the backup guard, as he consistently created push in the running game. Sherman was solid all-around but didn’t have the high moments that Throckmorton did.
Jervis was a recent addition to the Broncos, and his appearance was a pleasant surprise. He held his own as a run blocker and in pass protection, though his run blocking didn’t generate much push.
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Without three of their players, the Broncos needed a lot out of the defensive linemen that did play. Roach had an excellent game, clogging running lanes and creating lanes for others to make a play, which is precisely what he was signed to do.
Jackson and Blackson were solid, with the former showing significant improvement from last preseason. They’re both in competition with Eyioma Uwazurike, who didn’t play, Henningsen, who was decent, and Garcia, who had a rough game.
The biggest disappointment was Jones, a projected starter, who was shut down almost every rep. Miller played eight snaps and had no impact on the game.
This was a good showing for the edge room, as they did well from top to bottom, and this was without Nik Bonitto. Browning and Cooper showed consistency and reliability with their play, though it did come on a limited snap count. Incoom took some good steps forward with his development, and Tillman handled the game well.
Nchami is a versatile player who plays both on and off the ball. He did well in his versatile role. Although special teams play doesn’t get graded, he did extremely well on special teams. Allen played five snaps, registered no stats, and had no impact.
Elliss is quick and athletic, but he spent multiple pass-rush attempts trying to go through the tackles and failing. He generated good pressure, attacking the outside lane of the tackle and helping create an interception for the defense. His run defense wasn’t a liability, but it wasn’t what you want.
Singleton is Singleton. He has issues handling specific responsibilities in coverage, but he is quality when working against the run. Barton and Griffith both had some good moments and some bad moments, as they are competing for the starting job next to Singleton. There is a clear gap between Barton and Griffith and the other linebackers.
Bailey did well on special teams, which doesn’t get graded. His play on defense was not great, and he clearly needs to improve if he wants to make the roster. Mock had a pretty even game, but the Broncos waived him after claiming another defensive back.
It was an excellent game from McMillian, who had a huge play against the run and was sticky in coverage. He entered the game cemented as the starting slot corner, and nothing changed that.
The Broncos are looking for someone to start opposite Patrick Surtain II, who didn’t play in the game. Levi Wallace is one of them and didn’t play, creating an opening for Moss and Mathis to separate themselves in the battle.
Moss played tight coverage and had some good plays against the run. On the other hand, Mathis had two bad plays that hurt his chances, as he dropped an interception that hit him right in the face and allowed a big catch.
Taylor and McCallister compete for a roster spot or practice squad spot, and they both put together solid showings. The question for them will be whether they can step up on special teams to potentially replace Smith, who continues to be a liability on the field for the defense. Green played two snaps and got hurt on the second one.
Abrams-Draine is pushing hard and has shown promising improvements during camp practices. Those improvements showed up on the field, where he was sticky in coverage and even intercepted a two-point conversion attempt.
Newsome allowed one catch for 18 yards, but he did decently outside that one play. With lower snap counts, one big play could significantly influence the grade overall.
Key was a great surprise. With Brandon Jones out of the game, he got the start next to Locke. Key handled his responsibilities in coverage and against the run exceptionally well.
Smith also had a good game, mostly in coverage, but did have some solid moments working downhill against the run. Skinner was the opposite of Smith, who did well against the run but had issues in coverage.
The safety play was decent all around, which was true of Brown. However, his lower snap count and one issue in the run game dropped his grade below the starting point.
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Denver, CO
100-year-old Denver7 Everyday Hero still delivering Meals on Wheels after over 40 years of service
DENVER – Every Monday morning, one Meals on Wheels volunteer and his sons do much needed work in their community. For some homebound seniors, it’s not just a hot meal, it’s a familiar face, a conversation, and a reminder that someone cares. Mel Faes is a 100-year-old World War II veteran who has volunteered with Meals on Wheels for more than four decades.
Richard Butler
“To have these services and to have people who care about you lets you live your life out in dignity,” said Cathy Law, a project manager with Volunteers of America Colorado’s retired and senior volunteer program.
Faes was born in 1925 and raised in north Denver. He joined the Army Air Force at 19 and served during World War II before returning home to work for the U.S. Postal Service for 34 years. But for the last 40 years, Mondays have been reserved for delivering meals to neighbors who need them.
“You can donate money here and there, but donating your time is more valuable,” Faes said.
On his route, Faes is now joined by his sons, John and Jim, who began helping with deliveries about five years ago when their father stopped driving.
“My dad, he’s a wonderful man,” John Faes said. “We can see how unselfish he’s always been his whole life, always wanting to do for the other.”
Richard Butler
While his sons handle the driving, Mel still insists on taking meals to the door whenever he can.
“Doing the meals, sometimes you’re the only person they see all day,” Mel Faes said.
That personal connection is what makes the program so important, according to Volunteers of America.
“It’s nourishment for the body, but it’s also nourishment for their soul,” Law said. “Without volunteers, we couldn’t run our program.”
Volunteers of America Colorado produces and serves nearly 3,000 meals a day across seven counties, relying on hundreds of volunteers to deliver meals to seniors who might otherwise go without.
Richard Butler
For the Faes family, volunteering has become a shared experience.
“It means a lot to them, and it means a lot to us,” John Faes said. “It’s a humbling experience. It’s good for both parties.”
At 100 years old, Mel Faes shows no signs of slowing down.
“If people ask him what his secret to a long life is, he says, ‘Keep moving,’” his son John said.
That lifetime of service is celebrated with Denver7 and Levine Law recognizing Mel as a Denver7 Everyday Hero.
“We nominated Mel because of his giving, humble, amazing spirit,” Law said. “Not just for his military service, but for the way he continues to give back to the community over and over again.”
For Faes, the recognition is appreciated but it’s never been the reason he shows up.
Richard Butler
“It’s not really work,” he said. “It’s something you love to do.”
Volunteers of America Colorado says there is always a need for more Meals on Wheels volunteers. Those interested in delivering meals or supporting other programs can learn more and sign up on their website, where information about volunteer opportunities across the state are available.
Denver7 features a different Everyday Hero each week. To nominate a hero in your life, click here.
Two people died and three others were injured in Denver crashes early Sunday morning, police said.
The Denver Police Department posted about the first fatal crash on eastbound Interstate 70 near Tennyson Street at 2:53 a.m. Sunday. The street and highway intersect just east of Berkeley Lake Park in Denver’s Berkeley neighborhood.
One person died in the single-car crash that temporarily shut down eastbound I-70, police said. All lanes had reopened as of 9 a.m. Sunday, according to the Colorado Department of Transportation.
A second early morning crash involving three vehicles near Morrison Road and South Sheridan Boulevard killed one person and sent three others to the hospital, Denver police said at 3:07 a.m. Sunday.
The intersection in Denver’s Westwood neighborhood, about 6 miles south of the first crash site, sits on the edge of Lakewood.
Additional information on each of the crashes, including the causes, was not immediately available Sunday.
This is a developing story and may be updated.
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Denver, CO
No. 11 Pioneers Win 1-0 in OT to Sweep No. 7 Minnesota Duluth – University of Denver Athletics
DENVER – Forward Rieger Lorenz scored 2:17 into overtime to lead the No. 11 Denver Pioneers hockey team to a 1-0 victory against the No. 7 Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs on Saturday night at Magness Arena.
Neither the Pioneers (16-11-2, 12-6-0 NCHC) nor Bulldogs (17-11-0, 8-10-0 NCHC) could get their first 49 shots into the back of the net before Lorenz’s tap-in tally during 3-on-3 play. Denver won 4-3 on Friday to earn its first weekend sweep of 2026 and fourth overall this season.
“I thought again we played well,” said Richard and Kitzia Goodman Hockey Head Coach David Carle. “We played pretty disciplined, didn’t give them a ton. Really liked our first period, second period I thought was a little slow for us, but I really liked our third.
“We did not give them a ton throughout the night, only 19 shots. Inside the power plays we gave them early, and they didn’t have a lot of shots, the first three were on the power plays. So we did a nice job. We held their top line for zero points on the weekend—I’m not sure that’s been done yet this year. A great accomplishment, and Johnny Hicks was excellent.”
Freshman goaltender Johnny Hicks started his second game for the Pioneers and earned his first career shutout, denying all 19 shots that Duluth shot his way. Hicks made 29 saves on Friday night before leaving in the third period with a lower-body injury, and he now owns a 3-0-0 record, 0.55 goals-against average and .980 save percentage in two starts and seven games this season.
Lorenz registered his first goal in overtime and his third game-winner of his career. Junior defenseman Eric Pohlkamp stood at the faceoff dot and sent a tape-to-tape pass to the far-side of the crease for the senior alternate captain. Junior forward Kieran Cebrian also had an assist on the goal and was strong in the circle by winning 60 percent of his faceoffs (12-of-20).
DU outshot UMD 31-19, including by a 14-4 margin in third period and overtime. Bulldogs netminder Adam Gajan finished by stopping 30 shots. The Pioneers outshot the Bulldogs 13-6 in the first period but UMD finished the edge in the second at 9-4.
Minnesota Duluth’s top-ranked power play didn’t convert on its two chances in the contest, while Denver didn’t capitalize on its lone man advantage as well.
UP NEXT: The Pioneers stay in-state next weekend as they take on the Colorado College Tigers in a home-and-home series. DU plays at Ed Robson Arena on Friday before hosting CC at Magness Arena on Saturday. Both games begin at 7 p.m. MT and will be broadcast on NCHC.tv.
POSTGAME NOTES
- The Pios improved to 7-1-0 in their last eight games against UMD and 11-2-0 in the past 13 matchups. Denver is also now 83-40-5 on home ice in the all-time series vs. Duluth.
- DU wrapped up their four-game homestand by going 3-1-0. DU’s homestay was tied for the longest of the season, and the squad closed out January having played eight-of-10 contests at Magness Arena.
- The Pioneers have won three straight contests on home ice, a season-best streak.
- Denver posted its sixth shutout of the season.
- The Pioneers won their second overtime game of the season (Oct. 31 vs. Alaska Anchorage) and is now 2-3-2 in OT this season.
- Rieger Lorenz scored his first career overtime goal, and his second game-winner of the season (Dec. 5 vs. Mimai).
- Johnny Hicks became the third Denver goaltender to post a shutout this year.
- Denver and Minnesota Duluth were facing off for the first time with both teams ranked since the then-No.3 ranked Pios beat the No. 6 Bulldogs in the 2022 NCAA West Regional Final in Loveland, Colorado.
- Duluth was visiting Magness Arena for the first time since March 15-16, 2024 in the NCHC Playoffs when Denver swept the best-of-three quarterfinal series.
- Cale Ashcroft (1g/2a) and Kyle Chyzowski (2g/1a) both had their three-game point streaks come to an end.
- Eric Pohlkamp leads all NCAA players in shots on goal and surpassed 400 career shots this weekend.
- The teams’ six combined penalty minutes tied a season-low in a game for the Pioneers.
GOAL SUMMARY
1st Period
No Scoring
2nd Period
No Scoring
3rd Period
No Scoring
Overtime
2:17 DU (1-0) – Rieger Lorenz tapped in Eric Pohlkamp’s pass from the right faceoff circle while stationed at the far-side of the crease.
QUOTABLES
Senior forward Rieger Lorenz
On game: “We’ve had a hard time closing out weekends here in the second half, so it was nice to see growth from our group. Obviously a good game yesterday. I thought our start was really good; [we] had a little bit of lapse in our mental game in the second and early third, but I thought we obviously pulled it out. It’s a big win for our group at this time in the season.”
On his overtime goal: “Obviously going against that Plante line you want to have the puck when you’re going against them. So, we got some speed, kicked out to Ceebs (Kieran Cebrian), he kicked it out to PK (Eric Pohlkamp). And I think everyone in the building thought he was going to shoot that, including me—but luckily enough he found me.”
On the excitement in building: “It’s unreal. The last few weekends have been tough for us at home, so it’s nice to give the fans something to cheer about, and hopefully they keep supporting us like they have been all season.”
On facing Colorado College next weekend: “Like I said, we’ve had a hard time stringing weekends together, so I think this will be a big weekend for us to show the strides we’ve taken so far. And the downs we’ve had this season, hopefully we’ve learned from them and can prove that to ourselves this upcoming weekend with the big rivalry.”
Junior Defenseman Eric Pohlkamp
On the game-winning goal he assisted on: “Yeah, I thought myself that I was going to shoot the puck, but I saw him (Rieger Lorenz) kind of get positioned on that guy and move backwards, and we made a hyper-play to tap that in. Really happy for him, and he’s been all over the puck in this game, and I know he had a lot of chances. So nice for him to get that one for sure.”
On this win being a boost: “Yeah, I think so. I don’t know what to say about boost, but I think we just need to be more consistent. We have CC as a big rival coming next weekend, so we are home-and-home, and those are some fun games. We played them early in the year, so I know we’re going to be eager to play them and looking forward to it.”
On changes in defense: “Yeah, we kind of talked about it in there, just punting the ball, like just playing football. You know, we don’t want them to regroup and attack us. I really liked our commitment, and we made plays and offense against a tough line (of UMD), me and Jamo (Eric Jamieson). It was a lot of fun playing against those guys, but obviously really good players and it was an excellent job this weekend.”
TICKETS: Tickets for the remaining games of DU hockey’s 2025-26 campaign are available. Click here for more information.
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