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One of the best and most comprehensive features we offer every year is our Footballguys Preseason Updates. Every week this month, Bob Henry, Jason Wood, Clayton Gray, and their team of Footballguys Staffers cover every player that matters from every NFL team. It's 32-plus pages of some of the most comprehensive coverage you'll find. It's probably worth the Footballguys Premium Subscription by itself.
Updates from Week 4
Preseason Updates: Quarterbacks
Bo Nix eventually dazzled as a rookie, though some of the underlying metrics suggest a bit of a mirage. His second Broncos camp has been uneven, packed with a mix of dual-threat dynamism and worrisome mistakes. After the preseason finale against New Orleans, SI.com's Chad Jensen made sure to remind us Nix is "still very much a work in progress." Against a Saints defense applying pressure, Nix "looked far from the cool, calm, and collected quarterback Broncos fans came to know down the stretch last year." Jensen isn't preaching worry, as Nix did lead a strong touchdown drive in the second quarter, but rather patience with a QB who's 25 but also just an NFL sophomore. The fact that Jarrett Stidham sat this game entirely – and that Sam Ehlinger played so extensively – tells us decisively who's won the No. 2 job. In fact, Stidham has played so well in the preseason (30 of 38, 376 yards, 4 touchdowns, 0 interceptions) that some have wondered whether he could fetch tasty draft capital in a trade.
Preseason Updates: Running Backs
If the preseason finale is any indication, the Broncos appear settled into a two-man backfield rotation. It was laughable to see rookie RJ Harvey listed as RB5 on a camp depth chart; he now looks locked into the team's plans after just three cameo rushes against the Saints. Harvey has helped lead the backfield since the start of camp, and Payton has gushed over his all-around skillset. Harvey is even a candidate to see Joker snaps alongside TE Evan Engram, running routes out of the backfield and testing linebackers with his footspeed. Established vet J.K. Dobbins didn't play in either of the final two games, a great sign he's the other half of the equation. Dobbins has been dinged and outright injured for much of his five-year career, and Payton knows the value of keeping him fresh. If Harvey showcases his speed and instincts early, there may be no need for scatback Jaleel McLaughlin, who scuffled in his second year and has been quiet this preseason. Audric Estime was released.
