NFL preseason 2013: Broncos vs. Seahawks game preview

If early-season chatter is any indicator, the Super Bowl very well could end up as Denver vs, Seattle. With that in mind, the preseason matchup between the Broncos and the Seahawks as a nice intro to the football season. Both teams are coming off of wins in the first week with the Broncos necking out a 10-6 win over the 49ers and the Seahawks trouncing the Chargers, 31-10.

The Broncos began preseason with a tough few games, going against two NFC West favorites in as many weeks -- both times on the road. With Peyton Manning leading the passing game, the running attack still could use a couple tune-ups and the Seahawks provide a perfect test.

At this time last year, quarterback Russell Wilson was busy lighting up the preseason as he convincingly won the starting job. This time around, it didn't matter. Wilson didn't score in the Seahawks win over the Chargers, but both Tarvaris Jackson and Brady Quinn performed quite well. Jackson threw particularly well, connecting on 8 of 9 passes with two touchdowns to boot.

Running back Christine Michael, a second-round pick in the 2013 draft, made a statement to be Marshawn Lynch's backup in the regular season with 16 carries for 89 yards. That early momentum came to a halt, however, as he has been out with back spasms since the weekend, opening the door for Robert Turbin to make his case.

The Broncos defense was all over the field against the 49ers last week, forcing four turnovers and holding San Francisco to 288 yards. Safety Duke Ihenacho came out of nowhere, notching seven tackles and a forced fumble in one half of play. In his short two-year career, Ihenacho has one tackle total in the regular season, coming in a win against the Bengals last year.

The offense sputtered a bit, only netting 220 yards. The run game struggled against the 49ers defense, averaging 3.2 yards a carry. Rookie running back Montee Ball was limited the most, getting just nine yards on five carries. Mile High Report pointed out that, at Tuesday's practice, Ball split the workload with starter Ronnie Hillman.

Each scoring player would be met with an onslaught of teammates from the sideline, and they would exchange plenty of mid-air hip bumps, high fives, fist pounds, and helmet slaps. Every score was like this, but easily the guy who got the most congratulations was Spencer Ware. I believe this was because his score was closest to the Seahawks' sideline, but the guys seemed genuinely happy that he ran one in.

Mile High Report wasn't too excited about rookie running back Montee Ball's performance against the 49ers and hopes to see more out of him this week.

lol at the woman holding a tiny "NieceMode' jersey on the new Real Rob - that's brilliant

— Danny Kelly (@FieldGulls) August 13, 2013

Coaches need practice too. Throw that red flag Foxy.

— MileHighReport (@MileHighReport) August 9, 2013

Carroll said Michael could be a little while before he gets back on the field. Said he was "pretty stoved up today.''

— Bob Condotta (@bcondotta) August 11, 2013

And give our new columnist Benjamin @Hochman a follow for #Broncos news this season. He'll be pestering them all season.

— Denver Post Broncos (@PostBroncos) August 14, 2013

The Seahawks head out on the road to take on the Green Bay Packers and the Broncos get their first preseason game at home against the St. Louis Rams.

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