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The Denver Broncos made their home debut on Saturday night and all seems right in the world of Denver sports.
Playing host to the Green Bay Packers, Trevor Siemian and Co. we’re off to a shaky start but quickly got things going as the Orange & Blue kept head coach Vance Joseph’s career record unblemished with the 20-17 victory. The perfect 3-0 record is impressive and would not exist without his players, especially our picks for this week’s three stars.
Shelby Harris
With the deadline for teams to have their final 53-man roster quickly approaching on Sept. 2nd, both coaches and personel alike have tough decisions to make—who to keep, and who to let go. Well, in the case of defensive end Shelby Harris, his play the last two weeks might have made their decision on him final.
Harris was all over the field Saturday evening, accounting for three sacks, seven tackles, and three hurries on the quarterback. The latter of his trio of sacks came late in the fourth quarter, ending a last-ditch effort for Green Bay. The play of No. 96 has both teammates and coaches talking.
“Shelby’s an animal, dude,” defensive lineman Domata Peko said after the win. “He’s a great player. He’s been doing a great job.”
“Shelby has played well; the last two weeks especially, but, Shelby has played well since the spring,” said head coach Vance Joseph. “I’m not surprised to see what he’s done in games.”
With his play on Saturday and his two fumble recoveries Week 2 against San Francisco, look for Harris to safely have a spot on the roster come Sept. 11th.
Jamaal Charles
Have you even had one day to prove your self-worth? Well, if your name is Jamaal Charles you have. Fighting for a roster spot, the nine-year veteran did exactly what he needed to do Saturday night to prove his self-worth.
Charles carried the ball four times for 27 yards and hauled in another two catches for 15 yards in the first half of the Broncos’ victory. His highlight run was a 12-yard scamper up the gut that would have gone for more if he didn’t lose his balance.
It is not only his ability when handling the rock that makes Charles special, his ability to block and read the defense will help him earn that $1,328,125 bonus once he suits up Week 1.
Menelik Watson
Offensive tackle Menelik Watson has had himself one helluva summer. First he was signed by the Denver Broncos, then he won the starting tackle job, and finally, the biggest event of them all, on Saturday night Watson got engaged to his long-time girlfriend, Azania Stewart, proposing in the middle of the game.
“[It was] Just spontaneous, It was her first NFL game. She’s about to head overseas to start her season. She leaves tomorrow. It’s something I’ve been thinking about for a while, been contemplating it, so what a perfect time to do it: in the stadium, our first game, in front of a beautiful crowd. I’m not really a public person, but I thought it would have been special.”
No. 75 also looked good while on the field, being the lead blocker on the 16-yard touchdown run by C.J. Anderson.