CHICAGO — No one will confuse a third-and-8 on the opening drive of the first preseason game as a crucial moment. But at Soldier Field on Thursday evening, the Broncos tipped their hand.
Mark Sanchez, from the shotgun formation, had a tailback to his left and a Hulk in his sights. Virgil Green, a 6-foot-5, 255-pound tight made of concrete, started on the block and flew into space. He found a seam and posted up. And Sanchez, without a worry, spiraled a pass to Green for a 13-yard gain.
Green caught three passes on the Broncos’ first possession, a 10-play, 76-yard scoring drive.