Kevin Hogan to start Pro Football Hall of Fame game, Drew Lock and Brett Rypien to follow at QB

[Miles]

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — When the Broncos’ offense takes its first snaps of the preseason, quarterback Kevin Hogan will guide the unit.


Head Coach Vic Fangio announced Monday that Hogan would start the game and would be followed by second-round pick Drew Lock and undrafted rookie Brett Rypien.


“Just play good,” said Fangio when asked what he wants to see from Hogan and Lock. “Run the offense. Throw the ball where you’re supposed to throw when it’s a pass, be good on [your] checks and just be efficient.”


Starting quarterback Joe Flacco is not expected to play. He and many of the other starters will sit out the opening preseason game, and younger players should receive the bulk of the reps.


“I think the guys that benefit the most from it are the young players,” Fangio said of playing five preseason games. “They’re going to get more reps. So many times, I think young players feel with the four-game schedule [that] they don’t get enough opportunities. So they’re going to get more opportunities here and get their play on tape. The good thing about being a football player [is] you don’t have to make a resume. Your resume’s on tape, and every team gets it. Hopefully we’ll be able to do right and give everybody an ample amount of reps.”


A couple of starters may “get a handful of plays,” Fangio said. The Broncos' head coach said Connor McGovern could be one starter who falls in that category.


The game against the Falcons, though, is just the first step of preparing the Broncos for the regular season.


“The main thing that we want to accomplish is get the individual and the team ready for the regular season,” Fangio said. “One of our biggest jobs is to make sure we pick the right 53 guys, so we want to see guys go out and play. There will be times where, as coaches, we may have a good feel for what the other team is going to run, but we’re going to call something that’s hard for us, just to see if guys can handle it. Hard assignment — not hard mentally. Can guys cover receivers? Can guys rush the passer? Can we stop the run? It’s an evaluation tool, mainly. But like anything, once you start playing, that competitiveness gets in you and you want to win the game. But evaluation and getting the team ready is job No. 1.”


VISITING THE HALL


Before the Broncos head to their hotel on Wednesday night, they’ll stop at the Pro Football Hall of Fame. For many members of the roster, it will be their first trip to see the Hall.


“I’m sure all the offensive linemen will want to get their picture with [Offensive Line Coach and Hall of Famer] Mike Munchak and his bust there,” Fangio said. “I think it will be a cool experience for the players. Most of the players will dive in and experience it. Some guys will say, ‘Why are we even here? I’d rather be at the hotel.’ But that’s the way it goes.”