The Sports Xchange

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — With the first team’s preseason work almost certainly complete, there is some clarity regarding the Broncos’ 2015 identity. But it will be different than that of recent years.

The Broncos knew there would be some adjustment to a tweaked offensive scheme installed by coach Gary Kubiak and his new staff. And they knew that their defense would become more aggressive — and perhaps more effective.

Denver’s defense has been as advertised.

In approximately one full game of work, it surrendered only six points on two field goals — one of which was on a series that began in Denver territory, and the other being played without outside linebacker Von Miller and defensive end DeMarcus Ware, who were on the sideline as the San Francisco 49ers drove to a field goal at the end of the first half Saturday.

But its offense struggled. In three and a half quarters of work with Peyton Manning at the helm the last two weeks, the offense mustered only six points on two field goals.

“We’re still trying out this new offense and bringing it every day,” wide receiver Cody Latimer said. “We had some nice drives, we’ve just got to capitalize.”

Said running back C.J. Anderson: “Super frustrating.”

Three forays into the red zone — all against the 49ers — netted only six points as Manning missed wide receiver Demaryius Thomas twice near the end zone and failed to see a wide-open Owen Daniels in the end zone on a third-and-goal.

“I wish I would not have looked there, but I was kind of keyed in on going to (wide receiver) Cody (Latimer),” Manning said.

Manning received the scrutiny, but the offense’s struggles the last two weeks were a team effort.

Penalties forced Denver into long-yardage situations. Dropped passes scuttled two drives in Houston. Anderson and Ronnie Hillman missed blitz pickup opportunities, leading to sacks by NaVorro Bowman.

Broncos general manager John Elway described the offense as a “work in progress.”

It is likely to remain that way for some time. But the Broncos are expected to get wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders back for Week 1, will start Evan Mathis at left guard, and the running game is already clicking and in midseason form.

And most importantly, the Broncos know where the problems lie.

“It’s not a ‘his problem,’ or, ‘it’s this person’s problem.’ It’s all of us as a unit. It’s just mistakes,” Anderson said. “It’s just focus and [being] mentally dialed in, and we’ll find a way. We’ve got a great coaching staff, and we’ve also got great veteran leaders.

“We’ll find a way to make it happen, and I promise you we’ll be ready Week 1.”

–Chris Clark began August as the first-team right tackle. He ended it on a plane to Houston.

The Broncos dealt Clark to Houston for a seventh-round pick in next year’s draft on Monday, ending a five-year run that saw Clark hold down the fort at left tackle in 2013 when Ryan Clady suffered a Lisfranc injury.

Clark fared well on the left side, his natural position dating back to his days at Southern Mississippi. But he struggled at right tackle. He was the Week 1 starter at that spot last year, but was benched after five games. Gary Kubiak opted to give Clark another chance at right tackle, but he couldn’t contain pass rushers off the edge and was quickly supplanted by Ryan Harris.

Meanwhile, it only took Evan Mathis five days to work his way onto the first team.

Mathis received first-team work during Monday’s practice, and credited the extra time he had to study with getting him up to speed with the new offense.

“I have nothing else to do but go to the hotel and study. Football is my life,” Mathis said. “I want to make sure that it’s going to be my priority and to make sure that I know exactly what I’m doing when my name is called.”

Coach Gary Kubiak left open the possibility that Mathis could be limited to 50 plays in the season opener, but if he can get up to speed in terms of conditioning, he could play 100 percent of the offensive snaps against Baltimore on Sept. 15.

In the meantime, Mathis is prepared for a series of cram sessions in his hotel room.

“You usually cram really well when you have a sense of urgency,” Mathis said. “I think it helps.”

NOTES: Safety/returner Omar Bolden did not practice Monday because of sore ribs. … Guard Max Garcia saw some work at center Monday. After being supplanted by Evan Mathis last week, Garcia is a top candidate to be the Broncos’ swing interior backup offensive lineman. … Running back Montee Ball was the fourth running back in during Saturday’s game against the 49ers. Ball is on the bubble thanks to the emergence of Ronnie Hillman and the versatility of Juwan Thompson. … Running back Juwan Thompson showed his short-yardage prowess with a 1-yard touchdown run and the subsequent two-point conversion to provide the decisive points in the 19-12 win Saturday. … Cornerback Tony Carter missed a second consecutive game because of a hamstring injury. Carter is on the bubble and in a fight for the No. 5 cornerback spot. … Cornerback CB Chris Harris Jr. did not play against San Francisco, but Coach Gary Kubiak said he would have played if it was the regular season. … Defensive end Kenny Anunike had stitches removed from his knee following surgery and is expected to return by Week 1. … Punter Britton Colquitt won his competition with Spencer Lanning after the Broncos waived Lanning on Monday. Colquitt responded to the challenge posed by Lanning, who was claimed off waivers on Aug. 14, and posted a net average of 43.9 yards the last two games.