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Brandstater roughed up in first NFL game
Brandstater1
Former Turlock High standout and Denver Broncos rookie quarterback Tom Brandstater got into his first NFL game against the Seattle Seahawks on Saturday night. However, it wasn’t a pretty appearance as he was sacked four times. - photo by Journal file photo
On Saturday night, Denver Broncos rookie quarterback and former Turlock High standout Tom Brandstater wasn’t restricted to the sidelines for three hours, as he was a week earlier. He finally got his chance to play in an NFL game, this one against the Seattle Seahawks at Qwest Field in preseason action.
The Broncos lost 27-13.
He went in unexpectedly after backup quarterback Chris Simms suffered an ankle injury, the result of a low, illegal hit from Seahawks defensive end Nick Reed. Brandstater had a brutal night: He was sacked four times and threw 2-for-4 for 1 yard after entering the game with 13 minutes, 55 seconds left in the fourth quarter. He had little time to prepare, but didn’t want to use that as an excuse.
“I wish I was a little more composed,” he told The Denver Post. “Hopefully, I can build on this experience.”
His only completion went to Jeb Putzier for a 4-yard gain.
On Aug. 14, Brandstater, also a former Fresno State star, had no playing time in the preseason opener against the San Francisco 49ers. Several family members and friends were in the stands at Candlestick Park in San Francisco hoping to catch a glimpse of the pro football player.
But with Simms out, the Broncos will have only Brandstater and starter Kyle Orton for practice this week — leading up to Sunday night’s exhibition against the Chicago Bears at Invesco Field in Denver. That could mean more learning time for Brandstater.
To contact Chhun Sun, e-mail csun@turlockjournal.com or call 634-9141 ext. 2041.