Broncos: Five things to watch for in first preseason game

Five things to watch for in tonight's first Denver Broncos preseason game:

1) Kyle Orton: The Broncos quarterback may get more playing time than most starting quarterbacks ion the first preseason game. Orton was booed in a practice at Invesco Field and has been intercepted several times in recent practices. So, making a good impression tonight would help boost Orton's mental state even though it's doubtful he could lose the starting job to Chris Simms.

2) The 3-4 defense: Mike Nolan

and Josh McDaniels unveil the new defensive scheme. It ma be too early to see who shines against the 49ers, but it might bee an eye opener for Broncos fans to see who breaks out as a run stopper and who may be the best pass rusher from the front seven. Also look for how D.J. Williams plays in another new position as one of the two inside linebackers.

3) Special teams: While punter Brett Kern and (especially) kicker Matt Prater are locks to win spots, you could see a host of return men. Plus new rules prevent the kick return teams from using the wedge system, so it's a learning curve on blocking schemes for all NFL teams this year.

4) Knowshon Moreno: The first-round draft pick will get some carries despite less than a week's work at camp. Probably too soon to judge the Georgia back, but Broncos fans can at least grade his performance against real NFL competition.

5) Peyton Hillis: How will McDaniels utilize Hillis' unique talents as a blocker, runner and pass receiver. We could glimpses of what the former Arkansas fullback can do from a variety of sets tonight. Hillis may be down the depth chart, but he could see a lot of playing time because of his versatility.