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Reserve backs lead Broncos over Cardinals

Aug 31, 2007 - 4:07 AM By Tony Desiere PA SportsTicker Contributing Writer

DENVER (Ticker) - Reserve running backs Andre Hall and Selvin Young combined for three rushing touchdowns to lead the Denver Broncos to a 21-3 victory over the Arizona Cardinals in the preseason finale Thursday night.

Broncos coach Mike Shanahan said that many of his starters would not play. Cardinals coach Ken Whisenhunt made no such claim

Arizona quarterback Matt Leinart, wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald, and running back Edgerrin James all saw action in the first series.

Leinart finished the night 2-of-6 for 13 yards, driving the Cardinals 79 yards on the opening drive, which led to a 19-yard field goal by Neil Rackers. James touched the ball three times on the drive, finishing with 34 yards. Fitzgerald made one catch for five yards.

Hall scored on a pair of 2-yard touchdown runs and Selvin Young added a 12-yard score.

Hall finished with 52 yards and Young added 49 on the ground. Young, making a strong pitch for a spot on a team loaded with running backs, gave the Broncos a second straight solid performance. He ran for 91 yards against Cleveland last Saturday.

The Broncos, who did not play quarterbacks Jay Cutler and Patrick Ramsey, went almost exclusively with Darrell Hackney. He finished the night 6-of-13 for 84 yards, leading Denver on all three touchdown drives.

Denver's defense continued to struggle with Jim Bates' new defensive scheme. The second-team defense allowed Arizona to gain 184 yards on the ground, most coming in the second half.

Denver defensive back Karl Paymah suffered a concussion in the second quarter when he went down to tackle Cardinals running back Steve Baylark. He was taken to an area hospital.

The win gives Denver a 2-2 preseason record. Arizona finished winless at 0-4.