After being trounced by the Green Bay Packers in the second week of the preseason, the Denver Broncos did exactly what they needed to do against the Minnesota Vikings last night. The Broncos ended their three-game preseason slate by crushing the Minnesota Vikings 34-6.
With most of their key starters resting, the backups took care of business. In every facet of the game, Denver dominated Minnesota. The Broncos had 131 more yards through the air, outrushed the Vikings and topped 100 yards on the ground, completed 50-percent of plays on third down, and even played a disciplined game with just three penalties.
“I thought there was a real good effort tonight with the groups that were playing. I thought we had good energy, I thought we won in a lot of different areas. I’m sure that tape will look good. We have a lot of decisions to make both tomorrow and Sunday and we’ll go from there,” stated Head Coach Sean Payton after the game.
One position group that showed promise was at running back. Tyler Badie, Cody Schrader, and Jaleel McLaughlin carried the load for the Broncos with J.K. Dobbins, RJ Harvey, and Jonah Coleman all sitting this game out. The latter’s spots on the team are guaranteed, though it remains to be seen Denver will opt to carry four running backs on the roster.
Schrader, who in my opinion performed the best of any player on the field, had himself quite the night. He averaged nearly eight yards per carry in the first half. He also showed dynamic ability as a receiver out of the backfield. He ended his night with 19 total touches for 132 yards and 1 touchdown. After the game, Schrader reflected on his gridiron journey and was hopeful he showcased enough to earn a spot on the final 53-man roster.
DENVER , CO - AUGUST 28: Cody Schrader (25) of the Denver Broncos gains positive yards against the Minnesota Vikings during the third quarter at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on Friday, August 28, 2026. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
DENVER , CO - AUGUST 28: Cody Schrader (25) of the Denver Broncos gains positive yards against the Minnesota Vikings during the third quarter at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on Friday, August 28, 2026. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
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“My journey has been kind of crazy. I’ve been cut seven times in two years, claimed four or five times, and just not taking anything for granted. They brought me in last year, and I didn’t get an opportunity, but they brought me back for a reason. Hopefully, I kind of showed that I can help this football team win this year,” stated Schrader.
In addition to Schrader, another young player on offense made his case to make the team. That was tight end Justin Joly, who the team picked in the fifth round this past April. After a quiet training camp and first two preseason games, Joly had the biggest play of the game on offense. In the fourth quarter, he reeled in an 88-yard touchdown reception from Sam Ehlinger.
“Honestly, it was amazing. Obviously at the home field and the first touchdown of my career. It felt like the ball was in the air for 30 seconds. I was waiting for forever for an opportunity, and I got it,” stated the rookie tight end after his top-notch performance versus Minnesota.
DENVER , CO - AUGUST 28: Justin Joly (80) of the Denver Broncos stands on the field during the third quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on Friday, August 28, 2026. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
DENVER , CO - AUGUST 28: Justin Joly (80) of the Denver Broncos stands on the field during the third quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on Friday, August 28, 2026. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
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“Whatever opportunity they gave me, I just try to make the most of it. I mess up here and there, but I have faith in my coaches, and my coaches have faith in me,” he added.
Now, the Broncos will turn their focus to assembling the best roster possible. Throughout today and up until tomorrow afternoon, the coaches will have plenty of discussions and tape review sessions to determine who makes it and who doesn’t. With a roster loaded with talent and continuity at most positions, there aren’t a lot of spots up for grabs.
Tough decisions will be made. Good players will find themselves on the outside looking for a new team to continue their NFL career. But all that matters now is what 53 players give the Broncos the best chance at securing the franchise’s fourth Lombardi Trophy this season. That journey begins in a little over two weeks when they head to Arrowhead Stadium to take on the Kansas City Chiefs on Monday Night Football.
And you know what? The Broncos are going to start the 2026 gridiron campaign over their division rivals. Believe that, Broncos Country!