Good morning, Broncos Country!
The Broncos did a lot of things well during Saturday’s preseason win over the Cardinals, so well in fact, that even head coach Sean Payton had to admit there “is going to be a lot of things on tape we like.”
“I thought we did a lot of things well,” he said. “I thought our energy, kind of how we started the game, really in all three phases, there’s going to be a lot of good things on tape we like.”
Not the least of which was the performance of the young receivers. Backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham was dealing, and the running backs collectively put together a very solid 167-yard game.
But the receivers were on fire as the Broncos’ passing game topped 400 yards and gave 14 pass-catchers a chance to make a play.
Two guys — rookie Pat Bryant and second-year wideout Troy Franklin — made more plays than most, combining for four catches each and 137 yards.
Franklin, the former teammate to quarterback Bo Nix who struggled a bit last year to make much of an impact when he was on the field, has seemed to find some footing this season so far.
And twice that was in the end zone.
“I think I’m just more comfortable, got a little bit more freedom to go out there and just play. And also just knowing the offense as a whole,” Franklin said after the game. “I feel great. You know, we all can go. So it’s pretty cool.”
It is pretty cool. In fact, so many positions showcased so much depth on Saturday night that it will be a problem on cut day.
“I think there’re going to be a number of tough decisions, but I’d rather be in that position than the position we were in two years ago at this time,” Payton said. “I think that the talent level has gradually gotten better. These guys, they’re all competing, and we say this to them, and it’s serious. We’re rooting for all of them. We’re rooting for their best.”
Bryant noted that the energy from all the receivers made it that much more possible to have a big game.
“At the end of the day, it’s football. Just go out there, have fun. That’s what they preach to us all the time,” Bryant added. “Running several guys like that, seeing them make plays, makes you just want to go out there and make plays as well.”
Stidham, who was 16 of 23 for 240 yards and two touchdown passes, couldn’t praise his two young receivers enough.
“It is hard to put into words because \[Franklin\] has grown so much since last year. You can tell he is playing with so much confidence right now,” he said. “I think he is going to help our offense in a really big way. I know the guys in our room are really excited about that and looking forward to it.”
And about the rookie, Stidham noted the high expectations are being met.
“He is doing amazing,” Stidham said of Bryant. “Obviously big expectations for him coming in as a receiver that we drafted. He keeps getting acclimated. Just like with any young guy, there is a learning curve, but the more he’s playing and the more confidence he’s gaining is huge. He made some really great plays tonight.”
Not to be left out of the big night for the young guns, rookie running back RJ Harvey got the touchdown party started for the Broncos when he scampered up the middle for an 8-yard score on the fourth play of the game. A score made possible by veteran tight end Evan Engram’s 58-yard gain on the second play.
“It’s amazing,” Harvey said of the team’s play Saturday. “This whole team is filled with amazing players. We’re real deep everywhere. I’m just so excited to work every day with everybody. I get along with everybody. Everybody has a great connection. It’s just a blessing to play for the Denver Broncos.”
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