The Denver Broncos finished the preseason with a 3-0 record after defeating the New Orleans Saints by the score of 28-19. With cuts looming, and honestly, likely already mostly decided, this was the last chance for a lot of the players to make one last impression on the Broncos coaches before they meet and decide on who stays and who goes.
In this game, we saw the Broncos’ starting offense play their starters, and while they started out slow, they finished on a high note. Outside of that, it was certainly a preseason finale, and we’ll be going over the winners and losers from this game.
WINNER - Bo Nix and Courtland Sutton
Probably the only takeaway from this game can be made about the Broncos’ offense. They started out slow with a three-and-out, and panic set in for Broncos Country. However, a second drive did lead to a field goal, but it was still far from perfect. However, on the third and final drive, Nix and Sutton started clicking and two led the Broncos offense down the field for a touchdown.
Nix finished the game 10 for 14 for 110 yards and 1 touchdown, while Sutton had 4 receptions for 83 yards and 1 touchdown. The two have chemistry, and Sutton is the player Nix looks for when he needs a big play. The two carried a Broncos offense on that final drive and has the first team unit leaving the preseason on a high note.
WINNER - QB Sam Ehlinger
We did not see Jarrett Stidham play today after his hot start in the preseason, so we saw a lot of the third-string quarterback, Sam Ehlinger, in this one. He came in after Nix and the starters left the field after three drives and played the rest of the game. He would go 22 for 31 for 198 yards and 1 touchdown and 1 interception. The interception came on a deflected screen pass attempt, and his touchdown was a prayer to undrafted rookie Kyrese Rowan, who hauled it in for a touchdown.
Stidham not playing was not expected, so it’ll be interesting to see what happened there, but Ehlinger proved he can be a solid backup if needed for the Broncos.
WINNER/LOSER - RB Audric Estime
The good: Audric Estime looked good today and had 8 carries for 45 yards and 1 touchdown
The bad: He was the final back to see a carry and didn’t see his first carry until the 3rd quarter.
This was with Jaleel McLaughlin sitting out the game due to his partner being in labor, and veteran J.K. Dobbins not playing in this game. Rookie R.J. Harvey got the start, Tyler Badie came in on third downs, and Blake Watson was the next back in. So, while it was a good showing for Estime, the optics don’t paint a great picture for him.
We’ll see if Estime makes the team, but I have him as a borderline practice squad player for them right now.
LOSER - Run Game
The Broncos made it an emphasis to improve their run game, and the results, so far at least, have not been wonderful. Rookie R.J. Harvey started the game and had 3 carries for 4 yards. He could not find room to do anything, and the problem starts up front for the Broncos.
Their run blocking was not great, and you saw center Luke Wattenberg and left guard Ben Powers struggle at times. They are also learning a new outside zone scheme, so I don’t know if that is factoring in, but it was not a great showing today.
Hopefully, we’ll see things open up more once we reach the regular season, but running lanes were hard to find today for the Broncos starters.
WINNER - RB Tyler Badie
The more you can do, the better shot you have at making the team, and Badie proved once again that he can do a lot for a team. He was the RB2 today behind rookie R.J. Harvey and once again flashed as a runner and receiver. However, his best work may have come as a pass blocker, where he stonewalled free rushers multiple times, allowing Nix to make plays down the field.
Pass blocking will get you on the field. Harvey is a work in progress there, and Jaleel doesn’t have the size to really do it. So, Badie’s pass-blocking ability should help him make the 53-man roster.
On top of all that, he was also returning kicks today. The more you can do, the better, and I believe Badie just locked up a roster spot.
Other notable Winners and Losers
WINNER - TE Lucas Krull: He finished the game with 3 receptions for 49 yards, including a big play down the seam from Ehlinger to put the Broncos in the red zone.
WINNER - WR Kyrese Rowan: Yet another Broncos wide receiver making plays. He took over that final offensive drive and finished the game with 4 receptions for 33 yards, including an answered prayer for a touchdown.
WINNER - EDGE Que Robinson: The rookie edge rusher showed off his skills off the edge and had a strip sack that led to the Broncos recovering he fumble.
LOSER - P Jeremy Crawshaw: He had one punt for 42 yards, and it was a low line drive that lacked hang time. He needs to get it together.
WINNER - The real thing is next: The preseason is finally over, and next up is week one of the 2025 NFL season. Cam Ward will be making his first career start against this Denver Broncos defense.
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