The Denver Broncos defeated the Indianapolis Colts 34-30 in their preseason opener at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday. Here are five quick takeaways from the victory.
1. Personnel notes: Eleven players sat out, including seven injured players. Broncos safety Brandon Jones (hamstring) sat out injured and cornerback Pat Surtain and defensive linemen John Franklin-Myers and Zach Allen were rested. Devon Key started at safety across from P.J. Locke and Angelo Blackson and D.J. Jones started on the defensive line.
With Surtain not suiting up and Levi Wallace (hamstring) injured, the Broncos started Riley Moss and Damarri Mathis at cornerback. At inside linebacker, Cody Barton started next to Alex Singleton. Tremon Smith lined up as a punt returner and he also got reps as a kickoff returner alongside Jaleel McLaughlin.
2. Jarrett Stidham was let down by his teammates: Stidham’s first drive stalled after false start penalties by receiver Courtland Sutton and tackle Mike McGlinchey, and a taunting penalty from receiver Tim Patrick. Stidham’s second drive ended with an interception that wasn’t his fault (more on that shortly). Stidham finished the game 4-of-7 passing for 37 yards. He didn’t lead any scoring drives, but the blame for that falls mostly on his teammates.
3. Denver’s backfield remains crowded: Javonte Williams got four carries and Jaleel McLaughlin got nine touches. They are seemingly both locks. Audric Estime, a fifth-round pick in April, is probably safe, too. Estime rushed 10 times for 31 yards and a touchdown while adding three receptions for 13 yards. Blake Watson turned nine carries into 26 yards and a touchdown and even Tyler Badie got in on the action with two carries for 13 yards and a score. The team’s only running back to not get a carry might be in jeopardy…
4. Samaje Perine’s stock is falling: Perine is Denver’s best receiving back, but he mishandled his lone target on Sunday, leading to an interception that was credited to Stidham. The pass was accurate, but Perine bobbled it and bounced it into the air. Perine will turn 29 years old next month and the Broncos would save $3 million if he’s released this summer. If he does not stand out as the best receiving and blocking back in preseason, Perine might be in danger of not making the 53-man roster.
5. Bo Nix finished well after a shaky start: Nix, of course, is the big storyline. His overall performance was encouraging, but Nix did have some rookie moments early in the game. He started with two incompletions (including one that could have been intercepted) and he also mishandled a snap. Fortunately, Nix’s struggles ended there. The rookie quarterback finished the game 15-of-21 passing for 125 yards with one touchdown and no turnovers. Nix also showed off his mobility, rushing three times for 17 yards. The offensive line also kept Nix — and all three QBs — upright as the Broncos did not give up any sacks. Overall, it was a strong showing for Nix, albeit mostly against backup defenders. Nix is now set to start against the Green Bay Packers next week. Green Bay is expected to rest most of their defensive starters, but Nix will face starters when the Broncos host the Packers for a joint practice on Friday.
After hosting Green Bay, Denver will close out preseason against the Arizona Cardinals. Then it’s on to the regular season. The Broncos are scheduled to go on the road to face the Seattle Seahawks in Week 1.
