The Denver Broncos' preseason opener against the Atlanta Falcons showcased a mix of talent and potential, with several players stepping up and others falling short. Here's a breakdown of the winners and losers from the game, with a heavy dose of personal commentary and analysis.
Winners
1. QB Jarrett Stidham
I was impressed by Stidham's performance, which solidified his position as the favorite for the backup quarterback role. His 9-for-15 passing for 131 yards and a touchdown, including a 40-yard throw to Courtland Sutton, demonstrated his ability to lead the offense effectively. Stidham's performance against the third-team defense was particularly notable, as it outshone Sam Ehlinger's efforts.
2. CB Jahdae Barron
Barron's pick-6 touchdown was a game-changer, and it's about time he made a significant impact. His performance, including a few PBUs and a near interception, showed his potential as a starting cornerback. With his aggressive play and active presence in the run game, Barron is on track to become a key player in the secondary.
3. RB Jonah Coleman
Coleman's limited touches didn't do him justice, but his performance showcased his talent. With a good burst, vision, balance, and power, he looked like a strong running back. His ability to run between the tackles, as noted by Coach Payton, makes him a strong contender for the RB2 role, especially with his superior skills compared to RJ Harvey.
4. FB Adam Prentice
Prentice's productivity as a short-yardage back and his contributions on special teams make him a valuable asset. His ability to lead the way for ball carriers and his versatility as a pass catcher and blocker make him a key player on the team.
5. WR Courtland Sutton
Sutton's highlight-reel catches, including a 40-yard bomb and a one-handed grab, showcased his talent. His load management strategy seems to be paying off, and he's a key player to watch this season.
6. EDGE Jonathon Cooper
Despite off-the-field legal issues, Cooper's performance on the field was impressive. His quickness and ability to be unblockable early on make him a force to be reckoned with.
7. DL Eyioma Uwazurike
Uwazurike's strong camp performance and his JFM role make him a standout player. His presence on the defensive line is a positive sign for the team's depth.
8. WR Pat Bryant
Bryant's ability to make plays when given the opportunity is a positive sign. His contributions this summer have been notable.
9. LB Red Murdock
Murdock's presence around the ball and his leadership in tackles make him a valuable player. His performance against the Falcons was impressive.
10. CB Riley Moss
Moss's interception is a positive sign, and his overall performance was solid.
11. EDGE Drew Sanders
Sanders' sack is a significant achievement, and his overall performance was strong.
12. Broncos Depth
The Broncos' ability to dominate despite being without key players like Bo Nix and Jaylen Waddle is a testament to their depth and talent.
Losers
1. QB Sam Ehlinger
Ehlinger's quest for the backup quarterback role took a hit after struggling to get the offense going. His near interception and inconsistent performance in the second half make it challenging for him to compete with Stidham.
2. RB Jaleel McLaughlin
McLaughlin's fumble was a costly mistake, especially with his roster position on the line. His performance, while decent, was overshadowed by the fumble, and he'll need to step up in the coming weeks.
3. Special Teams
The special teams unit's mistakes, including a botched snap and a rushed field goal attempt, were costly. These errors could have significant implications for the team's roster composition.
4. TEs (Tight Ends)
The tight ends, including Engram, were relatively quiet, with Engram having a few targets and a nice catch-and-run. More consistent performance is needed from this position.
5. Penalties
The 8 flags in the second half, with most coming from the Broncos, were a negative aspect of the game. Sloppy play and penalties can impact the team's performance and morale.
6. WR Joseph Manjack
Manjack's nice connection with Ehlinger and his 3 catches for 40 yards are positive notes. However, his overall performance could have been better.
7. JL Skinner
Skinner's big hits and presence on the field are notable, but his potential to play linebacker is an interesting angle to explore.
In conclusion, the Denver Broncos' preseason opener provided a glimpse into the team's potential and areas for improvement. With a mix of winners and losers, the team has a lot to build upon and learn from as the season progresses.
