Mile High Report
The Broncos improve to 2-0 in the preseason after a 27-7 victory over the Cardinals. It was another dominating performance by the Broncos, who showed off their depth once again and held the opposing team to just one touchdown.
The vast majority of the Broncos’ starters did not play in this game, but we did see many key young players and backups make significant plays, helping to solidify their roles and roster spots on the team. So, with all that said, here are the winners and losers from the Broncos’ victory over the Cardinals in week 2 of the preseason.
Jarrett Stidham stays hot.
The Broncos’ backup quarterback was on fire in the first half and led the Broncos’ offense to 24 points at halftime. He finished the game 16-23 for 240 yards and 2 touchdown passes. He was in command of the offense, extending plays and making accurate throws all over the field.
No, he’s not pushing Bo Nix for the starting job, but he is proving he can effectively lead the Broncos offense if needed. You need to have confidence in your backup quarterback, and your backup needs to have confidence in himself to step in and run the offense if needed. I believe Stidham checks both of those boxes right now.
Sean Payton said after the game that “It’s happening, and I am excited” when talking about Troy Franklin.
It is indeed happening.
Troy Franklin has been the star of the offseason and training camp and carried that over into the preseason and into this game. He totaled 4 receptions for 67 yards and 2 touchdowns. This was the breakout performance we have been waiting to see from Franklin, and I am excited that it’s happening.
The Broncos’ wide receiver room is very deep, but Franklin may have earned himself a starting role in the offense this season. Sutton is your WR1, and it appears Mims has locked down the WR2 job, but everything else seems up for grabs right now. Franklin has earned this opportunity and will make the Broncos offense even more dynamic if he can be a starter and playmaker.
Troy Franklin was not the only Broncos wide receiver to ball out tonight. Rookie wide receiver Pat Bryant looked like Courtland Sutton out there tonight. He was a big target in the middle of the field and showed off his reliable hands in key moments for the Broncos’ offense.
He finished the game with 4 receptions for 70 yards, which was a team-high tonight. Bryant looked like a polished wide receiver out there who can contribute right away and give the Broncos another big, reliable target in the middle of the field.
How the Broncos’ wide receiver room shakes out in the coming days/week will be fascinating.
I think we have our answer to the two backs...
