The Denver Broncos defense wasted no time reminding everyone what it looks like when it’s rolling.
In the preseason opener against Atlanta on Friday, Denver’s defense came out fast and sharp, picking up right where it left off in January as the Broncos begin the defense of their AFC West title and chase a return to the AFC Championship game.
That side of the ball is expected to carry a big load again this year, and coach Sean Payton wants even more takeaways. Against the Falcons, the defense delivered exactly that kind of start.
“It was good going out there with everybody and doing it live again,” said All-Pro defensive tackle Zach Allen in a piece written by Parker Gabriel of the Denver Post. “Some things to clean up, but some good things, too.
… We’re just striving to be as consistent as possible. That’s what this time of year is.
You’re always trying to find new techniques because you’ve always got to evolve, but at the same time, too, knowing the ins and outs of your job.”
One of the biggest plays of the night came from cornerback Jahdae Barron, who snatched a tipped pass and took it 97 yards for a touchdown. Riley Moss also came away with an interception.
Those two are in the middle of a real fight for snaps in a secondary that wants to take another step forward. Barron had trouble with missed assignments and said he felt lost last year, while Moss dealt with penalties.
Allen pointed to that kind of competition as a plus for the group.
“It’s a fun group and guys have a really good attitude right now,” he added.
Payton gave his defensive starters a targeted workload of 15 plays against Atlanta, and he wanted them working from the jump. The Falcons opened with a three-and-out, and Atlanta ran only 13 plays across its first four possessions.
Pressure remains Denver’s calling card, and it showed again. Tua Tagovailoa managed just 22 passing yards in his short stint, and the other Atlanta quarterbacks didn’t fare much better.
Payton also ties that defensive work to the bigger picture, stressing how the three phases have to stay linked.
“We have to be connected in the three phases,” Payton said. “The better teams are connected as to what the overall plan is.
So, as a play-caller, you’re paying attention to how you’re playing defense. Or, you’re paying attention to - you’re playing a really high-end offense and the volleys are different, right?
All of that matters.”
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Broncos Preseason Opener May Have Settled Three Real Roster Fights
The Broncos preseason opener against Atlanta did more than shake off the rust. It gave the coaching staff an early look at a few roster battles that were already tight enough to make every snap matter, and some of those decisions are starting to come into focus. Denver went into the night with questions at quarterback depth, fullback, and tight end, and the way certain players performed offered a clearer read on where the team may be headed as camp continues.
Jarrett Stidhams outing strengthened his position in the backup quarterback race, while Prentice helped make a stronger case to stay on the roster after standing out in a role that often gets squeezed by numbers. At tight end, the picture is less encouraging for Krull, who appears to be fighting uphill in a crowded room with limited spots available. Final calls will still depend on health and the rest of preseason, but the opener looked like the kind of game that can quietly settle more than one debate. [Read more 🡒]
Jarrett Stidham Just Reignited The Broncos Backup QB Debate
Jarrett Stidham gave the Broncos something to think about in their preseason win over the Falcons, turning in a sharp outing that included 131 passing yards and a touchdown. More than the numbers, he looked comfortable running the offense, and Sean Payton singled out his resiliency, quick operation and the kind of presence that can matter when a team is sorting through its quarterback room.
Stidham also acknowledged the sting of the previous AFC Championship game, but his focus has clearly shifted to the job in front of him. For Denver, that makes this more than just a strong preseason showing. It reopens the backup quarterback conversation at a time when every rep and every decision carries extra weight. [Read more 🡒]