The Broncos’ preseason opener in Atlanta is less about the scoreboard than about what it reveals, and Friday night should offer plenty. Denver meets the Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, and for the first time in a long time, Sean Payton won’t be the one steering the offense. That job belongs to new offensive coordinator Davis Webb, and all eyes will be on how that change looks in real time.
Webb has already shown he can make an offense hum when given the keys. In his lone chance to call plays last summer, then as the Broncos’ pass game coordinator, Denver rolled up 562 total yards and scored 27 points against the Arizona Cardinals.
The Broncos also stacked up 23 first downs - 27 if penalties are included. A similar kind of night in Atlanta would go a long way toward easing any leftover concern in Broncos Country about Payton stepping back from play-calling.
The quarterbacks should have room to work. Denver is predicted to clear 275 passing yards and 130 rushing yards, and the offense is expected to look lively from the start.
Jarrett Stidham, who has been pushed by Sam Ehlinger in camp even if the Broncos’ unofficial depth chart has stayed put, gets the chance to show his edge in experience. In this forecast, Stidham uses it.
He’s projected to guide Denver to a comfortable first-half lead, throw for more than 150 yards, and connect for two touchdowns before halftime.
That leaves the second half for Ehlinger, who has built a reputation as a player who can make things happen when structure breaks down. Camp is one thing; games are another.
With less coaching chatter in his ear and more freedom to react on the fly, he’s expected to be even more productive than Stidham in terms of team offense, even if his individual line comes in a touch lighter. The prediction here is a second-half showing of 125-plus passing yards and a touchdown.
Rookie running back Coleman is also expected to do his damage later in the game. With his action likely coming after halftime and his spot still unofficially near the bottom of the depth chart, the assumption is that most of his chances come with the second and third units. Still, the call is for Coleman to break out for 65 rushing yards and a touchdown, with Cody Schrader also getting some second-half work as he fights for a practice squad role.
There should be a few notable moments through the passing game as well. Bryant, who has been one of the standouts of camp, is forecast to catch the Broncos’ first touchdown of the summer before calling it a night. Stidham is the one expected to find him in the red zone, with Troy Franklin’s involvement still to be determined.
At tight end, the Broncos may get a clearer read on the difference between Bentley and Joly. Joly brings upside as a receiving threat, but his development has been slower, and Bentley’s background at Utah and his added strength as a blocker give him an edge in this one. The expectation is not a huge night for Bentley, just a better one than Joly’s, with Joly then carrying more pressure into the Game 2 matchup against the Green Bay Packers.
On defense, Elliss is projected to make an early impact if his snap count allows it. He has flashed in camp, and that production is expected to carry over to the preseason with the Broncos’ first sack of the night. Que Robinson and Drew Sanders should also see extended run as depth rush linebackers, with Sanders drawing especially close attention after missing time.
The takeaway theme on defense is forced fumbles, and Murdock is forecast to deliver right away. Even with the usual rookie learning curve, he has reportedly settled in more over the last week, and the prediction is that he punches the ball loose in his first game as a Bronco.
Another defender expected to make a splash is Abrams-Draine, who has put together a strong camp of his own. He is projected to come up with the Broncos’ first interception of the summer, a fitting early return for a defense that has made takeaways a point of emphasis throughout camp.
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