It feels great to win, doesn’t it?
As it has been these last few years, the Bronco game against Dallas wasn’t ever close. Sure, there are plenty of fans who will hold up their hand and protest that it’s only preseason—and just the lowly first one at that. However, a win is a win and when it’s against perennially overrated Dem Boys, it’s always nice to celebrate.
Since the NFL expanded the regular season and cut the preseason by one game, the first preseason game has grown in importance, but is still largely regarded as one of the hardest to watch of the year. That said, there were a few standouts that Broncos Country has already taken notice of.
Offensively, quarterback Josh Johnson took his time to get going, but once things began to click, he spread the ball around. Without his 16/23 attempts, 172-yards, and 2-touchdowns that generated his 120.2 passer rating, we wouldn’t have had the opportunity to see the firepower stashed within the crowded Broncos receiving corps. Seth Williams, Brandon Johnson, Kendall Hinton, and Jalen Virgil all turned in performances to get them noticed not just as possible Tim Patrick replacements, but also by other teams in the league. Limited roster spots and excellent play could make these next couple preseason games just that much more interesting.
Defensively, the Broncos had the Cowboys hogtied for most of the game. There has been a ton of talk about Baron Browning’s bend around the edge being reminiscent of Von Miller’s. Purists among us in Broncos Country have been quick to caution against that sort of comparison, but, by the looks of things on Saturday, they needn’t worry. As Scotty Payne said in Winners and Losers following the game:
Browning flashed his speed, athleticism, strength, versatility, and Von Miller-like bend in this game. He was disruptive and looks like someone who could be a potential starter for the Broncos at some point this upcoming season.
Damarri Mathis’ presence proved disruptive enough to contribute to P.J. Locke’s interception. Could those turnovers that have been so elusive for Denver’s defense these last few years be making their triumphant return to the Mile High City?
Lastly, special teams were fun to watch. Montrell Washington appears to be as advertised. With returns of 18 and 27-yards, the big play potential is certainly there. If given the opportunity, there is no doubt in my mind that he will exploit it to the fullest extent he is able.
Who knew the old adage, “that’s why they play the games” would be so apt when it came to the punting battle between Sam Martin and Corliss Waitman? While Waitman has wowed in camp, Martin outperformed him on Saturday, averaging 50.5-yards a punt to Waitman’s 37.5-yards per punt.
When the Broncos win 17-7, it’s nice. When it’s against the Dallas Cowboys, it’s absolutely delicious. Who cares if it’s preseason? With 1⁄3 of the preseason behind Broncos Country, it’s now time to turn attention toward the Buffalo Bills on Saturday. The preseason is underway! Let’s ride.
Ask Mase: Just how bad were the Broncos on the ground against Dallas? – DenverFan
Don’t blame Mike Boone, because he didn’t have a chance … also, will we see more color-vs.-color uniform games like Saturday’s?
Melvin Gordon calls out reporter for hilarious asumption | Yardbarker
Melvin Gordon is dealing with a foot injury that caused him to miss some practice time this week. Contrary to what one reporter thought, however, the Denver Broncos running back did not warm up prior to Saturday night’s preseason game with some sort of bizarre padding on right leg.
Tim Aragon becomes Broncos’ new general counsel following Rich Slivka’s retirement
The Broncos have named Tim Aragon their new general counsel following Rich Slivka’s retirement.
Brother of former Bronco Aqib Talib wanted in Texas for murder during youth football game – CBS Colorado
The brother of former Denver Broncos cornerback Aqib Talib is being sought by Texas authorities following the fatal shooting of a man at a youth football game Saturday evening.
Broncos safety Justin Simmons ranked No. 81 on 2022 NFL Top 100
A year after breaking into the NFL Top 100 player rankings for the first time, Justin Simmons is back.
Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson ranked No. 61 on 2022 NFL Top 100
For a 10th consecutive year, Russell Wilson has earned a spot on the NFL Top 100 player rankings.
Darren Waller: Raiders in recent years didn’t have a plan for me in the red zone – ProFootballTalk
FMIA: Trey Lance Is NFL’s 2022 Mystery Man And Why The Chiefs Are Just Fine Without Tyreek Hill – ProFootballTalk
Peter King visits 49ers, Chiefs and Broncos training camp as his 2022 Training Camp Tour rolls on for Football Morning in America.
2022 NFL preseason, Week 1: What We Learned from Raiders’ win over Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings faced off against the Las Vegas Raiders to wrap up Week 1 of the preseason.
Zach Wilson on his way to L.A. for knee procedure – ProFootballTalk
Grass at Allegiant Stadium looked worse than the turf at Soldier Field – ProFootballTalk
Atlanta Falcons rookie WR Drake London (knee) likely to sit out practice this week
Arthur Smith said Falcons rookie WR Drake London will “probably not” be available during practices this week due to a knee injury.
In ‘the next step in the process,’ Green Bay Packers activate three players off PUP list, including tight end Robert Tonyan
The Green Bay Packers’ outlook for Week 1 improved on Sunday after coach Matt LaFleur said three key players — including tight end Robert Tonyan — have been activated off the physically unable to perform list.
Robert Saleh – New York Jets ‘not out of the woods’ until outcome of Zach Wilson’s knee scope
Zach Wilson will have arthroscopic knee surgery on Tuesday and Jets coach Robert Saleh said Sunday the timeline for his quarterback’s return will depend on the outcome of that procedure.
Seahawks’ Pete Carroll: Competing QBs Geno Smith, Drew Lock both had good outings in preseason opener
Seahawks coach Pete Carroll was pleased with how competing QBs Geno Smith and Drew Lock performed in Seattle’s preseason game.
Bengals’ Joe Burrow on practice field for first time since having appendectomy more than two weeks earlier – CBSSports.com
How much Burrow participated in the walkthrough is unknown
NFLPA president criticizes Soldier Field for rough conditions, tweets league ‘can and should do better’ – CBSSports.com
The Bears home field had visible damage; Andy Reid and Justin Fields also had thoughts
Bills rookie Matt Araiza bashes a wildly impressive 82-yard punt during Buffalo’s preseason win over the Colts – CBSSports.com
‘Punt God’ is already showing why his nickname is ‘Punt God’