Broncos vs Cardinals preseason week one

Sean Payton and the Denver Broncos gave a herculean effort against the Arizona Cardinals in their first preseason game of the season. However, they came up short losing 18-17. Payton on the loss.

“Regardless if it is a preseason game or a regular season game, you just can’t stand losing,” Payton said. “Especially in that fashion.”

Broncos vs Cardinals

"Broncos offensive review"

Russell Wilson and the offense looked sharp after logging 22 plays over four drives. Late in the second quarter Wilson found an open Jerry Jeudy for a 21-yard touchdown pass. The touchdown gave the Broncos momentum to shut the Cardinals out in the first half. After a few exchanges on punts, Denver marched down the field and capitalized on a 55-yard field goal by Elliott Fry.

Wilson on the offensive unit's performance vs. the Cardinals.

“I thought it was really good how we responded after the first drive,” Wilson said. “We really responded, getting the ball moving.”

Russell Wilson performed well in his first in-game action of the season completing 7-13 for 93 yards and one touchdown. The offense as a whole was impressive, compiling 312 yards. While the team passed for 190 yards and rushed for 122 yards.

Back-up quarterbacks Ben DiNucci and Jarrett Stidham both contributed to the team's effort down the stretch. DiNucci threw and completed 7-9 for 57 yards and Stidham while Stidham completed 5-15 for 50-yards and one interception. Both players showed potential in the limited playing time they had. DiNucci's passing efficiency and awareness of the pocket was impressive. While Stidham displayed growth, he also made costly interception mistakes.

"Rushing Game"

Running back Javonte Williams dressed out for the Denver Broncos' first preseason game but did not play. Sean Payton says Williams will get some playing time this preseason but there is no timetable on when he will take the field. Williams has made strides in training camp and has impressed the coaching staff with his recovery. He is expected to be the Broncos' starting running back this season.

Samaje Perine led the rushing attack with six carries for 26-yards. Jalen Virgil was the second-leading rusher with one carry for 25 yards. Tyler Badie had six carries for 24 yards and Jaleel McLaughlin had four carries for 20 yards. Running the ball effectively is crucial to the Broncos offensive success. With numerous running backs on the roster, the Broncos can keep their running game fresh and use different running styles to keep opponents on their toes.

"Defense wins games"

The Broncos' defense shut out the Cardinals in the first half. This started with a brilliant read by Essang Bassey who intercepted Clayton Tune on Arizona's second drive of the night. Bassey returned the interception 31 yards, setting up the Broncos in field goal range.

The Cardinals scored their first points in the third quarter on a 38-yard field goal from Matt Prater after almost being scoreless for three quarters. Prater's field goal led to the Cardinals' monumental shift which sparked a huge comeback in the fourth quarter.

Although the Broncos defense gave up 18 points in the second half, numerous starters did not take part in the game. Denver's defensive awareness fell short down the stretch without multiple key players in the lineup, the Broncos could not hold off the Cardinals. As quarterback David Blough found Brian Cobbs for an 18 yard touchdown including a two point conversion on a run from Emari Demercado.

"Special Teams"

The Broncos made huge changes to their special teams this offseason with Brandon McManus' departure after being with the team since 2015. The team replaced him with Brett Maher and Elliott Fry, who each missed field goals vs. the Cardinals Friday.

According to Sean Payton, the Broncos' special teams performed horribly last season

“I think it’s awfully important,” Payton said at the NFL owners’ meetings last week. “I think it’s one way to improve your team pretty quickly. I don’t think we were very good last year in the kicking game, quite honestly, for a number of reasons. I’ve got a guy like Ben Kotwica and a guy like Mike Westhoff. Those are considerable resources that I think can help us"

“It would be silly to have those two along with [assistant] Chris Banjo and then not have a punter or not have the correct holder or even a returner that we’re still working on. It has to be an important point of emphasis. If you believe in hidden yardage and you understand yards equal points — each play you’re fighting for those yards. That’s an area that we felt like we needed to improve dramatically.”

Maher finished 0-for-2 on field goals and Fry was 1-for-2. With missed opportunities by both kickers the pressure is mounting on who will secure the starting kicker position. NFL games are often won and lost by a field goal. With two games remaining in the preseason the team must quickly decide who will be the starting kicker for the upcoming season.