The Denver Broncos' preseason opener against the Atlanta Falcons was a showcase of talent, strategy, and the ever-present tension between winners and losers. While the final score of 27-7 may not have been a close contest, the game revealed a wealth of insights into the team's dynamics and the players' potential. In my opinion, the game's narrative was not just about the points on the board, but about the stories of those who rose to the occasion and those who fell short.
One thing that immediately stands out is the clear winner in the backup quarterback battle: Jarrett Stidham. Stidham's performance was a revelation, showcasing his ability to lead the offense and make plays under pressure. His 9-for-15 passing for 131 yards and a touchdown, including a 40-yard throw to Courtland Sutton, demonstrated his accuracy and arm strength. Stidham's performance was a stark contrast to Sam Ehlinger's, who struggled to get the offense moving consistently. Ehlinger's 10-for-14 passing for 67 yards, including a near interception, was not enough to compete with Stidham's performance. In my perspective, Stidham's victory in this battle is a significant development, as it solidifies his position as the backup quarterback and sets the stage for a potential competition with Ehlinger for the third-string role.
Another winner who needed a night like tonight is Jahdae Barron. The Broncos' 2025 first-round pick had been a topic of conversation amongst fans and media, but he has yet to crack the starting lineup. However, his performance against the Falcons was a turning point. Barron's pick-6 touchdown, which wasn't called back by a bogus penalty, was a highlight of the game. Even before the pick-6, Barron was playing well, with a few PBUs, a near second INT, and an active and aggressive presence in the run game. This performance is a significant step forward for Barron, and I hope he can build on it to become a weapon for the Broncos in the secondary.
On the other hand, Jaleel McLaughlin is a loser for me. While he had a nice touchdown catch and run, his fumble was a costly mistake. McLaughlin's position on the roster bubble is already precarious, and the fumble likely hasn't helped his odds of making the team. His performance was overshadowed by the mistakes, and he came in behind RJ Harvey and rookie Jonah Coleman. McLaughlin's work ethic is commendable, but he will need to have a strong few weeks if he wants to make the team.
Rookie Jonah Coleman, on the other hand, proved tonight that he deserves touches early and often this season. His 4 carries for 24 yards showcased his burst, vision, balance, and power. Coleman's performance was a strong statement, and I believe he should be the Broncos' RB2 and split carries with veteran RJ Harvey. Coleman's balance and vision coming out of tackles were particularly impressive, and I expect him to have a significant role in the team's running game.
The Broncos' special teams were also in the spotlight, and they did not perform well. Backup long snapper Luke Basso had a botched snap, which led to a field goal attempt that ended in a rush and a slide with the ball. This was not the performance you want from a field goal attempt, and it's a mistake that cannot be afforded when special teams play decides who gets those final few spots on a roster. Basso, who is competing for the long snapper job, cannot afford to have bad snaps, and his time with the team is likely over if he cannot improve.
In conclusion, the Denver Broncos' preseason opener against the Atlanta Falcons was a game of winners and losers, and the stories of those who rose to the occasion and those who fell short were revealed. From the clear winner in the backup quarterback battle to the rookie who proved his worth, the game was a showcase of talent, strategy, and the ever-present tension between success and failure. As the season progresses, these stories will continue to unfold, and the Broncos will need to build on their strengths and overcome their weaknesses to achieve their goals.
