In Saturday’s preseason finale at Empower Field at Mile High, the Denver Broncos blasted the Los Angeles Rams 41-0. Which players stood out ahead of Tuesday’s roster cutdown date?
Denver Broncos vs. Los Angeles Rams Recap
Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton has challenged the team’s younger players to step up throughout the last few weeks. In Saturday’s game against the Rams, several players stood out.
Jarrett Stidham
The Denver Broncos needed an impressive showing from Jarrett Stidham on Saturday against the Rams. He was efficient and decisive to start the game.
He was 7-of-10 with 121 yards passing midway through the first quarter of play, including a 50-yard bomb to Marvin Mims.
Stidham continued to build upon his hot start by connecting with Albert Okwuegbunam for an eight-yard touchdown.
He also escaped a sack during the second quarter and scampered for a 20-yard run to put the Broncos offense in the red zone.
In the second quarter, Stidham ripped a beautiful throw to wide receiver Brandon Johnson for 49 yards.
Stidham finished Saturday’s game 17-of-28 passing for 236 yards and one touchdown.
Albert Okwuegbunam
Albert Okwuegbunam continues to make hay as he fights for a roster spot at tight end. In Saturday’s game against the Rams, he hauled in several passes in the receiving game, but his effort and commitment to blocking were on display.
He helped bulldoze a Rams’ defender, allowing Jaleel McLaughlin to score his fourth preseason touchdown.
Okwuegbunam earned the right to have the football come his way with his effort in helping spring open the run game.
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He played the entire game and finished with seven receptions for 109 yards and a touchdown.
Essang Bassey
Essang Bassey has snagged an interception in each of the Broncos’ preseason games. He grabbed his third of the preseason in the first quarter, reading Rams QB Stetson Bennett’s eyes the entire way.
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Bassey has more than proven his value and should be a roster lock this upcoming season, especially with K’Waun Williams nursing an ankle issue.
He also had a pass breakup.
His core four special teams impact, combined with his preseason performance, solidifies his spot on the 53-man roster.
Marvin Mims
Watching Denver Broncos rookie receiver Marvin Mims in Saturday’s game should have given fans a glimpse of what he’ll be able to do downfield.
Mims hauled in a 50-yard pass downfield in front of two defenders early in the first quarter. His speed and ability to get behind opposing defenders was on display.
With Jerry Jeudy’s hamstring injury and a timeline that leaves his status uncertain for Week 1, Mims will have an elevated role early on with Russell Wilson and Courtland Sutton.
Other Denver Broncos news and notes vs. Rams
The Denver Broncos showcased an impressive performance in Saturday’s win against the Rams. How did they fare on the injury report?
Denver Broncos Injury Report
- OT Alex Palczewski was questionable early on in the game with a hand injury but returned on Tony Jones Jr.’s touchdown run.
- RB Jaleel McLaughlin hobbled off late in the first quarter but returned in the second quarter.
Broncos Bits vs. Rams
- The Broncos offense moved the chains 33 times for a first down against the Rams on Saturday.
- The Broncos offense was 3-for-3 on 4th down attempts and 8-for-15 on 3rd down efficiency.
- Riley Dixon punted only once on the evening for 60 yards.
- Brett Maher was 2-for-2 on FGs and 5-for-5 on extra points.
- The Broncos dominated the time of possession against the Rams 36:14 to 23:46.
What’s next?
The Broncos will trim their roster from 90 to 53 by 4:00 p.m. ET on Tuesday.