The Denver Broncos won their first NFL preseason game on Sunday, 34-30, against the Indianapolis Colts. Here are three things we saw that impacted the outcome, including a focus on the team’s ongoing quarterback battle.

Denver Broncos win preseason opener vs. Colts

The Denver Broncos looked like a team that was playing in their first preseason game of the year. Mistakes are common during this portion of the season, but there are some areas the team will need to clean up before the regular season. Here are three things that stood out on Sunday.

Denver Broncos QB Bo Nix shines in preseason opener

Jarrett Stidham got the first reps at QB on the afternoon and had some impressive throws, but penalties impacted the first drive, and a turnover that wasn’t his fault impacted his second drive. Stidham threw a smooth pass to running back Samaje Perine in stride up the sideline, but he bobbled it several times, leading to it being intercepted. Stidham finished 4-of-7 passing for 37 yards and an interception, which shouldn’t count against him.

Bo Nix received some reps with the Phase 1 unit and the starters after Stidham’s two series. His first two throws were incomplete, with one being lofted dangerously down the middle to Greg Dulcich, who took a shot from the safety. His second pass was also incomplete, but he made a nice play on third down, using his mobility to extend the play and allowing him to find Courtland Sutton for a 22-yard gain. That’s been one of the underrated aspects of what we’ve seen from him so far during training camp. Nix and Luke Wattenberg had a QB-center mishap on one snap that was fortunately recovered by Denver. He had a beautifully placed throw high and to the outside in the endzone for Josh Reynolds, but the pass sailed through his hands, leading to Denver settling for a game-tying field goal in the 2nd quarter. He got the nerves out of the way after the first drive.

Nix’s second series continued into the second quarter saw him move the Broncos offense downfield, once again using his mobility to extend the drive with his legs, including a designed keeper with fullback Nate Adkins leading the way. He and the offense marched downfield, leading to him throwing his first career touchdown to Marvin Mims. Nix looked more comfortable and in command at the line of scrimmage. It will be hard to ignore how his athleticism and quick trigger impact Denver’s offense positively.

He led a scoring drive at the end of the half with some quick trigger passes to Lucas Krull, and a pass interference call on Indianapolis against Devaughn Vele helped move the offense downfield. Nix’s day continued into the second half, where he got the opening reps of the third quarter. He helped march Denver’s offense downfield once again, leading to four total scoring drives with Nix under center on the day. His command of the offense, accuracy, touch, and decisiveness were on display, which helped cap off an impressive day. Nix saw 36 snaps compared to Stidham’s 11. I know it’s early, but the rhythm and flow of the offense with Nix looked efficient to the point that Payton should come out and back him for Week 1 going forward as the starter.

Penalties and turnovers still an issue

While the Broncos’ offense had multiple scoring drives, penalties, and turnovers were still something that impacted them negatively during Sunday’s opener.

Samaje Perine’s bobbled catch and interception was problematic, but it wasn’t Jarrett Stidham’s fault. Lucas Krull fumbled a catch from Nix right at the end of the second half, but luckily the Broncos’ defense got it right back on the next play. Audric Estime had a fumble that was returned for a touchdown. Blake Watson fumbled on a rushing attempt in the fourth quarter, but Denver was able to recover it.

Penalties impacted Denver’s phase one offense on their first two drives, with Mike McGlinchey and Javonte Williams being flagged for a false start. Tim Patrick was called for taunting, which was very questionable because all Patrick did was signal for a first down after hauling in his first catch in two years after battling his way back from an ACL and Achilles injury. Garett Bolles was flagged once for holding as well. Overall, they had six penalties for 60 yards

Operationally, these are things that need to be cleaned up and minimized once the regular season begins.

Broncos rookies have some standouts

Outside of Nix, Broncos fans saw plenty of Jonah Elliss, Audric Estime, Blake Watson, Devaughn Vele, and Kris Abrams-Draine on Sunday. Elliss was a factor off the edge, generating pressure and maintaining edge contain on a consistent basis.

Estime had several big carries and a rushing touchdown, while Watson showcased his speed in the run and passing game. Vele had one catch for eight yards on three targets but drew a key pass interference penalty in the second half. His size and speed will be problematic for defensive backs if they get into trail position, and his ability to track the football in contested catch situations will be something to watch for. Abrams-Draine intercepted a two-point conversion attempt by the Colts in the fourth quarter and had a decent return.

We’ll rewatch the game once again later and put out a rookie report card later this week.