The Denver Broncos dominated the Atlanta Falcons in their Week 1 NFL Preseason opener. Jahdae Barron had himself a big game, while the Broncos’ offense and Davis Webb were sharp and efficient. And to nobody’s surprise, the Broncos defense was everywhere in their win.
Denver Broncos dominate the Atlanta Falcons in preseason opener
Coming into Friday’s game, we knew the Denver Broncos would be playing a good portion of their starters for 10-15 snaps. The only players who did not play were Bo Nix, Luke Wattenberg, Marvin Mims, and Jaylen Waddle in terms of starters.
Jarrett Stidham got the start as Davis Webb’s Broncos-led offense was sharp and efficient. Stidham finished 9-of-15 passing for 131 yards and one touchdown, with a passer rating of 110.7.
Stidham’s first-half stint saw the Broncos offense generate three scoring drives, an efficient 6-of-7 third-down showing, and 224 net yards of offense at half. Courtland Sutton led the starting group of receivers with three catches for 60 yards, including a 40-yard catch and an incredible one-handed snag on a back-shoulder throw.
The Broncos finished the game with 162 rushing yards and 359 net yards of offense.
Webb had the Broncos offense in a nice rhythm, and showcased a strong blend of under-center looks and shotgun. That helped the Broncos run game get going throughout the first three quarters.
Rookie running back Jonah Coleman had some exciting runs in the first half, rushing for 24 yards on four carries, bouncing off of defenders and showcasing good burst north-south and taking advantage of cutback lanes when the Falcons defense overpursued.
Jahdae Barron shines as Broncos defense suffocates the Falcons
The Broncos’ starting defense saw some valuable snaps in Friday’s preseason win. Nik Bonitto and Jonathon Cooper were consistently creating pressure against Tua Tagovailoa, and they generated two big takeaways in the first half.
Riley Moss snagged one interception on a pressure created by outside linebacker Jonah Elliss off the edge, and second-year corner Jahdae Barron took back a 97-yard pick-six that gave the Broncos a 24-0 lead in the first half. Barron tackled well in space, as did safety JL Skinner.
.@Broncos 98-YARD PICK-6 😱
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To summarize how productive Denver’s defense was, they forced the Falcons to punt on seven of their first nine offensive drives, with the other two drives resulting in Moss’s interception and Barron’s scoring pick.
They held Atlanta’s offense to 91 total yards in the first half. Denver’s defense held firm the rest of the way, holding the Falcons to 192 total yards of offense. Denver’s third-down defense was stout, holding Atlanta to 4-of-15.
Outside linebacker Drew Sanders registered the Broncos’ only defensive sack of the game.