INDIANAPOLIS, IN — The Denver Broncos kicked off their preseason with a promising 34-30 victory against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium, showcasing the potential of rookie quarterback Bo Nix and a mix of young and veteran talent.

Nix Leads the Charge

Rookie Bo Nix, the 12th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, made a strong case for the starting quarterback position. Nix completed 15 of 21 passes for 125 yards and a touchdown while also adding 17 yards on the ground. His poised performance included leading Denver on two long scoring drives, one to close the first half and another to open the second half.

“It was a good day. We ran the ball efficiently, made some good plays in the pass game, and converted third downs,” Nix said after the game. “It felt good to get those points going into halftime and coming out with more.”

Offensive Contributions

Veteran quarterback Jarrett Stidham started the game, completing 4 of 7 passes for 57 yards but was intercepted once. Stidham’s early struggles were offset by Nix’s efficient play and a strong running game led by rookie Audric Estime and Blake Watson. Estime, who made his NFL debut in his home state, rushed for 31 yards on 10 carries, including a 2-yard touchdown. However, he also had a costly fumble that was returned for a touchdown by Colts cornerback Micah Abraham.

“All of our running backs had a spark today,” Broncos head coach Sean Payton said. “Estime and Watson both made some plays, but we need to clean up the ball security issues.”

Watson sealed the game with a 6-yard touchdown run late in the fourth quarter, ensuring the Broncos’ victory.

Defensive and Special Teams Play

The Broncos’ defense held its ground, particularly in the run game. Despite the narrow margin, they managed to prevent the Colts from capitalizing on multiple opportunities.

“We played the run pretty well defensively,” Payton said. “But we had too many penalties and ball security issues that need addressing.”

Denver’s special teams also played a role, with a clean performance that helped maintain field position throughout the game.

Looking Ahead

The Broncos will look to build on this performance as they prepare to host the Green Bay Packers next Sunday. With Nix’s strong debut and ongoing competition at key positions, the team is eager to continue their preseason momentum.

“We’re going to spend a lot of time on the tape tomorrow,” Payton said. “Even in a win, there are things to clean up, and we’ll focus on that as we prepare for Green Bay.”