The Denver Broncos opened their preseason with a fast start, an efficient offensive operation and the type of takeaway production they hope will carry into the regular season.
Denver scored on its opening possession, forced two first-half interceptions and built a 24-point halftime advantage on the way to a 27-7 victory over the Atlanta Falcons on Friday night at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
The Broncos outgained Atlanta 359-192, controlled possession for more than 36 minutes and extended the NFL’s longest active preseason winning streak to eight games. Starting quarterback Bo Nix did not play, but Jarrett Stidham directed an offense that looked prepared from its first snap.
Stidham starts fast in Nix’s absence
Stidham strengthened his position as Denver’s backup quarterback by completing 9 of 15 passes for 131 yards, one touchdown and a 110.7 passer rating.
His night began with a six-play, 69-yard touchdown drive. Courtland Sutton delivered its biggest play, making a one-handed catch for a 40-yard gain before fullback Adam Prentice finished the possession with a short touchdown run.
Sutton caught three passes for a game-high 60 yards, showing that his ability to win contested matchups remains a central feature of Denver’s passing game.
Stidham later connected with Jaleel McLaughlin for a 5-yard touchdown, helping the Broncos take a 24-0 lead into halftime.
“He’s really good with the operation,” Broncos coach Sean Payton said of Stidham. “I thought he handled it well.”
Sam Ehlinger played the second half and completed 10 of 14 attempts for 67 yards. He did not lead a touchdown drive, but Denver continued to control the game with its rushing attack and defense.
Barron delivers the defining play
Denver entered the offseason emphasizing the need to generate more takeaways. That work produced immediate results against Atlanta.
Riley Moss intercepted Cooper Rush early in the second quarter, giving the Broncos possession at the Falcons’ 23-yard line. Five plays later, Stidham found McLaughlin for a touchdown.
The night’s biggest play came later in the quarter.
Linebacker Karene Reid deflected another Rush pass near Denver’s goal line, and Jahdae Barron secured the ball before racing 97 yards for a touchdown. The interception return stretched Denver’s advantage to 24-0 and provided a significant moment for the second-year cornerback.
“It felt good,” Barron said. “It was a blessing. Just happy for my teammate to make the right play for me and be in the right position.”
Rush finished 7-of-19 for 62 yards and two interceptions. The Falcons generated only 192 total yards and converted their lone scoring opportunity following a Denver turnover in the third quarter.
Atlanta rookie quarterback Jack Strand scored on a 1-yard sneak after McLaughlin’s fumble gave the Falcons possession deep in Broncos territory.
Run game controls the matchup
Denver’s work at the line of scrimmage may have been the most encouraging part of the performance.
The Broncos rushed for 162 yards and averaged 4.2 yards per attempt while limiting Atlanta to 59 yards on the ground. Denver accumulated 94 rushing yards before halftime and consistently created favorable down-and-distance situations.
Rookie Jonah Coleman carried four times for 24 yards, including a physical 13-yard run during which he maintained his balance through contact. McLaughlin also rushed for 24 yards, while RJ Harvey gained 16 yards on five attempts.
“I thought the runners played well, and I thought we blocked them pretty well,” Payton said. “All those guys ran hard.”
The running backs did not produce an explosive statistical performance individually, but the group displayed depth and kept the offense on schedule. McLaughlin’s third-quarter fumble was the most significant blemish for a unit facing considerable competition for roster positions.
Webb’s play-calling debut runs smoothly
The game also marked Davis Webb’s first opportunity to call Denver’s offensive plays since becoming offensive coordinator.
Payton described the operation as smooth, highlighting the substitution process and the quarterbacks’ command of the huddle. Denver finished with 359 total yards, 22 first downs and possession of the ball for 36 minutes, 20 seconds.
“Davis was on point,” Payton said. “I thought the Qs did a good job in and out of the huddle.”
A preseason opener cannot provide definitive conclusions about a team’s regular-season ceiling, particularly with Nix and several other prominent players held out. Denver nevertheless displayed the organization, physicality and defensive aggression expected from a team attempting to build on last season’s run to the AFC Championship Game.
The Broncos will return home for their next preseason matchup against the Green Bay Packers, when Nix is expected to make his 2026 debut.
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