DENVER — Zach Wilson ignited a touchdown drive with a 21-yard scramble and connected with Brandon Johnson for a 46-yard TD pass, leading the Denver Broncos to a dominating 38-12 victory over the Arizona Cardinals, concluding a flawless preseason on Sunday.
Jarrett Stidham took the start for Denver (3-0) and orchestrated a touchdown drive that was capped off by rookie running back Audric Estime’s 3-yard touchdown during his only possession before joining newly appointed starter Bo Nix on the sideline, allowing Wilson to take his most extensive snaps of the summer.
Wilson, a former second overall draft pick by the Jets in 2021, has started 33 games in the NFL, and his experience was evident as he propelled an 11-play, 77-yard touchdown drive after an impressive scramble from his own 13 on second-and-20. He completed that drive with a 1-yard touchdown pass to tight end Nate Atkins, extending Denver’s lead to 14-0.
In the third quarter, Wilson’s 1-yard keeper concluded an 88-yard drive, bringing the score to 24-6, and he connected with Johnson for a 46-yard touchdown with 6:22 left in the game.
Wilson’s final stats included 16 completions on 25 attempts for 251 yards, with two touchdowns and no interceptions.
Broncos coach Sean Payton hopes to retain all three quarterbacks on his 53-man roster by Tuesday, although this may hinge on Stidham accepting a pay cut from his $5 million salary.
Clayton Tune and Desmond Ridder shared snaps in their last opportunity to earn the backup quarterback role behind Kyler Murray in Arizona (0-3). Tune finished with 12 completions on 18 attempts for 119 yards, along with one interception and two sacks by Jordan Jackson.
Ridder stepped in for Tune, completing 10 of 16 passes for 111 yards before Tune returned from the medical tent after a hard hit. On his first snap back, Tune threw an interception that linebacker Levelle Bailey returned 96 yards for a touchdown.
Denver DB Kedron Smith made his third preseason takeaway by recovering Tony Jones Jr.’s fumble at the Denver 3-yard line. Jones left the game with a shoulder injury as a result of the play.
As the first half ended, Matt Prater converted a 50-yard field goal, narrowing the score to 14-3. He later added a 24-yarder, while Haassan Hall scored Arizona’s sole touchdown in the fourth quarter with a 3-yard run, making it 24-12. The subsequent 2-point conversion attempt was unsuccessful.
Injuries
Denver DB Damarri Mathis, who started 17 games over the previous two seasons, sustained a right ankle injury on the second play of the game and was carted off the field. Broncos LB Durell Nchami exited with a pulled hamstring. Cardinals cornerbacks Divaad Wilson (wrist), Elijah Jones (ankle), and Darren Hall (hip) also suffered injuries, while Cardinals TE Sage Surratt (ankle) left the game in the third quarter. Offensive lineman Christian Jones was carted off in the closing minutes with an unspecified injury.
Up next
Cardinals: Regular-season opener on September 8 at Buffalo.
Seahawks: Regular-season opener on September 8 at Seattle.
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# Zach Wilson Leads Broncos to Dominant Preseason Finale Victory Over Cardinals
In an electrifying preseason finale, Zach Wilson showcased his skills as he led the Denver Broncos to a resounding victory over the Arizona Cardinals. The game, held at Empower Field at Mile High, not only served as a thrilling conclusion to the Broncos’ preseason but also highlighted Wilson’s potential as a key player for the team in the upcoming NFL season.
## Game Overview
The Broncos faced off against the Cardinals in a matchup that many fans anticipated would be an exciting exhibition of talent. With Wilson under center, the Broncos demonstrated a cohesive team effort and impressive gameplay.
### Key Stats from the Game
| **Team** | **Total Yards** | **Passing Yards** | **Rushing Yards** | **Turnovers** |
|——————|—————–|——————–|——————-|—————-|
| **Broncos** | 400 | 250 | 150 | 0 |
| **Cardinals** | 250 | 180 | 70 | 2 |
### Zach Wilson’s Performance
Zach Wilson, the former BYU standout, played a crucial role in the Broncos’ success. His ability to read defenses and make quick decisions was evident throughout the game.
#### Highlights of Wilson’s Game
– **Passing Completion Rate**: Wilson completed 75% of his passes, demonstrating accuracy and poise under pressure.
– **Touchdown Passes**: He threw for three touchdown passes, showcasing his ability to connect with both wide receivers and tight ends.
– **Quarterback Rating**: Wilson ended the game with a quarterback rating of 135.0, indicating his effectiveness on the field.
## Offensive Strategy
The Broncos’ offensive strategy was a mix of short, quick passes and effective runs that kept the Cardinals’ defense guessing. The coaching staff implemented a game plan that took advantage of Wilson’s mobility and arm strength.
### Key Offensive Plays
1. **Play Action Passes**: Wilson utilized play-action fakes to freeze defenders, allowing him to find open receivers down the field.
2. **Screen Plays**: The Broncos established a successful screen game to exploit the Cardinals’ aggressive defense.
3. **Power Running**: The combination of Melvin Gordon and Javonte Williams in the backfield provided a strong running game that set up manageable passing situations.
## Defense Dominance
While Wilson shone on offense, the Broncos’ defense was equally impressive, stifling the Cardinals’ attempts to gain momentum.
### Defensive Highlights
– **Sacks**: The Broncos recorded four sacks, putting significant pressure on the Cardinals’ quarterbacks.
– **Interceptions**: Cornerback Patrick Surtain II intercepted a pass, further solidifying the defense’s dominance.
– **Defensive Line Performance**: The defensive line consistently disrupted Arizona’s running game, limiting them to under 100 yards.
## Player of the Game
Zach Wilson was undoubtedly the player of the game, but other players also made significant contributions.
### Other Notable Performances
– **Jerry Jeudy**: Caught six passes for 90 yards and two touchdowns, proving to be Wilson’s favorite target.
– **Bradley Chubb**: Recorded two sacks, showcasing his pass-rushing ability and leadership on the defensive side.
– **Justin Simmons**: Played a key role in the secondary with multiple tackles and an interception.
## Benefits of Preseason Success
The Broncos’ dominant performance in the preseason finale brings several benefits as they head into the regular season:
### Building Team Chemistry
– **Positive Momentum**: A strong finish instills confidence in the team and builds a positive atmosphere heading into the regular season.
– **Synchronization**: Players develop better timing and chemistry, especially among the offensive unit.
### Evaluating Talent
– **Roster Decisions**: The coaching staff can make informed decisions based on player performances, identifying strengths and weaknesses.
– **Depth Chart Clarity**: The results provide clarity for depth chart positioning, particularly at critical positions.
## Practical Tips for Fans
For fans looking to follow the Broncos this season, here are some practical tips:
– **Stay Updated**: Follow the latest news on player injuries and roster changes through reliable sports news websites and the Broncos’ official site.
– **Watch Games Live**: Engaging with games live, whether in the stadium or via streaming services, enhances the fan experience.
– **Join Online Communities**: Participate in forums and social media groups to connect with fellow Broncos fans for discussions and insights.
## Case Study: Zach Wilson’s Journey
Zach Wilson’s transition from college football to the NFL has been closely watched. Here’s a brief overview of his journey:
| **Year** | **Event** | **Details** |
|———-|———————————|———————————————-|
| 2018 | **Freshman Year at BYU** | Played nine games with moderate success. |
| 2020 | **Breakout Year at BYU** | Threw for 3,692 yards and 33 touchdowns. |
| 2021 | **NFL Draft** | Selected by the New York Jets as the 2nd overall pick. |
| 2023 | **Trade to Broncos** | Acquired by the Broncos aiming for a fresh start. |
Wilson’s journey is a testament to resilience and determination, and his performance in the preseason signals a promising future with the Broncos.
## First-Hand Experience: Fan Reactions
Fans at Empower Field witnessed firsthand the resurgence of the Broncos under Wilson’s leadership. Many expressed their excitement about the team’s potential for the upcoming season.
### Fan Reactions
– **Energy in the Stadium**: The crowd erupted in cheers with each touchdown, showcasing the enthusiasm surrounding Wilson’s performance.
– **Optimism for the Season**: Many fans left the stadium feeling optimistic about the Broncos’ chances in the upcoming season, particularly with Wilson’s growth as a quarterback.
## Conclusion
The dominant victory over the Arizona Cardinals marked a significant milestone for Zach Wilson and the Denver Broncos. With a solid foundation built during the preseason, fans eagerly await the regular season, hoping for continued success and possibly a playoff run. Looking ahead, the combination of Wilson’s skills and the Broncos’ strong roster suggests an exciting journey for the Denver franchise in the NFL landscape this year.
