All eyes were on Russell Wilson and the Denver Broncos offense in their first preseason game. But positional battles also played out in the preseason week one game. And while it couldn’t have been the start, Sean Payton imagined it didn’t end too badly. This is a recap of the Broncos first preseason game of 2023.
Denver Broncos Preseason Week 1 Recap
Russell Wilson Starts Slow, Finishes Strong
The beginning looked similar to last season. Wilson and the presumptive starters played 22 snaps in the Denver Broncos’ first preseason game. It didn’t look pretty at the start.
The offense started two three-and-outs, including a fumble and fumble recovery by Wilson. In the game’s first series, Wilson threw behind tight end Adam Trautman. The offense couldn’t even capitalize on the short field handed to them by their defense.
Wilson’s offense went four-of-nine through the first three series. One incompletion was a drop by Jerry Jeudy.
But then it happened. The Arizona Cardinals blitzed and Wilson picked it up. He threw a beauty of a pass over the middle to Jeudy who took the ball 21 yards for a touchdown.
That ended the night for Wilson and the starters. Wilson’s stats for preseason week one were 7-for-13, 93 yards, one sack, and one touchdown.
3️⃣➡️🔟🙌
📺: 9NEWSpic.twitter.com/rEdsOsYyQ6
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) August 12, 2023
The Denver Broncos Kickers Battle is Brutal
Neither kicker made a case to be on the team. Brett Maher entered the preseason game favorite to win the kicking job. He attempted one extra point and made it. He also attempted two field goals and missed them both.
Elliott Fry attempted two field goals. He missed a 50-yard attempt and made a 55-yard attempt. He also had one extra point attempt, which he made.
The Tight End Saga
The Broncos have five tight ends listed on their depth chart. Adam Trautman played with the starters. He had three targets and two receptions for 18 yards. Greg Dulcich was on the field for 10 snaps while running seven routes. Dulcich and no targets. There was only one other tight end that made the stat sheet: Tommy Hudson. Hudson had one target and one reception for two yards.
It is only the first preseason game, but it is safe to wonder where Albert Okwuegbunam, who was listed fifth on the depth chart, will find himself while he sits in Sean Payton’s doghouse.
Adam Trautman – 1st and 2nd downs and 2 TE sets
Greg Dulcich – 3rd downs and 2 TE sets pic.twitter.com/QlaeeVEdUg— Nathan Jahnke (@PFF_NateJahnke) August 12, 2023
The Denver Broncos Defense Still Rules
The defense still dominated. The Broncos defense finished the night with five sacks and an interception. Cornerback Essang Bassey looked impressive. Bassey finished his night with three total tackles, one interception, and one surprise “kick return” when he caught Matt Prater’s line drive kick.
Defensive lineman Elijah Garcia finished the game with three total tackles and two sacks. Linebacker Justin Strnad added four total tackles and a sack. And cornerback Delonte Hood led the team with four solo tackles.
Randy Gregory played after sitting out of some of the training camp with an injured ankle, but he wasn’t effective.
Paris vs Randy Gregory pic.twitter.com/kahPzOScfw
— Kyle Odegard (@Kyle_Odegard) August 12, 2023
The Final Recap of the Broncos Preseason Week 1
The final score was the Broncos 17-Cardinals 18. Wilson finished with a 102.4 passer rating. The leading rusher for the Broncos was Jaleel McLaughlin, with 20 yards on four carries and a touchdown.
And Jerry Jeudy was the leading receiver. Jeudy was targeted three times with two receptions for 40 yards and a touchdown.
The Broncos had 20 first downs. They only completed five of 14 third downs and finished the game with 312 total yards, 122 rushing yards, and 190 passing yards.
Main Image: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
