Alright, folks, the Denver Broncos just dropped a serious hammer on the Minnesota Vikings, completely running away with a 34-6 final in their last preseason game. You know how these final preseason matchups can be, usually a total snooze-fest with everyone just trying to stay healthy. But nah, not this one. Denver brought the heat, piled up big plays, and marched down the field on long, sustained drives. Even with most of the big guns chilling on the bench, this was a statement!
First Quarter Mayhem
Jarrett Stidham got the start at QB, and man, the offense was clicking early. Nate Adkins set the tone right away with a sweet 26-yard catch and run that got ’em into field goal range. Things got a little dicey after that, a near pick and Jaleel McLaughlin getting stuffed, but Wil Lutz put the Broncos on the board with a clean 43-yarder. Then the D came out firing! They absolutely shut down Carson Wentz and forced a quick three-and-out, getting the ball right back for Stiddy.
That second drive? It started deep, just outside the 10-yard line. But Tyler Badie came alive, making people miss with three carries for nearly 20 yards, grabbing a crucial first down. He was seriously making a case for his roster hopes right there! Then Cody Schrader, another guy fighting for a spot, snagged a pass out in the flat and turned it into a 20-yard gain near midfield. Stidham went right back to Schrader two plays later for another 12-yard grab, and then Schrader himself plunged for a 10+ yard run and another first down into field goal territory. Adkins later sealed a third-and-short for a first down and goal. A short pass to Michael Bandy and then an Adam Prentice plunge put Denver up by two scores late in the first, capping off a monstrous 12-play, 88-yard drive. First quarter ended with Denver up 10-0, Vikings short of midfield. What a start! Stidham wrapped his day 6/9 for 78 yards and two scoring drives.
What It Means for Week 1
Stidham’s day was done after that opening quarter, with Sam Ehlinger taking over. We didn’t get details on the rest of the game, but the scoreboard doesn’t lie: 34-6. This wasn’t just a win; it was a total domination. When a team can put up that kind of performance with their starters sitting, you gotta wonder who just solidified their spot on the roster. Guys like Tyler Badie and Cody Schrader, who were making big-time plays and fighting for every yard, surely grabbed some attention. Even though it was preseason, that kind of energy and execution tells you they’re itching for the real deal. I’m ready for Week 1, aren’t you? Let’s get this season started!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Mile High Report.
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