The Denver Broncos had their first preseason contest of the 2024 season against the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday. The Broncos pulled out an impressive 34-30 victory, with several notable performances all around.
We take a look at the winners and losers from the win below.
1
Winner: QB Bo Nix
In his first game action as a Bronco, quarterback Bo Nix looked sharp in five possessions of work. Nix opened the scoring with a field goal, a one-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Marvin Mims, a field goal before halftime during a two-minute drill, and a touchdown drive after halftime. Nix officially went 15-of-21 passing for 125 yards and the lone passing touchdown of the day.
2
Loser: RB Samaje Perine
On Denver’s second possession, Perine bobbled a pass from starting quarterback Jarrett Stidham, which was then intercepted by the Colts. After the drive, Perine didn’t appear again. Backup running back Audric Estime showed his powerful running ability throughout the rest of the game, which may be a sign that Estime moves up the depth chart this week.
3
Winner: Broncos’ 2024 draft class
The Broncos’ 2024 draft class all contributed to the victory. Here are the statistics of those players:
QB Bo Nix: 15-of-21 passing for 125 yards and the lone passing touchdown of the day.
OLB Jonah Elliss: Three total tackles (two solo, one assisted) and one quarterback hit that led to a Broncos interception before halftime.
WR Troy Franklin: one target, no receptions.
CB Kris Abrams-Draine: Thwarted a Colts two-point conversion attempt with an interception. Also added one solo tackle.
RB Audric Estime: 10 carries, 31 yards, one touchdown and one fumble.
WR Devaughn Vele: three targets, one reception for eight yards; his other two targets resulted in big pass interference penalties for first downs.
OL Nick Gargiulo: Inactive due to injury.
4
Loser: Turnovers
The Broncos, in addition to Stidham’s interception, had a very sloppy game, with four fumbles. Nix had one on a bad center-quarterback exchange, quarterback Zach Wilson had one on a handoff, as did Estime and tight end Lucas Krull. Head coach Sean Payton will want to clean up those mistakes before Denver’s next game against the Green Bay Packers.
5
Winner: WR Marvin Mims
After being voted to the Pro Bowl in 2023 as a special teams player, wide receiver Marvin Mims had a big day against Indianapolis. Mims was targeted three times, snagging two receptions for 17 yards and a touchdown. Payton expressed his desire to incorporate Mims into the lineup more in 2024, and this may be the start of that transition.
