Broncos Shut Out Rams, 41-0: The Good, Bad & Ugly
Like the blinding illumination of Empower Field at Mile High's new colossal jumbotron, the Denver Broncos have emerged from the shadows, dazzling fans with what seems like a whole new team. The pages of past mediocrity may have finally been turned.
Saturday night was a testament to dreams and determination as the Broncos' backups clawed for a chance to make the final cut. For new Broncos head coach Sean Payton, after a series of heartbreaking, bite-your-nails preseason games, Saturday night's 41-0 shellacking of the Los Angeles Rams must've felt like vindication.
The man's got a vision, and we saw glimpses of it coming to life in the preseason finale. With that said, I was there to witness every snap, the ambiance, and the energy of the crowd, so let's review the good, bad, and ugly from preseason Game 3.
The Good
On Point Across the Board
In a harmonious dance, the Broncos' offense, defense, and special teams were in sync. The oft-maligned offensive line dug its cleats in, allowing backup QB Jarrett Stidham to carve up the Rams' defense like a Thanksgiving turkey. Gone were the hesitations of previous games, as Stidham showed the confidence and poise that made him a prime choice to serve as Russell Wilson's backup.
The night's MVP? Tight end Albert Okwuegbunam. Last year, he resembled a bespectacled Clark Kent. But last night, under the scrutiny of the new coaching staff, he was a full-blown Superman, displaying speed, toughness, and uncanny playmaking ability. Okwuegbunam's one-handed catch left onlookers' jaws on the floor.
Defensively, the spotlight shined on cornerback Essang Bassey and rookie linebacker Drew Sanders, both of whom snatched timely momentum-altering interceptions. And if there's an award for 'Best Conductor of Sideline Diplomacy,' it's Coach Payton. The referees will be having dreams (or nightmares) about those conversations.
As for special teams, beleaguered kicker Brett Maher connected on both of his field goal attempts and all five extra-point tries, while the Broncos' coverage units were stout.
Walton/Penner Ownership Group
Let's spare a thought for the most relieved souls of the night, the Walton/Penner group. After the horror show 2022, Denver's new ownership dug deep into its pockets, pouring $100 million into Empower Field to ensure fans could drown their sorrows in style.
However, they didn't need to on Saturday night. As the Walton/Penners looked on, one could imagine them whispering, "Money well spent."
Because, let's face it, billionaires are human, after all. They want their investments to shine and probably indulge in a happy dance when they do.
The Bad
Dropped Passes
It wasn't all rainbows and unicorns. Dropped passes seemed contagious at times.
Defensive Line
Watching Denver's defensive interior get shoved around was like watching a frustrating push-and-pull door situation. Although, it's worth mentioning that Denver limited L.A. to just 71 rushing yards.
Overplaying a Star
Then there's the enigma of overplaying Jaleel Mclaughlin. The rookie running back has secured his roster spot.
McLaughlin is the jolt of energy fans crave, so why risk injury now? With past trauma of watching the Broncos' stars succumb to injuries, this move felt less like strategic depth evaluation and more like the unnecessary temptation of the injury gods.
The Ugly
41-0... Enough Said
In a game with such a scoreline, finding an ugly aspect is akin to searching for a needle in a haystack. The Broncos orchestrated an impeccable symphony. There may have been the occasional discord or missed note, but they were lost among the rousing football music being conducted by Coach Payton.
If this is the new standard, then bring on the regular season. The question now isn't about the skill — it's about consistency. Can Payton's new ethos make a masterclass such as Saturday night the new par for the Broncos?
Broncos Country can begin to breathe that fresh, hopeful air. Perhaps we're finally witnessing the exciting beginning of something special.
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