Broncos Fall to Cardinals: 3 Big Winners, 3 Big Losers
Preseason games in the NFL are make-or-break for some players. It's where some on the roster bubble can make an impression and either make the team or get cut.
The Denver Broncos' contest with the Arizona Cardinals on Friday was no different. There were players who helped themselves or hurt themselves, and the easiest way to describe them is winners and losers.
Winner: Ja’Quan McMillian | CB
McMillian has solidified himself a spot on this roster based on how he has played in training camp and what he showed on the field versus the Cardinals. He started the game out with a tackle on kickoff coverage and made a nice tackle in coverage for only a three-yard gain early on.
McMillian then proceeded to make another tackle on kickoff coverage. Playing special teams well is the key to making the roster, but for good measure, he added a corner blitz that was timed perfectly and resulted in a sack.
McMillian had some nice open-field tackles on the day and ended the night with five solo stops and six total. His performance stamped his spot on the final 53.
Loser: Isaiah Prince | OT
The Broncos starting offensive line struggled to start the game, but it may be caused, in part, to Mike McGlinchey’s injury. Prince started in his stead at right tackle and did not do himself any favors.
He had a nice block on a Samaje Perine 11-yard run in the early portion of the game, but it was downhill from there. He gave up a sack even though he was flagged for holding and then had a false start in the final two minutes of the half for a clock run-off of 10 seconds. To make matters worse, the player behind him, Alex Palczewski, came in and performed better.
Winner: Jaleel McLaughlin | RB
The training camp darling, McLaughlin got little opportunity in this contest, but when he did, he took the bull by the horns. He had four carries for 20 yards and a touchdown. He also ran hard and got tough extra yards which is a surprise for his size.
McLaughlin was easily the most productive running back for the Broncos in a very short stint (5.0 yards per carry).
Loser: Jarrett Stidham | QB
Stidham looked awful as the first quarterback off the bench. His throws were off, and he threw the ball directly into the defensive lineman’s hand for two deflections. He ended the game 5-of-15 passing with an interception.
Stidham's 3.3 yards per attempt was hideous and punctuated a miserable performance.
Winner: Elijah Garcia | DL
With the uncertainty in the Broncos' defensive line depth rotation, anyone can step up and grab a final roster spot. Garcia did just that.
He didn't get many defensive snaps, but with his limited time on the field, Garcia had two sacks and three tackles. It was the type of performance that can get a coach’s attention and earn more opportunities in the next game.
Loser: Tremon Smith | CB
A free-agent signing this past offseason, Smith was a front-runner for the fourth cornerback slot. He has failed to grab that spot and is now struggling to make the team.
In this preseason game, Smith was penalized for defensive holding and then for pass interference on a 3rd-&-14 in the fourth quarter. He was too far off in coverage in the final two minutes, which resulted in a nice gain for Arizona.
Then to put a final nail in his proverbial coffin, Smith gave up a touchdown catch with two seconds left. It was a poor performance for the veteran.
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