WATCH: Russell Wilson Hits Jerry Jeudy For 21-Yard TD vs. Cardinals

If at first you don't succeed, try, try again.

It took four possessions and a bold fourth-down try, but the Denver Broncos' first-team offense finally hit paydirt in the second quarter of Friday night's preseason tilt vs. the Arizona Cardinals.

After dropping a pass on the preceding play, Jerry Jeudy caught a 21-yard touchdown pass from Russell Wilson, breaking the ice in 2023.

Russell Wilson to Jerry Jeudy. Touchdown Broncos!

📺: #DENvsAZ on @NFLNetwork
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— NFL (@NFL) August 12, 2023

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The rust could be seen falling off the Broncos' starting offense in chunks. The fourth highest-paid offensive line in the NFL struggled to protect Wilson on the Broncos' first three possessions, but head coach Sean Payton stayed the course and didn't pull his starters.

Payton's grit and willingness to roll the dice on an exhibition game paid off for the Broncos. Jeudy's touchdown will mean little statistically, but in the grand scheme of things, it could have been the first step in Payton helping to exorcise what demons lingered from 2022.

With four possessions, Wilson went 7-for-13 for 93 yards and a touchdown with a QB rating of 102.4. Baby steps, ya'll.

If Broncos Country is inclined to worry about something, put those eggs in the O-line's basket. Left tackle Garett Bolles did not look good in pass protection, after missing most of last season with a broken leg.

Plenty of room for improvement for Payton and company to emphasize moving forward.

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