Denver’s rookies make big contributions in preseason win vs. the Colts

INDIANAPOLIS — The Broncos wish to get off to a faster begin in 2024.

And after Denver’s preseason win over the Colts, it is clear the Broncos’ rookies are wanting to contribute.

“I feel you possibly can see a variety of younger guys which are hungry [and] a variety of guys which are combating for a place,” broad receiver Courtland Sutton stated.

This competitiveness was on full show Sunday, as a number of first-year gamers made key contributions in Denver’s 34-30 victory.

Outdoors linebacker Jonah Elliss set the tone late within the first half, as he utilized stress off the sting on Indianapolis quarterback Sam Ehlinger. The stress finally led to a Denver interception by defensive again Keidron Smith, and the Broncos then moved down the sector toearn a 13-10 halftime lead. Elliss later recorded a sack, as nicely.

Rookie working backs Audric Estime and Blake Watson carried this momentum into the second half, as each recorded key speeding touchdowns to assist propel Denver to the win.

“It undoubtedly felt nice,” Estime stated of enjoying in his first NFL preseason sport. “… [It] was only a results of all of the onerous work we have been doing in camp. All of it paid off and we obtained the win.”

Whereas Estime was happy together with his optimistic impression in his first NFL preseason sport, he famous that there’s nonetheless a variety of work to be achieved to enhance within the weeks forward. The Notre Dame product misplaced a fumble that resulted in a Colts landing.

Head Coach Sean Payton had an analogous perspective on the efficiency of his rookies, and he believes that the extra enjoying expertise the gamers get, the higher ready they are going to be to step up throughout the common season.

“General, they have been fairly constant in camp, [and I’m] inspired,” Payton stated. “There’s nonetheless clearly a variety of work for these guys to do. However all of them present that they’ll discover a solution to contribute. Now, it is [about] cleansing up a number of the different issues.”

Cornerback Kris Abrams-Draine and broad receiver Devaughn Vele had been additionally among the many rookies to make their presences identified, as each made key performs to contribute to Denver’s robust efficiency.

Abrams-Draine recorded a key interception on an Indianapolis two-point conversion try to convey Denver’s offense again out on the sector, whereas Vele drew two go interference penalties totaling 40 yards.

Because the Broncos get again to work this week, Vele is assured that the tradition Denver is creating in coaching camp will proceed to propel the rookie class, and the group as an entire, to success throughout the 2024 season.

“I really feel just like the camaraderie on this crew, it is actually good,” Vele stated. “The vets assist out so much with the rookies, and I really feel like this brotherhood is one thing actually particular right here.”

PAYTON EAGER TO ‘CLEAN UP’ MISTAKES AS PRESEASON PROGRESSES

Payton stated that whereas he was happy with a number of issues he noticed in Sunday’s win, there’s nonetheless loads of work to be achieved because the Broncos get again to work this week.

“Even in wins, the identical method in losses, you could find stuff you’re doing nicely,” Payton stated. “We have to be good sufficient tomorrow once we watch the tape to scrub up and proper a number of the issues that we weren’t doing as nicely with.”

Payton stated Denver will deal with minimizing penalties and turnovers as they stay up for subsequent week’s preseason sport at residence towards the Packers.

TIM PATRICK RETURNS TO THE FIELD

After spending the final two season on injured reserve, broad receiver Tim Patrick returned to the sector and recorded his first reception on Sunday. Whereas it has been some time since he is seen motion on the sector, Patrick stated training alongside his teammates throughout coaching camp allowed him to construct confidence forward of his first preseason look.

“It felt good; it actually hasn’t felt that lengthy,” Patrick stated. “… I really feel like I’m going towards the very best day-after-day, so on the market, it simply felt prefer it was one other day within the workplace.”

A number of teammates, together with Sutton, had been glad to see Patrick return and stay up for watching him contribute this season.

“I used to be so comfortable for him,” Sutton stated. “… It was simply so thrilling to see him again on the market in his component. … I am excited for him, [and] I do know he’ll have a extremely nice yr this yr.”