Following a disappointing campaign last year, the Broncos and Broncos Country have mile-high expectations this season as big as their newly installed 225-foot wide Jumbotron scoreboard. Trying to forget and looking ahead, the biggest move in the offseason was the hiring of veteran Super Bowl-winning Head Coach Sean Payton. With a take charge personality, he is renowned for his ingenious play calling. I’ll never forget when his Saints recovered their totally unexpected onside kick to open the second half of Super Bowl XLIV against the Colts. That play changed the momentum of the game and led to a New Orleans 31-7 victory.

Many of the components Payton will need to succeed are already in place. Led by Pro Bowl cornerback Patrick Surtain II, safety Justin Simmons, and linebacker Alex Singleton, the defense is a proven unit. New acquisition defensive end Zach Allen will likely apply heat on opposing quarterbacks.

Future Hall of Fame quarterback Russell Wilson is back, looking trim and having regained the half step he lost last year running for his life behind a decimated and ineffective offensive line. A new scheme figures to incorporate his running abilities that served him well while in Seattle. Bringing in left guard Ben Powers from the Ravens and signing right tackle Mike McGlinchey from the 49ers may buy him the protection he needs, turning a weakness into a strength. Wilson will have Courtland Sutton, Jerry Jeudy, and rookie second-round pick Marvin Mims Jr. to throw to. Greg Dulcich and Adam Troutman are slated at tight end. A key piece of the puzzle will be star running back Javante Williams who looks fully recovered, coming off ACL and LCL injuries last season.

For the Broncos’ last preseason game of the year, Saturday, August 26, at Empower Field, Russell Wilson and most of the other projected starters would sit in preparation for their first regular season game against the Raiders at Mile High on September 10. Instead, it would be a chance to evaluate the backup positions, determining who would make the final 53-man roster.

With the top three players at his position already set, tight end Albert Okwuegbunam philosophized, “One thing about this profession is that you don’t get to pick when you get opportunities, but you get to pick when you take advantage of them.” Okwuegbunam had a good showing for himself with seven receptions, 109 yards, and one touchdown.

If there was ever any question as to second string quarterback Jarrett Stiman’s toughness, it was answered at 7:18 of the first quarter when he was flattened in the pocket on a 50-yard pass play to Marvin Mims. Knocked out of the game, he’d return to complete 17 of 28 passes for 236 yards and one touchdown.

Running back Jaleel McLaughlin from Youngstown State holds the NCAA record for most career rushing yards (8,166), yet went undrafted. The darling of training camp, he scored his fourth touchdown of preseason and hopes to make the team and see game action this year.

Besides the men vying for jobs and the coaches’ evaluations, the contest was meaningless but exciting for the fans in attendance. Final score: Broncos 41, Rams 0.

2023 Denver Broncos Schedule

September 10 vs. Las Vegas Raiders

September 17 vs. Washington Commanders

September 24 at Miami Dolphins

October 1 at Chicago Bears

October 8 vs. New York Jets

October 12 at Kansas City Chiefs

October 22 vs. Green Bay Packers

October 29 vs. Kansas City Chiefs

BYE WEEK

November 13 at Buffalo Bills

November 19 vs. Minnesota Vikings

November 26 vs. Cleveland Browns

December 3 at Houston Texans

December 10 at Los Angeles Chargers

TBD at Detroit Lions

December 24 vs. New England Patriots

December 31 vs. Los Angeles Chargers

TBD at Las Vegas Raiders