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Denver Broncos 23, Minnesota Vikings 13: Good, Evil, Ugly

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The Denver Broncos’ 23-13 preseason win over the Minnesota Vikings was “the right game” on Saturday. After being overwhelmed by the Buffaloes his Bills in Game 2 of the preseason, the Broncos bounced back like a Slinky in dominant form against the Vikings.

For players in the roster bubble, their fate will be heavily influenced by this weekend’s game tape. What did we learn from the Broncos’ preseason finale?

A rundown of what’s good, bad, and ugly about the game will help answer that question.

Pros: Run game comes to life

The Broncos’ much-touted out-of-zone run plan finally woke up after oversleep and missing the first two games of the preseason. Denver’s offensive his line finally seems to have gotten the message that he rushed for 148 yards (5.9 yards average) in 25 attempts, leaving the line quickly and showing his physicality.

Third row running back Mike Boone must have been happiest on the empower field to see the O-Line open up the running lane. Boone seized the chance and burst with power running skills.

The Broncos have competent options if Javonte Williams and Melvin Gordon are injured.

Pros: 2 molded players catch fire

COMP - McTelvin Agim and Nik Bonitto via IMAGN

Rookie second-round pick Nick Bonnit took a big step forward in his development against Minnesota. His first two games of the preseason were not kind to the rookie outside his linebacker.

Faced with bigger, stronger, faster players, and an overall speedier game, it seemed that the talent Bonnit displayed in college was neutralized. . He didn’t give in, scoring his two sacks and a forced fumble against the Vikings, demonstrating his speed and relentless pursuit.

Not to be outdone, third-year defensive tackle McTelvin Azim reaffirmed that the Broncos should be on the roster. Agim was a wrecking ball in the middle of the defense, creating enough internal pressure to chop up a sack and two forced fumbles, one of which was driven home by Baron Browning.

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Pros: Appearance of a rising star

Denver Broncos linebacker Baron Browning (56) picks up a fumble and attempts a touchdown against Minnesota Vikings offensive tackle Blake Blundell (64) in the second quarter at Empower Field at Mile High.

Rookie wideout/return Montrell Washington could be preseason MVP. When he’s in open space, his speed and elusiveness are deadly to enemy defenders.

Against the Vikings, Washington took an end-around pitch for an 11-yard touchdown. It’s too early to give him the next Tyreke his Hill crown, but Washington has the potential to be a special player.

The aforementioned Browning was the most consistent preseason performer on the Broncos defense. In Game 3, he found Paydirt on Scoop and Score, gaining meaningful playing time this season.

Cons: QB2’s competition is too close

COMP - Brett Rypien and Josh Johnson via IMAGN

Denver’s open competition for backup quarterback jobs is fierce, but there is no clear path. Against the Vikings, both Brett Rippien and Josh Johnson have shown commanding offense and throwing the ball with precision.

As a starter, Ripien went 14/21 for 137 yards and had an interception on tipped passes. Playing after halftime, Johnson tallied 11 of 14 for 107 yards and no interceptions.

Head coach Nathanial Hackett’s decision will depend heavily on who he trusts to run the offense. It may influence your decision.

But Ripien’s play and presence in the quarterback room are undeniable factors. The decision is a toss up.

Cons: Reduced roster to 53 players

Members of the Denver Broncos before a preseason game against the Dallas Cowboys at Mile High's Empower Field.

Releasing players is the most emotionally difficult moment of the season for coaches. The most difficult decision for Hackett and the company will be how to shrink his spacious receiver room.

With Cortland Sutton, Jerry Jeudy, KJ Hamler and Montrell Washington cementing their place at the top of the wideout depth chart, there could be two spots available for the remaining four talented receivers.

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