Broncos dominate Cardinals 38-12 in preseason finale

The Denver Broncos defeated the Arizona Cardinals 38-12 in their preseason finale at Empower Field at Mile High on Sunday afternoon. With the win, Denver finished preseason with a perfect 3-0 record.

The Broncos rested most of their starters, including quarterback Bo Nix. Jarrett Stidham got the nod for the first series on Sunday and he led a 10-play, 55-yard drive that ended with a three-yard Audric Estime touchdown run to give Denver a 7-0 lead in the first quarter.

Stidham played just one drive before being replaced by Broncos third-string quarterback Zach Wilson. In the second quarter, Wilson threw a one-yard touchdown pass to tight end/fullback Nate Adkins to make it 14-0 following an 11-play, 77-yard drive.

Later in the second quarter, linebacker Justin Strnad forced a fumble that safety Keidron Smith recovered at Denver’s three-yard line. That marked Smith’s third takeaway of preseason after he previously grabbed an interception in each of the team’s first two preseason games.

Cardinals veteran kicker Matt Prater kicked a 50-yard field goal late in the first half to make it 14-3 going into halftime. Broncos kicker Wil Lutz matched that kick with a 30-yard field goal to extend the lead to 17-3 in the third quarter. Prater later added a 24-yarder to make it 17-6.

Late in the third quarter, Wilson scored on a one-yard QB sneak to increase Denver’s lead to 24-6. Arizona matched that score with a Hassan Hall touchdown run to cut the deficit to 24-12 (their two-point attempt failed).

In the fourth quarter, Wilson threw a 46-yard touchdown pass to Brandon Johnson to increase the lead to 31-12.

Broncos linebacker Levelle Bailey then grabbed an interception and returned it 94 yards for a touchdown to make it 38-12, which ended up being the final score.

Wilson finished the game 16-of-25 passing for 251 yards with two touchdown passes. He also rushed twice for 22 yards and a score.

On the injury front, Denver cornerback Damarri Mathis suffered an ankle injury in the first quarter and did not return. Broncos pass rusher Durell Nchami also suffered a hamstring injury. Wide receiver Phillip Dorsett left in the third quarter with a leg injury but later returned.

After wrapping up preseason on Sunday, Denver will now turn its attention toward roster cuts. The Broncos have until Tuesday afternoon to finalize a 53-man roster.