Broncos slaughter Cardinals to sweep preseason

The Broncos’ offense was as healthy as ever, Thursday night, when Kyle Sloter and a surprisingly productive offensive line led the team to a 30-2 victory over the Arizona Cardinals.

Sloter, who quarterbacked the offense for the duration of the preseason game, threw for 220 yards and a touchdown on 23 attempts.

Vance Joseph said last week that he only planned to keep two quarterbacks on the roster, likely meaning that Sloter would be sent packing, but an injury to backup Paxton Lynch now leaves an open spot. The coaching staff will press Sloter to make quicker decisions, but Thursday night’s performance was quite a message to the coaching staff that No. 1 wants to stay around.

Denver’s defense was dominant again against Arizona, holding the Cardinals offense scoreless. Arizona threw for 65 yards and completed just seven passes in 22 attempts. Denver also held runners to under four yards per carry.

DeMarcus Walker, Shelby Harris and Shakir Soto penetrated the Cardinals’ offensive line, generating consistent pressure and stopping running backs at the line of scrimmage. Ken Ekanem recorded Denver’s only sack.

The “Baby No Fly Zone” shut down any hopes of a passing attack. Cornerbacks Brendan Langley and Lorenzo Doss blanketed opposing receivers, and safeties Dymonte Thomas, Orion Stewart and Jamal Carter provided some thump.

Brandon McManus made three field goals and three extra points to finish the preseason perfect.

PLAYER OF THE GAME

Kyle Sloter continued his strong preseason play, finding open receivers all over the field. The rookie made highlight-reel play after highlight-reel play, including back-to-back 32-yarders to Kalif Raymond and Anthony Nash.

PLAY OF THE GAME

Dymonte Thomas caught an errant pass from Trevor Knight in the second quarter and returned it for a touchdown. Thomas’ interception makes the future of the Broncos’ secondary even more interesting. Behind one of the strongest safety corps in the league, undrafted rookie safeties Thomas, Jamal Carter and Orion Stewart are all making strong cases to stick in Denver.

QUOTE OF THE GAME

 

“There’s not much to not like about Denver. I want to be here.”

– Kyle Sloter

BY THE NUMBERS

65 – Passing yards allowed by the Broncos’ defense.

10 – Third down stops by the Broncos’ defense.

4 – Number of preseason sweeps in Broncos history.

LASTING IMPACT

Jamal Carter, Dymonte Thomas and Kyle Sloter increased their chances of making the roster. Thursday night’s game was the last chance for plenty of bubble Broncos to make their case to stay in the Mile High City.

WHAT’S NEXT

At least thirty-seven Broncos will be cut in the coming days, as the team prepares to kick off the regular season against the Chargers on Sept. 2.