INDIANAPOLIS — The Broncos are looking to get off to a quicker start in 2024.
And after Denver's preseason win over the Colts, it's clear the Broncos' rookies are eager to contribute.
"I think you can see a lot of young guys that are hungry [and] a lot of guys that are fighting for a position," wide receiver Courtland Sutton said.
This competitiveness was on full display Sunday, as several first-year players made key contributions in Denver's 34-30 victory.
Outside linebacker Jonah Elliss set the tone late in the first half, as he applied pressure off the edge on Indianapolis quarterback Sam Ehlinger. The pressure ultimately led to a Denver interception by defensive back Keidron Smith, and the Broncos then moved down the field toearn a 13-10 halftime lead. Elliss later recorded a sack, as well.
Rookie running backs Audric Estime and Blake Watson carried this momentum into the second half, as both recorded key rushing touchdowns to help propel Denver to the win.
"It definitely felt great," Estime said of playing in his first NFL preseason game. "… [It] was just a result of all the hard work we've been doing in camp. It all paid off and we got the win."
While Estime was pleased with his positive impact in his first NFL preseason game, he noted that there is still a lot of work to be done to improve in the weeks ahead. The Notre Dame product lost a fumble that resulted in a Colts touchdown.
Head Coach Sean Payton had a similar perspective on the performance of his rookies, and he believes that the more playing experience the players get, the better prepared they will be to step up during the regular season.
"Overall, they've been pretty consistent in camp, [and I'm] encouraged," Payton said. "There's still obviously a lot of work for those guys to do. But they all show that they can find a way to contribute. Now, it's [about] cleaning up some of the other things."
Cornerback Kris Abrams-Draine and wide receiver Devaughn Vele were also among the rookies to make their presences known, as both made key plays to contribute to Denver's strong performance.
Abrams-Draine recorded a key interception on an Indianapolis two-point conversion attempt to bring Denver's offense back out on the field, while Vele drew two pass interference penalties totaling 40 yards.
As the Broncos get back to work this week, Vele is confident that the culture Denver is developing in training camp will continue to propel the rookie class, and the group as a whole, to success during the 2024 season.
"I feel like the camaraderie on this team, it's really good," Vele said. "The vets help out a lot with the rookies, and I feel like this brotherhood is something really special here."
PAYTON EAGER TO 'CLEAN UP' MISTAKES AS PRESEASON PROGRESSES
Payton said that while he was pleased with several things he observed in Sunday's win, there is still plenty of work to be done as the Broncos get back to work this week.
"Even in wins, the same way in losses, you can find things you're doing well," Payton said. "We've got to be smart enough tomorrow when we watch the tape to clean up and correct some of the things that we weren't doing as well with."
Payton said Denver will focus on minimizing penalties and turnovers as they look forward to next week's preseason game at home against the Packers.
TIM PATRICK RETURNS TO THE FIELD
After spending the last two season on injured reserve, wide receiver Tim Patrick returned to the field and recorded his first reception on Sunday. While it's been a while since he's seen action on the field, Patrick said practicing alongside his teammates during training camp allowed him to build confidence ahead of his first preseason appearance.
"It felt good; it honestly hasn't felt that long," Patrick said. "… I feel like I go against the best every day, so out there, it just felt like it was another day in the office."
Several teammates, including Sutton, were glad to see Patrick return and look forward to watching him contribute this season.
"I was so happy for him," Sutton said. "… It was just so exciting to see him back out there in his element. … I'm excited for him, [and] I know he's going to have a really great year this year."
