The Denver Broncos lost the opening coin toss and the Arizona Cardinals deferred to bring Bo Nix and the offense out to start the game.
A solid return by Marvin Mims Jr. of 39- yards gave the offense the ball to start at their own 41-yard line. Bo Nix from an empty set immediately found Courtland Sutton wide open over the middle of the field for a 20 yard gain into field goal range on the very first play of the game.
After an incompletion, J.K. Dobbins gained seven yards on his first carry of the game. Then on third and three, Nix hit rookie Jonah Coleman short of the sticks who fought his way for the first down inside the Cardinals 30 yard line.
Dobbins began the game running hard with back to back runs for six yards and two yards to setup another third and short where Nix would fake a toss to Mims and hit RJ Harvey who dove to the one yard line for an 14 yard gain but a penalty for offensive pass interference on Adam Trautman killed the play and the drive.
Broncos 3, Cardinals 0.
After forcing a three-and-out, the Broncos took over at their own 39-yard line where Nix and the offense would answer with their own three-and-out. A great punt and a penalty pushed the Cardinals back to their own six yard line on their next drive. The Broncos defense put the pressure on Jacoby Brissett to force yet another three-and-out and a punt from their own end zone.
A poor punt and a nice return by Marvin Mims Jr. set the Broncos up at midfield for their third drive of the opening quarter. Despite the great field position, the Broncos offense predictably could not get a first down and looked to be punting but a defensive holding penalty on third down bought a fresh set of downs for Denver.
Nix immediately found Jaylen Waddle open for a 14- yard gain and a first down. A holding penalty by Ben Powers killed the drive, however, and the Broncos had to settle for yet another field goal attempt by Wil Lutz.
Broncos 6, Cardinals 0.
Riley Moss was called on defensive pass interference on a deep shot on the Cardinals next possession. There was no interference and it as the dumbest call of the year so far. A huge run on the next play stacked by a personal foul on Brandon Jones set the Cardinals up in the red zone.
