The Denver Broncos rebounded from a flat performance in the preseason last Friday night by ending the exhibition season with a 28-point win over the Minnesota Vikings.
The Broncos were defeated 33-13 last week by the Green Bay Packers and the team lacked energy in all three phases. But its response against Minnesota was loud and impressive in a 34-6 rout at Empower Field.
Jarrett Stidham started the game at quarterback for the Broncos, playing two possessions and leading the team to scores on each of them. He completed six of his nine throws for 78 yards before giving way to Sam Ehlinger, who will likely be the odd man out in the backup quarterback race.
However, Ehlinger looked incredible and reminded many fans why he has had such a lengthy stay
in Denver. Despite having his first pass attempt of the night intercepted, he completed 15 of 20 passes for 233 yards and three touchdowns.
It's not likely that the Broncos will keep three quarterbacks on the 53-man roster, but it's also not likely that Ehlinger would clear waivers. That said, Ehlinger passed on better opportunities to stay in Denver last year. His status will be one of the team's most interesting storylines to follow with roster cuts looming, just as it was last season.
Wide open 👐
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) August 29, 2026
📺: 9NEWS pic.twitter.com/e3u4DhhR71
Following that touchdown pass in which Ehlinger extended the play before making an incredible throw, he found Justin Joly on an 88-yard touchdown pass to put the final stamp on the victory. Joly, the team's fifth-round pick, needed to make a play in the worst way.
8️⃣8️⃣ yards to the 🏡!
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) August 29, 2026
📺: 9NEWS pic.twitter.com/R1xQTw5Xbe
Jaleel McLaughlin also had a nice night for the Broncos, scoring on a 20-yard touchdown reception. He is a player who many feel will be on the outside looking in when final cuts are announced, so the Broncos may have been giving him a chance to audition for another team, as he had 13 total touches in the game.
The Broncos finish the preseason at 2-1. The team will now focus on knocking the roster down to 53 players by 4:00 pm on Sunday. From there, the next time we will see this Broncos team on the field will be on Monday, September 14 at Arrowhead Stadium against the Kansas City Chiefs.
This article originally appeared on Broncos Wire: Broncos wrap up preseason with 34-6 win over Vikings
