The Denver Broncos remained undefeated in the preseason with another win on Sunday. This time, the Broncos were able to easily defeat the Arizona Cardinals by a score of 38-12.

After the game, Broncos head coach Sean Payton was pleased with his team’s effort in the final.

“I liked the energy again. I thought even the guys that weren’t necessarily playing were in the game. That’s encouraging. You can pick any number and it gives you some kind of statistic. If you score on defense, you’re going to have some success. I think we won two games and protected the ball. So overall I was happy with how we finished this preseason. We’re going to get a lot of film on some guys and then we’ll start that process in the next two days relative to the roster,” Payton said.

Here are three observations about Sunday’s win over the Cardinals.

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Featured for a swap?

In the preseason finale, teams can use a substitute player who might not make the 53-man roster to entice another team into a trade before cut-down day. Is that what happened with quarterback Zach Wilson?

With so much Wilson playing, it was clear the Broncos wanted to get a longer look at him with better players around him. However, I think Wilson makes the team, as they will likely keep three quarterbacks.

I’m curious as to why running back Samaje Perine didn’t play. This isn’t a trade because he was in regular gear, but maybe the team is keeping him out so there’s no risk of injury. Given the lack of running back talent on other teams, I’d imagine the Broncos could get a late-round pick for Perine from a team like the Houston Texans or Cincinnati Bengals. Maybe that’s something the team will look into because it doesn’t seem like keeping Perine on the roster is going to happen.

There are so many talented wide receivers on this team, but they can’t keep everyone. In fact, there may not be room on the practice squad for some of the receivers who have consistently made plays in training camp. With his quality play in the preseason, capped off by a touchdown against the Cardinals, WR Brandon Johnson should be a player other teams want to add. Again, I don’t think they’ll trade him, but if I were any other NFL GM, I’d be interested in adding Johnson if the price was right.

Payton somewhat dodged the question after the game.

“I don’t think anything changes today, tonight or tomorrow morning. The league is very smart. It’s never easy, this process, and it is what it is. I’ve been through it a few times myself, formally as a player. I remember being very naive on a team, thinking they were going to start me. I went in, I got kicked out, and I couldn’t believe it. You’ve got the 53 and the practice squad. There are paths to decisions, and part of that is roster management. So George and I have met every week for the last few weeks, relative to where we are on certain decisions. I think we’ve got it pretty well under control in that regard,” Payton said.

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Opportunity

The Broncos have a number of positions that are loaded with talent. As mentioned, wide receiver is one of the toughest positions to build a depth chart around. Johnson is just one of the players we want to highlight here, as it appears he has a slim chance of making the 53-man roster despite his consistent play throughout camp and the preseason.

Along with Johnson, receivers like David Sills, Jalen Virgil and Michael Bandy will be tough to cut. Sills has a good size/speed combination and has shown strong chemistry with all of the quarterbacks on the roster. Virgil is a strong receiver after the catch and also has the ability to be a dangerous return man. Bandy has been one of the most consistent players in training camp at any position, but it will be tough to find a spot for him.

How many receivers are they keeping? I see six receivers on the 53 man roster, but they might only keep five with the numbers at other positions. How many receiver spots are available on the practice squad? Besides this trio, WR Lil Jordan Humphrey is at least an option for the practice squad. So if these four players don’t make the 53, do they keep four receivers on the practice squad?

Payton was asked specifically about Johnson after the win.

“I was encouraged. I thought he did a great job. He made some big plays. He’s a big target. He’s a great worker. He’s one of those guys that it was great to see get some opportunities. A lot of those guys stepped up. (Jalen) Virgil had some big receptions. (Michael) Bandy had a good camp. We knew going into training camp that the position group was deep. I think you all saw how deep it was. There’s some tough decisions there,” Payton said.

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Improved chemistry

It seems like this team has improved their chemistry on both sides of the ball. You can see how these guys like each other and how they are all in when it comes to Payton and the coaching staff.

This type of chemistry and buy-in is something we haven’t seen in a while. They’re playing for each other and having fun. When plays aren’t going their way, you see support from the bench and the huddle. This is a sign of improved chemistry and that kind of unity could help them win tough games in the fall.

The Broncos are young, hungry and humble. They have talent and they are so young that they don’t know yet that they’re not supposed to be good. That’s a combination that has a dangerous element – ​​for opponents. The Broncos won’t be going to the Super Bowl this year, but they will likely be tough out this season because of the trust they have in each other.

Stidham appreciates the chemistry on this year’s team.

“I think Sean (Payton) has tried to build that foundation. Last year was a big part of that. We had a lot of guys come back from last year, so this team is just naturally a little closer. We’ve been together a little bit longer and it’s a great group of guys. I can’t say enough about this team. (It’s) a lot of fun and everybody works hard. It’s honestly awesome to see a big group of guys like this (where there’s) no entitlement, nothing like that. Everybody just works hard and wants to win. Everybody’s a great teammate. That’s what it’s all about,” Stidham said.

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