Winners and losers from Broncos 27-7 win over Cardinals

USA Today

a day ago

The Denver Broncos came away on the high end of a 27-7 win over the Arizona Cardinals, where wide receiver Troy Franklin finished with two touchdown catches. Alongside Franklin, there were a host of other winners (and two losers) from the game. Let's dive into it!
Winner: RB RJ Harvey
Harvey looked great, starting on the first two drives for Denver, with the ones sitting out. It can now be safely assumed veteran J.K. Dobbins will be RB1, with Harvey the next featured back. Harvey finished the game with three rushes for 18 yards and one touchdown, his first as a Bronco, and one catch out of the backfield for two yards.
Winner: WR Pat Bryant
Bryant caught four passes on six targets for a game-high 70 yards. In two games of preseason action, Bryant has now caught six passes for 91 yards. Bryant's most impressive catch against the Cardinals was a shoestring grab in the first half from quarterback Jarrett Stidham. Bryant's big-play ability is an exciting prospect for a developing Broncos offense led by Bo Nix.
Winner: TE Evan Engram
Engram played on the Broncos' first offensive series, and his first 'official' touch for Denver went for 58 yards. It gave fans a hopeful glimpse into what a weapon the tight end can be.
Winner: WR Courtney Jackson
Jackson had himself the best night of any Bronco not named Troy Franklin. Jackson made an impact on special teams (three punt returns for 43 yards) and had a variety of creative touches on offense (one rush for 30 yards, two catches for 32 yards). After a strong showing at camp, and his integration on offense, it may be safe to say that Jackson has made a strong case for earning his way onto the 53-man roster.
Loser: RB Audric Estime
Estime seemed to lose carries to fellow running back Blake Watson. Estime carried the ball nine times for 20 yards, averaging the fewest yards per carry of any back against Arizona, despite the second-most carries of any back Denver put on the field. Estime is looking like he could be cut in favor of Watson or Badie.
Loser: TE Caleb Lohner
Denver's seventh-round pick in the 2025 NFL draft committed three penalties and looked lost on offense with motions and positioning. Lohner did have one catch for four yards. Despite limited production and frequent mistakes, one has to remember Lohner is new to the game of football, as it is his second year in total, college and professional. Lohner's rare 6-8 size could render him a practice squad candidate as he develops, but it is hard to see him on the 53-man squad at this point. Sean Payton did like him, so it's likely he'll stick around in some capacity.
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