Broncos win despite rough start

Denver coach Sean Payton expressed clear frustration after a preseason win over San Francisco, focusing on operational issues beyond the score.

Payton voices frustration after Broncos win

Denver defeated San Francisco 30-9 in the preseason opener, and the Broncos’ depth delivered in the second half. Jarrett Stidham went 14 of 15 for 136 yards with two touchdowns, while Trent Sherfield piled up 73 receiving yards and a late toe tap score. Kris Abrams-Draine stood out in the secondary, and Tyler Badie along with Blake Watson showed speed and versatility in the backfield.
The first team on offense, by contrast, struggled and Payton labeled the showing average to below average. The unit went 0 of 4 on third down and miscues popped up in pass protection and a red zone sequence. O line depth and special teams also drew attention, underscoring how roster decisions will hinge on consistency as camp winds down.

The night underscores how preseason is about depth tests as much as marquee names. Stidham’s accuracy and Sherfield’s reliability give Denver potential for meaningful rotations at receiver. Abrams-Draine’s bold showing signals a real challenge to reserve corners. In the backfield Badie and Watson made a case for involvement with explosive plays and dependable receiving options. Yet Payton’s blunt postgame remarks about the road trip and the overall operation reveal a coach prioritizing preparation and process over a clean box score. The test now is whether the Broncos can translate practice intensity into game discipline across units.

Highlights

Preseason reveals the work that truly matters for a season ahead