The Denver Broncos couldn’t have asked for a better start to their preseason, cruising past the San Francisco 49ers with a dominant 30–9 victory. While preseason scores don’t count in the standings, the tone and execution of this game offered plenty for fans—and coaches—to dissect. Let’s break it down.
The Good
1. Offensive Rhythm Early
From the first drive, Denver’s offense looked sharp. The starting unit moved the ball with pace and confidence, with crisp passing and a steady ground game that kept San Francisco’s defense guessing.
2. Defensive Dominance
The Broncos’ defense smothered the 49ers, holding them to just nine points. The pass rush consistently collapsed the pocket, and Denver’s secondary capitalized on errant throws, nearly snagging multiple interceptions.
3. Special Teams Spark
A long kickoff return and clean execution on field goals rounded out a strong showing across all three phases of the game—a promising sign for a unit that’s been inconsistent in recent years.
The Bad
1. Penalties in Key Moments
Despite the lopsided score, Denver still struggled with unnecessary flags, including a couple that extended 49ers drives. In a regular-season contest, those mistakes could prove costly.
2. Red Zone Efficiency
While the offense moved the ball well, a few drives stalled inside the 20, forcing field goal attempts instead of touchdowns. Cleaning up play-calling and execution in tight spaces will be key moving forward.
The Ugly
1. Injuries in the Trenches
The lone dark cloud was a couple of minor injuries along the offensive line. While early reports suggest nothing season-threatening, depth at those positions will be worth monitoring as the preseason continues.
Final Takeaway
Yes, it’s “only” preseason, but the Broncos looked locked in and ready to compete. Sean Payton’s squad showed discipline, depth, and energy—three ingredients that translate well once the real games begin. If they can clean up penalties and sharpen their red-zone attack, Denver might just carry this momentum straight into September.
