Denver Broncos vs. Arizona Cardinals Preseason: Expert Analysis

Preseason Showdown: Broncos vs. Cardinals

The anticipation is building as the Denver Broncos face off against the Arizona Cardinals in a preseason clash. Both teams are determined to establish a strong start in the preseason and set the tone for the upcoming season. With the desire to rebound from their previous disappointing records, these teams are eager to showcase their potential on the field.

Broncos' Pursuit of Redemption

The Denver Broncos faced a challenging 2022 season, ending with a disappointing 5-12 record. As a response to their struggles, the team has ushered in a new era under the leadership of Sean Payton, a former Super Bowl-winning coach. Payton's arrival signals a fresh start for the Broncos, aiming to rejuvenate their performance and restore their competitive edge.

Reflecting on the team's playoff absence since 2015, there's a strong determination to turn the tide. Quarterback Russell Wilson, who endured a tough season with 3524 passing yards and a 16-11 touchdown-to-interception ratio, seeks a resurgence. In the upcoming game, Wilson's playing time will be limited, allowing Jarrett Stidham and Ben Dinucci to take charge of the offense as capable journeyman backups.

A crucial battleground emerges in the interior of the offensive line, where contenders like Ben Powers, Quinn Meinerz, and Luke Wattenberg vie for starting positions. Their success holds the key to safeguarding Wilson and optimizing his passing opportunities.

While the offense encountered challenges, the defense emerged as a pillar of strength, permitting only 21.1 points per game in the previous season. Under the guidance of new defensive coordinator Vance Joseph, the focus rests on bolstering the pass rush and identifying starting cornerbacks alongside All-Pro Patrick Surtain. The preseason game becomes pivotal for defensive linemen Zach Allen, Jonathan Harris, Matt Henningsen, and cornerbacks Damarri Mathis and rookie Riley Moss.

Cardinals' Quest Amidst Challenges

The Arizona Cardinals also faced a challenging 2022 season, resulting in a 4-13 record. The journey ahead isn't devoid of obstacles, with quarterback Kyler Murray's absence due to a torn ACL. New head coach Jonathan Gannon shifts focus to Colt McCoy as the primary starter, creating an opportune moment for rookie Clayton Tune, drafted from Houston in the fifth round, alongside backups Jeff Driskel and David Blough.

While seeking answers under center, the Cardinals yearn for receiving options to amplify their passing game, especially post the departure of DeAndre Hopkins. The preseason holds significance for Zach Paschal, and rookies Michael Wilson and Daniel Arias, who aim to contribute to the team's offensive arsenal.

On the defensive front, Coach Gannon, renowned for his defensive prowess, aims to solidify reliable starters. The challenge lies in determining the secondary lineup beyond standout safety Budda Baker. Observations intensify on Antonio Hamilton, Marco Wilson, and Isaiah Simmons, a first-round pick from 2020, as they strive to establish their impact within the defensive scheme.

Prediction