In the Broncos’ 27–7 preseason win, Jarrett Stidham starred with two TDs to Troy Franklin, rookie RJ Harvey scored, and defensive depth showed. Full recap here.
Broncos Game Recap: Broncos Dominate Cardinals 27–7
The Denver Broncos crushed the Arizona Cardinals with a convincing 27–7 victory in their Week 2 preseason matchup. Quarterback Jarrett Stidham delivered an efficient display, connecting for two touchdowns to Troy Franklin, while rookie RJ Harvey opened the scoring on the ground. Defense also stepped up, forcing turnovers and showcasing key contributors.
Key Performers & Highlights
- Jarrett Stidham (QB): Completed 16 of 23 passes for 240 yards and two touchdowns to Troy Franklin, reinforcing his credentials as a high-caliber backup.
- Troy Franklin (WR): Caught four passes for 67 yards and two touchdowns, including a stunning back-shoulder grab — a breakout performance that aligns with head coach Sean Payton’s preseason hype.
- RJ Harvey (RB): Scored his first preseason touchdown on an 8-yard rush, showcasing explosiveness and leadership in the backfield.
- Depth Defense: Linebacker Jonah Elliss pressured heavily, while Jordan Turner bagged a breakout game with five tackles and two sacks — hinting at a formidable pass rush depth.
- Areas to Watch: Offensive lineman Nick Gargiulo suffered a serious knee injury that is expected to end his season; penalties, particularly from tight end Caleb Lohner, disrupted offensive flows.
Game Flow & Narrative Arc
| Quarter | Highlight |
|---|---|
| Early Game | RJ Harvey opens scoring with a TD on first possession. |
| First Half | Stidham finds Franklin twice — precise timing, route mastery. |
| Second Half | Defense clamps down; Turner and Elliss overwhelm Cardinals backups. |
| Closing | Broncos dominate final drives but penalties hint at deeper discipline work. |
Stidham’s composure drove Denver’s first four scoring possessions, while the defense held Arizona to just one score — cementing a statement win built on depth and execution.
Home Dub ✅
See you Week 1 for the real thing! pic.twitter.com/baayuHuWNo
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) August 17, 2025
Context & Broader Season Implications
- Quarterback Stability: After signing a two-year extension, Stidham is staking his claim as a dependable backup — his form adds security to Denver’s QB room.
- Receiver Outlook: Franklin’s emergence builds promising momentum in the receiving corps, joining experienced names like Evan Engram and strengthening depth chart options.
- Backfield Dynamics: With RJ Harvey’s speed and vision, Denver now has a dynamic change-of-pace threat behind starters like J.K. Dobbins.