Denver Broncos offensive guard Dalton Risner (66) signs autographs for fans before the start of the Broncos preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams Saturday, Aug. 28, 2021, at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver. (The Gazette, Christian Murdock) (Christian Murdock/The Gazette)
Denver defeated the Los Angeles Rams 17-12 in preseason action Saturday, Aug. 28, 2021.
Denver Broncos offensive guard Dalton Risner (66) signs autographs for fans before the start of the Broncos preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams Saturday, Aug. 28, 2021, at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver. (The Gazette, Christian Murdock) (Christian Murdock/The Gazette)Denver Broncos linebacker Malik Reed (59) signs autographs for fans before the start of the Broncos preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams Saturday, Aug. 28, 2021, at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver. (The Gazette, Christian Murdock) (Christian Murdock/The Gazette)Former Broncos cornerback Aqib Talib signs autographs for fans Saturday, Aug. 28, 2021, at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver. (The Gazette, Christian Murdock) (Christian Murdock/The Gazette)Denver Broncos quarterback Teddy Bridgewater, center, and the Broncos leave the tunnel to warm up before the preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams last month, at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver. (Christian Murdock, The Gazette)Denver Broncos quarterback Teddy Bridgewater (5) leads the Broncos team onto the field for the pregame warmups before their last preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams Saturday, Aug. 28, 2021, at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver. (The Gazette, Christian Murdock) (Christian Murdock/The Gazette)Denver Broncos rookie cornerback Pat Surtain II (2) warms up before the preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams Saturday, Aug. 28, 2021, at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver. (The Gazette, Christian Murdock) (Christian Murdock/The Gazette)Denver Broncos quarterback Teddy Bridgewater (5) warms up before the preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams Saturday, Aug. 28, 2021, at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver. (The Gazette, Christian Murdock) (Christian Murdock/The Gazette)Denver Broncos quarterback Drew Lock (3) drinks water as temperatures were in the 90s during pregame warm ups Saturday, Aug. 28, 2021, at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver. (The Gazette, Christian Murdock) (Christian Murdock/The Gazette)Broncos receiver Jerry Jeudyis a “much better” player, coach Vic Fangio says. (Christian Murdock, The Gazette)Denver Broncos quarterback Teddy Bridgewater (5) warms up Saturday, Aug. 28, 2021, at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver. (The Gazette, Christian Murdock) (Christian Murdock/The Gazette)Denver Broncos cornerback Bryce Callahan (29) warms up before the preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams Saturday, Aug. 28, 2021, at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver. (The Gazette, Christian Murdock) (Christian Murdock/The Gazette)Broncos wide receiver Courtland Suttonplayed in one game last season after making the Pro Bowl in 2019. (Christian Murdock, The Gazette)Broncos wide receiver KJ Hamler, left, wide receiver Jerry Jeudy, middle, and receiver Diontae Spencer warm up Aug. 28 before a preseason game in Denver. (Christian Murdock, The Gazette)Denver Broncos quarterback Drew Lock (3) jokes with teammates during warm ups Saturday, Aug. 28, 2021, at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver. (The Gazette, Christian Murdock) (Christian Murdock/The Gazette)Denver Broncos defensive end Shelby Harris (96) warms up before the preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams Saturday, Aug. 28, 2021, at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver. (The Gazette, Christian Murdock) (Christian Murdock/The Gazette)Denver Broncos offensive tackle Cameron Fleming (73) warms up before the Broncos preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams Saturday, Aug. 28, 2021, at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver. (The Gazette, Christian Murdock) (Christian Murdock/The Gazette)Broncos cornerback Patrick Surtain II will likely be compared to Bears quarterback Justin Fields this season. Many pundits thought Denver should have taken the signal-caller. (Christian Murdock, The Gazette)Denver Broncos cornerback Pat Surtain II (2) warms up before the Broncos game against the Los Angeles Rams Saturday, Aug. 28, 2021, at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver. (The Gazette, Christian Murdock) (Christian Murdock/The Gazette)Denver Broncos head coach Vic Fangio stands with his team before the start of the preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams Saturday, Aug. 28, 2021, at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver. (The Gazette, Christian Murdock) (Christian Murdock/The Gazette)Fans cheer for their Broncos as they are introduced before Denver’s preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams Saturday, Aug. 28, 2021, at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver. The home game was the first with a full stadium of fans since the 2019 season because of the COVID-19 pandemic. (The Gazette, Christian Murdock) (Christian Murdock/The Gazette)Broncos mascot Miles rallies the crowd against the Los Angeles Rams during their preseason game Saturday, Aug. 28, 2021, at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver. (The Gazette, Christian Murdock) (Christian Murdock/The Gazette)Broncos quarterback Teddy Bridgewater has drawn strength from adversities he’s faced. (Christian Murdock, The Gazette)Denver Broncos quarterback Teddy Bridgewater (5) walks to the bench before the start of the preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams Saturday, Aug. 28, 2021, at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver. (The Gazette, Christian Murdock) (Christian Murdock/The Gazette)Denver Broncos quarterback Teddy Bridgewater (5) walks to the bench before the start of the preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams Saturday, Aug. 28, 2021, at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver. (The Gazette, Christian Murdock) (Christian Murdock/The Gazette)Denver Broncos wide receiver Courtland Sutton, left, celebrates with wide receiver Jerry Jeudy, center, after scoring a touchdown last season in Denver. (Christian Murdock, The Gazette)Denver fans cheer for their Broncos against the Los Angeles Rams during the first quarter Saturday, Aug. 28, 2021, at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver. (The Gazette, Christian Murdock) (Christian Murdock/The Gazette)Denver Broncos outside linebacker Von Miller (58) stands in the Broncos huddle during the first quarter against the Los Angeles Rams Saturday, Aug. 28, 2021, at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver. (The Gazette, Christian Murdock) (Christian Murdock/The Gazette)Denver Broncos outside linebacker Von Miller (58) watches from the line of scrimmage during the first quarter against the Los Angeles Rams Saturday, Aug. 28, 2021, at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver. (The Gazette, Christian Murdock) (Christian Murdock/The Gazette)Denver Broncos cornerback Bryce Callahan (29) celebrates on the field during the first quarter against the Los Angeles Rams Saturday, Aug. 28, 2021, at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver. (The Gazette, Christian Murdock) (Christian Murdock/The Gazette)Denver Broncos running back Melvin Gordon (25) runs for a first down as Los Angeles Rams linebacker Justin Lawler (53) tackles him during the first quarter Saturday, Aug. 28, 2021, at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver. (The Gazette, Christian Murdock) (Christian Murdock/The Gazette)Denver Broncos running back Melvin Gordon (25) celebrates with wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (10) after running for a first down during the first quarter against the Los Angeles Rams Saturday, Aug. 28, 2021, at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver. (The Gazette, Christian Murdock) (Christian Murdock/The Gazette)Denver Broncos quarterback Teddy Bridgewater (5) throws down field against the Los Angeles Rams during the first quarter Saturday, Aug. 28, 2021, at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver. (The Gazette, Christian Murdock) (Christian Murdock/The Gazette)Denver Broncos quarterback Teddy Bridgewater (5) passes down field against the Los Angeles Rams during the first quarter Saturday, Aug. 28, 2021, at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver. (The Gazette, Christian Murdock) (Christian Murdock/The Gazette)Denver Broncos quarterback Teddy Bridgewater (5) throws down field toward wide receiver Tim Patrick (81) during the first quarter against the Los Angeles Rams Saturday, Aug. 28, 2021, at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver. (The Gazette, Christian Murdock) (Christian Murdock/The Gazette)Denver fans cheer for their Broncos during the first quarter against the Los Angeles Rams Saturday, Aug. 28, 2021, at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver. (The Gazette, Christian Murdock) (Christian Murdock/The Gazette)Denver Broncos outside linebacker Von Miller (58) pressures Los Angeles Rams quarterback Byrce Perkins during the first quarter Saturday, Aug. 28, 2021, at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver. (The Gazette, Christian Murdock) (Christian Murdock/The Gazette)Denver Broncos outside linebacker Von Miller (58) battles the Los Angeles Rams offensive line during the first quarter Saturday, Aug. 28, 2021, at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver. (The Gazette, Christian Murdock) (Christian Murdock/The Gazette)Denver Broncos quarterback Drew Lock (3) walks the sidelines during the second quarter against the Los Angeles Rams Saturday, Aug. 28, 2021, at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver. (The Gazette, Christian Murdock) (Christian Murdock/The Gazette)Denver Broncos cornerback Kyle Fuller (23) watches from the sidelines during the first quarter against the Los Angeles Rams Saturday, Aug. 28, 2021, at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver. (The Gazette, Christian Murdock) (Christian Murdock/The Gazette)Denver Broncos running back Melvin Gordon (25) runs past Los Angeles Rams linebacker Ernest Jones (50) for a 4-yard gain during the first quarter Saturday, Aug. 28, 2021, at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver. (The Gazette, Christian Murdock) (Christian Murdock/The Gazette)Denver Broncos quarterback Teddy Bridgewater (5) drops back to pass against the Los Angeles Rams during the first quarter Saturday, Aug. 28, 2021, at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver. (The Gazette, Christian Murdock) (Christian Murdock/The Gazette)Denver Broncos outside linebacker Von Miller (58) prepares for the next play against the Los Angeles Rams during the first quarter Aug. 28 at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver. (Christian Murdock/The Gazette)Denver Broncos head coach Vic Fangio was the sidelines during the first quarter against the Los Angeles Rams Saturday, Aug. 28, 2021, at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver. (The Gazette, Christian Murdock) (Christian Murdock/The Gazette)Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay walks the sidelines during the first quarter against the Denver Broncos Saturday, Aug. 28, 2021, at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver. (The Gazette, Christian Murdock) (Christian Murdock/The Gazette)Denver Broncos defensive end DeShawn Williams (90) and inside linebacker Josey Jewell (47) tackle Los Angeles Rams running back Xavier Jones (25) for a short gain during the second quarter Saturday, Aug. 28, 2021, at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver. (The Gazette, Christian Murdock) (Christian Murdock/The Gazette)Denver Broncos quarterback Teddy Bridgewater (5) watches from the sidelines during the second quarter against the Los Angeles Rams Saturday, Aug. 28, 2021, at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver. (The Gazette, Christian Murdock) (Christian Murdock/The Gazette)A young fan cheers for his Broncos during the second quarter Saturday, Aug. 28, 2021, at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver. The preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams was the first with a full capacity crowd since the 2019 season. (The Gazette, Christian Murdock) (Christian Murdock/The Gazette)Denver Broncos tight end Eric Saubert (82) is tackled by Los Angeles Rams linebacker Ernest Jones (50) and linebacker Travin Howard (32)after running for a first down during the second quarter Saturday, Aug. 28, 2021, at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver. (The Gazette, Christian Murdock) (Christian Murdock/The Gazette)Denver Broncos tight end Eric Saubert (82) celebrates after running for a first down against the Los Angeles Rams during the first quarter Saturday, Aug. 28, 2021, at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver. (The Gazette, Christian Murdock) (Christian Murdock/The Gazette)Denver Broncos quarterback Teddy Bridgewater (5) drops back to throw against the Los Angeles Rams during the first quarter Saturday, Aug. 28, 2021, at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver. (The Gazette, Christian Murdock) (Christian Murdock/The Gazette)Denver Broncos quarterback Teddy Bridgewater (5) lines up at center during the first quarter against the Los Angeles Rams Saturday, Aug. 28, 2021, at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver. (The Gazette, Christian Murdock) (Christian Murdock/The Gazette)Young fans cheer for their Broncos against the Los Angeles Rams during the second quarter Saturday, Aug. 28, 2021, at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver. (The Gazette, Christian Murdock) (Christian Murdock/The Gazette)Broncos Saivion Smith tackles Los Angeles Rams kick off returner Jeremiah Haydel (18) during a kickoff return in the second quarter Saturday, Aug. 28, 2021, at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver. (The Gazette, Christian Murdock) (Christian Murdock/The Gazette)Broncos special teams player Saivion Smith (38) celebrates with Denver Broncos tight end Andrew Beck (83) and Denver Broncos cornerback Parnell Motley (42) after making a stop during the first half against the Los Angeles Rams Saturday, Aug. 28, 2021, at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver. (The Gazette, Christian Murdock) (Christian Murdock/The Gazette)Denver Broncos running back Damarea Crockett (39) runs up field against the Los Angeles Rams during the fourth quarter Saturday, Aug. 28, 2021, at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver. (The Gazette, Christian Murdock) (Christian Murdock/The Gazette)Denver Broncos tight end Eric Saubert (82) watches from the sidelines in the fourth quarter of the Broncos’ preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams Saturday, Aug. 28, 2021, at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver. (The Gazette, Christian Murdock) (Christian Murdock/The Gazette)Denver Broncos quarterback Brett Rypien (4) calls signals before the snap in the fourth quarter of the Broncos’ preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams Saturday, Aug. 28, 2021, at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver. (The Gazette, Christian Murdock) (Christian Murdock/The Gazette)Denver Broncos kicker Brandon McManus (8) watches from the sidelines in the fourth quarter of the Broncos’ preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams Saturday, Aug. 28, 2021, at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver. (The Gazette, Christian Murdock) (Christian Murdock/The Gazette)Denver Broncos offensive tackle Garett Bolles (72) watches from the sidelines in the fourth quarter of the Broncos’ preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams Saturday, Aug. 28, 2021, at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver. (The Gazette, Christian Murdock) (Christian Murdock/The Gazette)Denver Broncos kicker Brandon McManus (8) watches from the sidelines in the fourth quarter of the Broncos’ preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams Saturday, Aug. 28, 2021, at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver. (The Gazette, Christian Murdock) (Christian Murdock/The Gazette)Denver Broncos cornerback Bryce Callahan (29) stands on the sidelines during the fourth quarter against the Los Angeles Rams Saturday, Aug. 28, 2021, at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver. (The Gazette, Christian Murdock) (Christian Murdock/The Gazette)The Broncos cheerleaders entertain the crowd during a timeout in the fourth quarter Saturday, Aug. 28, 2021, at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver. (The Gazette, Christian Murdock) (Christian Murdock/The Gazette)Broncos quarterback Drew Lock stands on the sidelines Aug. 28 during a preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams in Denver. (Christian Murdock, The Gazette)Denver head coach Vic Fangio coaches from the sidelines in the fourth quarter of the Broncos’ preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams Saturday, Aug. 28, 2021, at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver. (The Gazette, Christian Murdock) (Christian Murdock/The Gazette)Denver Broncos punter Sam Martin (6) watches from the sidelines in the fourth quarter of the Broncos’ preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams Saturday, Aug. 28, 2021, at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver. (The Gazette, Christian Murdock) (Christian Murdock/The Gazette)Denver Broncos kicker Brandon McManus (8) watches from the sidelines in the fourth quarter of the Broncos’ preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams Saturday, Aug. 28, 2021, at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver. (The Gazette, Christian Murdock) (Christian Murdock/The Gazette)Denver Broncos defensive tackle Shamar Stephen (99) watches from the sidelines in the fourth quarter of the Broncos’ preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams Saturday, Aug. 28, 2021, at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver. (The Gazette, Christian Murdock) (Christian Murdock/The Gazette)Denver Broncos running back Melvin Gordon (25) watches the sidelines in the fourth quarter of the Broncos’ preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams Saturday, Aug. 28, 2021, at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver. (The Gazette, Christian Murdock) (Christian Murdock/The Gazette)Denver Broncos running back Melvin Gordon (25) watches the sidelines in the fourth quarter of the Broncos’ preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams Saturday, Aug. 28, 2021, at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver. (The Gazette, Christian Murdock) (Christian Murdock/The Gazette)Denver Broncos outside linebacker Von Miller (58) walks the sidelines in the fourth quarter of the Broncos’ preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams Saturday, Aug. 28, 2021, at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver. (The Gazette, Christian Murdock) (Christian Murdock/The Gazette)Broncos linebacker Von Millerhasn’t played in a regular-season game since Dec. 29, 2019. (Christian Murdock, The Gazette)The Broncos and coach Vic Fangio, right, watch from the sidelines during an Aug. 29 exhibition against the Rams in Denver. The Broncos have gone winless in September the past two years (0-7). (Christian Murdock, The Gazette)
