The Denver Broncos won a wild game against the Indianapolis Colts, 34-30, on Sunday. Well, as wild as a preseason game can get.
The team had many positives to take away from this game and if not for several self-inflicted wounds, it would not have been very close. Looking back at the entire game, which players made the biggest strides in terms of their personal goals as it relates to this year's roster?
The Broncos still have two preseason games to play and a lot to be decided, but these four players did the most with what they had to work with against the Colts.
Broncos players who gained the most from preseason win over Colts
Bo Nix
This is the only place to start.
Bo Nix looked terrific in his debut and though we have to temper excitement because it is just a preseason game, it was more than the stats that Nix put up.
He went 15-of-21 passing for 125 yards and this touchdown, but he showed great athleticism and poise on the field. He looked like a player who has been playing for years and that is what Sean Payton likes about him the most.
He also displayed the ability to use his feet to pick up yards when a play breaks down, something Broncos fans are going to enjoy this season. This was the perfect start for the rookie and it should be the talk of the town.
Zach Wilson
The Broncos may not end up keeping three quarterbacks, but Zach Wilson did the most with the opportunity he was given.
Coming in as the third quarterback, he completed 10-of-13 passes for 117 yards. He did this against players deep on the Colts' depth chart but he was out there with third and fourth-string players himself, so that must be considered.
Wilson is clearly the third guy in the quarterback race but he could create an argument for the Broncos to keep all three quarterbacks. If he doesn't, the team would likely love to get him to the practice squad but he would have to first clear waivers.
Blake Watson
All of the Broncos' running backs got in on the action in this game as the team rushed for three touchdowns. But Blake Watson, an undrafted free agent, made a good push toward making the team.
The Broncos are going to keep Javonte Williams, Jaleel McLaughlin and Audric Estime. Will they keep a fourth running back? If they do, it will come down to Watson or Samaje Perine.
While Perine bobbled a ball early in the game that turned into a Colts interception, Watson got in on the action late, scoring a rushing touchdown. But where Watson could shine for this team is as a receiver out of the backfield and he showed that on a 33-yard reception in the fourth quarter.
Blake Watson extends the @Broncos lead!
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It wasn't a perfect performance. He did fumble the ball as the Broncos were trying to run out the clock late in the game. Fortunately, Sam Mustipher recovered it for the Broncos.
Jalen Virgil
Jalen Virgil is going to have a tough time making this team in a deep wide receiver room, but he showed why the team has always liked him in the return game against the Colts.
Virgil returned three kickoffs in this game for 88 yards, including one that he brought back 43 yards.
Teams are going to construct their rosters differently this year due to the new kickoff rule. Will the Broncos make room for Virgil if he continues to return kicks like this? It's an interesting argument.
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