Broncos at Saints first quarter recap

The Denver Broncos lost the opening coin toss and the New Orleans Saints deferred to the second half giving Bo Nix and the Broncos offense their first crack at things to start the game.

After a nice return from Marvin Mims Jr. the Broncos got the ball at their own 35 yard line. Nix would take off running on the first play for a 14 yard gain to midfield. Two plays later, Nix would take an RPO outside for another 10+ yard gain to get Denver down to the Saints' 41-yard line.

Nix would miss a wide open Lucas Krull badly. His footwork was terrible on throw and that led to a terrible throw.

That would lead to all the incompletions and a punt as the drive would end just outside of field goal range. At least it wasn't a three-and-out to start the game.

Spencer Rattle opened up with a naked boot to hit his receiver for a 30 yard gain on the first offensive play, but two plays later was pressured outside and nearly threw an interception. Cody Barton had perfect position to take it, but dropped the pass. That would lead to a punt for the Saints.

Bo Nix seemed to settle down some on the next drive. Starting from their own 20 yard line, he hit Mims and then Devaughn Vele to get the Broncos right back into Saints territory. Javonte Williams broke a few tackles to get them into field goal range at the Saints 35 yard line.

Denver went into the no huddle after that run. The run game did good, then did bad on the next two plays. The result was a third and six for Nix in the shotgun. He would avoid two near sacks and run for a few yards, but it wouldn't be enough for the first down. Wil Lutz would then boot the 46-yard field goal through to give Denver the first lead of the game.

Broncos 3, Saints 0.

The Broncos defense showed rookie Spencer Rattler how quick the NFL can be. Cody Barton came free on a blitz for the strip-sack to give Denver the ball at midfield.

The first quarter would come to an end with the Broncos driving and within field goal range threatening to add another score on their third drive of the game.