INDIANAPOLIS — Sean Payton hates it when his quarterback is sacked.
So the head coach was happy to learn after his Broncos’ preseason 34-30 win here against the Colts that his three quarterbacks – Jarrett Stidham, Bo Nix and Zach Wilson – combined for 41 pass attempts and took zero sacks.
“The ball’s out. I like the timing,'' Payton said. "The tempo of when we’re releasing it. That was a big issue for us a year ago with the minus plays. We were in the back half of the league, I think fourth. So I was pleased with the timing and what we were doing throwing the ball. That’s important.”
Former Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson could be a fourth quarter magician last season, but he took way too many sacks through the first three quarters. In his two seasons in Denver, Wilson took 100 sacks, more than any other NFL quarterback in that span. And that’s with not playing in four games.
Sacks is a big reason why Payton and the Broncos felt they were betting off letting Wilson go despite having to eat $37.8 million of his $39 million guaranteed payout for 2024, and $53 million in dead cap dollars.
Lacks of sacks is a big reason why Paton loved Bo Nix coming out of this year’s draft. Nix took just 5 sacks while getting off 430 pass attempts last year for the Oregon Ducks. Granted, an NFL pass rush will outrace the Pac-12 on its way to the quarterback. But Nix is well-trained at the art of avoiding the sack.
He was asked what, besides the offensive line protection, goes into avoiding sacks.
“It’s really important not to take sacks,'' Nix said. "It’s all about knowing where your outlets are, knowing where your hot [receiver is], having a good feel for the pocket. And just being on time. Being in rhythm.
"If your one or two [receiver] is not there, get to the 3 in quick manner. I feel like I can take a three hitch and throw, get the ball out without them physically being able to get to me.
"It’s all about the quarterback’s timing, and the offensive line did a great job today keeping us up and they’re going to continue to work to master picking up blitzes and making sure we’re all on the same page in protections. … Get the ball out on time and usually you can avoid sacks.”
Krull carted off, Powers absorbs blow
Tight end Lucas Krull suffered a toe injury significant enough that he had to be carted off into the locker room. He returned to the bench limping but under his own power. He left the locker room after the game with his right foot in a boot.
Left guard Ben Powers suffered a friendly fire blow to the ribs/stomach area from running back Samaje Perine. Perine’s bobble of a Stidham pass was gifted into a Colts interception by Kenny Moore II. Perine was trying to tackle Moore on the return when he ran into Powers.
Powers received treatment at halftime and joined the team on the sidelines in the third quarter.
Bronco Bits
Get used to the Broncos’ new all white road uniforms. They will wear them for all three preseason games, first regular-season game at Seattle and first regular-season home game against Pittsburgh. Broncos head coach Sean Payton is thinking August and early-September heat for the white uniforms. …
Defensive starters held out from the first preseason game played on carpet: Cornerback Pat Surtain II, defensive ends John Franklin Myers and Zach Allen. …
Cody Barton got the start ahead of Jonas Griffith at inside linebacker next to Alex Singleton. …
Devon Key started ahead of JL Skinner at the safety position in place of injured Brandon Jones. Jones should return from his hamstring injury this week. …
Damarri Mathis and Riley Moss each started at cornerback with nickelback Ja’Quan McMillian. …
D.J. Jones and Anglo Blackson started up front on defense. ...
The Colts used five quarterbacks in the game. ...
Fifth-round rookie cornerback Kris Abrams-Draine picked off a Colts' 2-point conversion, preserving the Broncos' 34-30 lead with 4:11 left in the game. ...
Denver defensive lineman Dondrea Tillman caused a fumble on Colts' quarterback Jason Bean that linemate Matt Henningson recovered, setting up Watson's eventual touchdown.