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08/14 21:11 CDT Barron returns pick 97 yards for a TD as Stidham leads Broncos
to runaway 27-7 win over Falcons
Barron returns pick 97 yards for a TD as Stidham leads Broncos to runaway 27-7
win over Falcons
By CHARLES ODUM
AP Sports Writer
ATLANTA (AP) --- Jarrett Stidham threw a touchdown pass in his bid to keep his
hold on Denver's backup job and Jahdae Barron returned an interception 97 yards
for a touchdown as the Broncos overwhelmed the Atlanta Falcons 27-7 on Friday
night in the preseason opener for both teams.
Stidham completed 9 of 15 passes for 131 yards, including a 5-yard scoring pass
to Jaleel McLaughlin, while playing the first half.
Denver coach Sean Payton announced Wednesday starting quarterback Bo Nix would
not play against Atlanta. Nix is expected to make his preseason debut next week
at home against Green Bay. Sam Ehlinger played the second half, completing 10
of 14 passes for 67 yards, after Stidham led the Broncos to a 24-0 halftime
lead.
Falcons quarterback Tua Tagovailoa completed 3 of 5 passes for 22 yards while
playing two series. Tagovailoa's expected competition for the starting job has
been on hold with Michael Penix Jr. still not cleared for team drills as he
continues his recovery from surgery on his left knee.
Cooper Rush, who played behind Tagovailoa, threw two interceptions, including
Barron's pick returned for a touchdown. A deflection by linebacker Karene Reid
on Rush's pass for Chris Blair set up the interception.
Two prominent Atlanta starters, running back Bijan Robinson and wide receiver
Drake London, were in uniform but did not play. The Falcons were held to 192
yards in the debut for coach Kevin Stefanski.
A fumble by McLaughlin set up a 1-yard touchdown run by Atlanta's third
quarterback, undrafted rookie Jack Strand, late in the third quarter.
Falcons second-year edge rusher James Pearce Jr. had two tackles as a backup
hours after the NFL announced his suspension without pay for the first eight
games of the season for violating the league's personal conduct policy. The
suspension begins on Aug. 30 and he will be eligible for reinstatement on Nov.
2. He is expected to play in the remaining preseason games.
Pearce's suspension was the second major hit to the Falcons' pass rush,
following Jalon Walker's season-ending torn ACL in his left knee. Pearce led
Atlanta with 10.5 sacks as a rookie. Walker had 5.5 sacks.
New turf after World Cup A new Field Turf playing surface was installed at Mercedes-Benz Stadium for the NFL season after real grass was used for eight World Cup soccer games this summer.
Injuries Broncos linebacker Levelle Bailey was carted off the field with an ankle injury and listed as questionable.
Up next Broncos: Host Green Bay next Friday. Falcons: Following joint practices at the Colts next week, Atlanta will play at Indianapolis on Aug. 22. ___ See AP's full NFL coverage here
New turf after World Cup A new Field Turf playing surface was installed at Mercedes-Benz Stadium for the NFL season after real grass was used for eight World Cup soccer games this summer.
Injuries Broncos linebacker Levelle Bailey was carted off the field with an ankle injury and listed as questionable.
Up next Broncos: Host Green Bay next Friday. Falcons: Following joint practices at the Colts next week, Atlanta will play at Indianapolis on Aug. 22. ___ See AP's full NFL coverage here
