Denver overwhelmed Arizona with a flash-fast first half, piling up 323 yards in the opening frame and striking long on multiple big plays. Evan Engram was a key catalyst for the Broncos, helping drive a 97-yard sequence in 2:02 that included a 58-yard catch-and-run and a 27-yard scoring pass to Tony Franklin, followed by a 70-yard, eight-play march that put the game out of reach. After Arizona tied it at 7, Denver answered with another rapid stretch, aided by a 35-yard run from Jaleel McLaughlin and a string of chunk gains that culminated in a late-second-quarter field goal. The Broncos’ aerial efficiency was evident, with Stidham and Ehlinger pairing for 402 yards on 30-for-39 passing.

Arizona showed fight and learning moments, including a defensive note from Jonathan Gannon on adjustments, rookie Will Johnson’s debut snaps, and a handful of positive plays on defense. Denzel Burke supplied a pass breakup, Owen Pappoe and Patrick Jenkins logged the lone sack, and P.J. Mustipher and Anthony Goodlow added some disruptive plays in the backfield. In specialty, Blake Gillikin boomed punts and Chad Ryland showcased leg strength in warmups, while Emari Demercado and Xavier Weaver provided a few bright returns. The night yielded clear growth for the Cardinals’ young corners and linebackers, even as Denver’s pace and explosiveness left their defense chasing.