As the Denver Broncos prepare for another season, Damarri Mathis is fighting to secure his spot on the roster as a defensive back. The 5-11, 195-pound athlete has steadily improved since his collegiate days at Pittsburgh, where he made notable strides in his tackling and interception skills. Selected in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL Draft, Mathis’ performance in training camp will be critical as he competes for a roster spot.

Mathis began his college career with limited action, but by his senior year, he had racked up impressive statistics, including 44 tackles and two interceptions. Now, as he shares a jersey number with fellow Bronco running back J.K. Dobbins, the question arises: Who will change their number if both make the final cut? This season could be pivotal for Mathis as he carves out his role within a revamped Broncos' defense under new leadership.

J.K. Dobbins, the Denver Broncos' sixth-year running back, is eager to leave his injury troubles behind. Having shared the No. 27 jersey during the offseason with cornerback Damarri Mathis, Dobbins's journey began with a promising rookie season with the Baltimore Ravens, where he tallied 805 rushing yards and nine touchdowns. However, his progress was halted by a torn ACL in 2021, keeping him out for a full season. Last year, he played in eight games, recording 520 rushing yards and two touchdowns. Unfortunately, his 2023 season was cut short after just one game due to another injury. Dobbins hopes to reclaim his form and contribute significantly to the Broncos in the upcoming season.

J.K. Dobbins has officially joined the Denver Broncos, signing a one-year deal and reclaiming his familiar number 27 worn during his tenure with the Baltimore Ravens. Damarri Mathis, the Broncos cornerback, also donned the same number during practice, leading to a humorous moment as Dobbins secured a future agreement to have the number to himself. This situation highlights the quirky aspects of offseason practices where players can share numbers, adding a light-hearted touch to the team's preparations.

Davis Webb, former Buffalo Bills backup quarterback, embarks on his first NFL playoff journey, this time as the quarterbacks coach for the Denver Broncos. Webb reflects on his time with the Bills, where he backed up Josh Allen for three seasons and established deep connections with players and staff. His playoff debut takes him back to Highmark Stadium, facing a familiar team filled with friends and former teammates.

Preparing rookie quarterback Bo Nix for the high-stakes matchup against the Bills, Webb draws on his past experiences to guide Nix. Meanwhile, the Broncos are dealing with injury concerns, particularly with cornerback Damarri Mathis. Head coach Sean Payton emphasizes the importance of a strong run game, crucial for controlling the game's tempo and supporting the young quarterback.

In a thrilling overtime clash, the Cincinnati Bengals clinched a vital 30-24 victory against the Denver Broncos, keeping their playoff aspirations alive. Joe Burrow showcased his elite quarterback skills, throwing for 412 yards and three touchdowns, all to Tee Higgins, who had an impressive 11 receptions for 131 yards. The game culminated in dramatic fashion as Burrow connected with Higgins for a 31-yard pass, sealing the win with just over a minute left in overtime.

The Bengals' triumph marked their first victory of the season against a team boasting a winning record, improving their record to 8-8. However, they still require a win in their upcoming game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, alongside favorable results from other teams, to secure a postseason berth for the first time since 2022. Meanwhile, the Broncos, now at 9-7, missed a chance to clinch an AFC wild card spot but will have another opportunity when they face the Kansas City Chiefs next weekend.

Burrow's performance further solidified his remarkable season, as he extended his NFL record to eight consecutive games with at least 250 passing yards and three touchdowns. The Bengals briefly led 24-17 after Burrow's 1-yard touchdown run late in the fourth quarter. However, the Broncos responded with a spectacular touchdown pass from Bo Nix to Marvin Mims Jr., forcing the overtime period. Nix finished the game with 219 passing yards, three touchdowns, and one interception, while Mims tallied eight receptions for 103 yards and two touchdowns. The match was not without its injuries, as both teams dealt with key player setbacks, including Damarri Mathis for the Broncos and Amarius Mims for the Bengals.