Hey there, football fans! If you’re anything like me, there’s nothing quite like diving into the nitty-gritty of an NFL game, especially when it’s a matchup between two storied franchises like the Denver Broncos vs New Orleans Saints Match Player Stats. The recent preseason clash on August 23, 2025, at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans was a real nail-biter, ending with the Broncos pulling out a 28-19 victory. This game wasn’t just about the final score—it was a showcase of emerging talents, veteran grit, and those key player stats that can make or break a team’s momentum heading into the regular season. As we gear up for the 2025 NFL season, let’s break down the Denver Broncos vs New Orleans Saints Match Player Stats in a way that’s easy to follow. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just dipping your toes into football, I’ll keep it straightforward, fun, and packed with insights. We’ll look at passing, rushing, receiving, and even some defensive highlights, all presented in simple tables for quick reading.
This preseason game was the finale for both teams, with the Broncos improving to 3-0 and the Saints finishing at 0-2-1. It was a chance for backups and rookies to shine, while starters got limited snaps to stay sharp. Coach Sean Payton, who once called plays for the Saints, returned to the Superdome with his Broncos squad, adding a layer of nostalgia to the evening. But enough chit-chat—let’s jump into the stats that defined this Denver Broncos vs New Orleans Saints match.
Game Overview: Setting the Stage for Player Stats
Before we get to the numbers, a quick recap to put those player stats in context. The Broncos struck first with their starters on the field, marching down the field for a touchdown on their opening drive. Quarterback Bo Nix connected with wide receiver Courtland Sutton for a 19-yard score, setting the tone early. The Saints responded with field goals from kicker Blake Grupe, keeping it close at halftime (16-9 Broncos). The second half saw more back-and-forth, with running backs and young quarterbacks taking center stage. Injuries played a role too—Saints’ offensive lineman Landon Young was carted off with an ankle issue, and the Broncos’ Blake Watson got dinged up late.
What made this game exciting for stats enthusiasts? It highlighted the Broncos’ balanced attack and the Saints’ resilience despite their quarterback uncertainty. Rookie Tyler Shough and second-year Spencer Rattler both saw action for New Orleans, but neither could fully pull ahead in the battle for the starting gig. On the Denver side, Bo Nix looked poised for his rookie year, while the running game churned out yards. Now, let’s dive into the core: the player stats. I’ll use tables to make it super easy to scan—no overwhelming walls of text here.
Passing Stats: Who Threw the Ball Best in Denver Broncos vs New Orleans Saints Match Player Stats?
Passing is the heart of modern NFL offenses, and this game was no exception. Both teams rotated quarterbacks, giving us a glimpse into their depth charts. The Broncos’ passers edged out the Saints in efficiency, completing key drives that led to points. Total passing yards for Denver came in at around 185, while New Orleans hovered near 160, but turnovers and sacks made the difference.
Here’s a simple table breaking down the top passing performances from the Denver Broncos vs New Orleans Saints match player stats:
| Player (Team) | Completions/Attempts | Yards | Touchdowns | Interceptions | Passer Rating | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bo Nix (DEN) | 5/7 | 72 | 1 | 0 | 120.5 | Sharp opener with TD to Sutton; limited snaps for starters. |
| Jarrett Stidham (DEN) | 8/12 | 89 | 1 | 1 | 95.2 | Solid backup play; INT came late but recovered well. |
| Sam Ehlinger (DEN) | 4/6 | 24 | 0 | 1 | 45.8 | Mop-up duty; picked off on a deep ball. |
| Tyler Shough (NO) | 10/18 | 112 | 0 | 0 | 78.4 | Impressive arm but sacked twice; fumble hurt drive. |
| Spencer Rattler (NO) | 7/11 | 68 | 1 | 0 | 105.1 | TD pass kept Saints in it; showed poise under pressure. |
| Jake Haener (NO) | 3/5 | 19 | 0 | 0 | 70.3 | Short stint; focused on quick outs. |
These Denver Broncos vs New Orleans Saints match player stats show Nix’s efficiency standing out—his 120.5 rating is the kind of number that gets fans excited for Week 1 against the Titans. For the Saints, Shough’s 112 yards led the way, but the lack of a touchdown pass until Rattler stepped in highlighted their ongoing QB debate. Sacks were a theme too: Denver’s defense notched three on Shough alone, including one by Que Robinson that forced a fumble. If you’re analyzing fantasy football implications, keep an eye on these backups—they could see action if injuries hit.
Rushing Stats: Ground Game Heroes Shine in Preseason Finale
Ah, the run game—it’s like the reliable pickup truck of football, grinding out yards when the passing game stalls. In this Broncos-Saints matchup, rushing was where Denver built their lead. The Broncos racked up 142 total rushing yards, compared to New Orleans’ 98, thanks to a mix of starters and reserves pounding the rock. Rookie RJ Harvey stole the show with his first preseason touchdown, while the Saints leaned on Kendre Miller for short gains.
Check out these rushing stats in table form for the top performers in the Denver Broncos vs New Orleans Saints match player stats:
| Player (Team) | Carries | Yards | Yards per Carry | Touchdowns | Longest Run | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RJ Harvey (DEN) | 12 | 68 | 5.7 | 1 | 12 | Burst onto scene with 8-yard TD; future star? |
| Audric Estime (DEN) | 9 | 45 | 5.0 | 1 | 8 | Powered in for 5-yard score; strong vision. |
| Tyler Badie (DEN) | 6 | 22 | 3.7 | 0 | 6 | Tackled hard by Saints’ D; solid chain-mover. |
| Kendre Miller (NO) | 14 | 52 | 3.7 | 0 | 10 | Led Saints’ efforts; 3-yard gain on key third down. |
| Velus Jones Jr. (NO) | 5 | 28 | 5.6 | 0 | 9 | Returner role; added 39-yard kickoff return. |
| Blake Watson (DEN) | 4 | 18 | 4.5 | 0 | 7 | Injured late; helped off after treatment. |
The Broncos’ rushing attack was balanced and effective, with Harvey’s 68 yards earning him game MVP nods among Denver fans. Imagine that explosiveness translating to the regular season— it could complement Nix’s passing perfectly. For the Saints, Miller’s 52 yards were respectable, but penalties like a 10-yard holding call stalled drives. Rushing touchdowns from Harvey and Estime were pivotal, giving Denver the edge in the red zone. If you’re new to football, rushing stats like yards per carry tell you how efficient a runner is—higher numbers mean they’re breaking tackles and finding holes.
Receiving Stats: Wideouts and Tight Ends Make Plays
Receiving stats often steal the spotlight because they’re full of highlight-reel catches. In this game, Denver’s receivers feasted early, while the Saints spread the ball around but couldn’t convert as many big plays. Total receiving yards: Broncos 185, Saints 160. Touchdowns were scarce, but Sutton’s grab was a thing of beauty—a back-shoulder fade that Nix placed perfectly.
Here’s a clear table of the top receivers from the Denver Broncos vs New Orleans Saints match player stats:
| Player (Team) | Receptions | Yards | Yards per Reception | Touchdowns | Longest Catch | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Courtland Sutton (DEN) | 4 | 62 | 15.5 | 1 | 19 | TD catch from Nix; big-play threat evident. |
| Troy Franklin (DEN) | 3 | 45 | 15.0 | 1 | 18 | Connected with Stidham for score; rookie promise. |
| Evan Engram (DEN) | 2 | 28 | 14.0 | 0 | 15 | Tight end reliability; first big play of camp. |
| Chris Olave (NO) | 5 | 58 | 11.6 | 0 | 14 | Led Saints; consistent but no TDs. |
| Rashid Shaheed (NO) | 4 | 42 | 10.5 | 1 | 12 | Rattler’s TD pass; speed on display. |
| Kevin Austin Jr. (NO) | 2 | 19 | 9.5 | 0 | 10 | Examined for injury; walked off under own power. |
Sutton’s 19-yard touchdown was the game’s signature moment, showing why he’s a cornerstone for Denver. The Saints’ Olave was targeted often, but the offense couldn’t sustain drives. Yards per reception highlight efficiency—Sutton’s 15.5 means he’s stretching the field, which is gold for any QB. For younger fans, think of receivers as the artists of the game; they turn routine throws into magic.
Defensive Stats: Tackles, Sacks, and Turnovers That Swung the Game
Defense wins championships, right? Well, in this preseason tilt, Denver’s D made crucial stops, including a fumble recovery by Karene Reid deep in Saints’ territory. Total tackles were spread out, but the Broncos forced two turnovers to the Saints’ one. Sacks and pressures disrupted New Orleans’ rhythm, especially on Shough.
A quick table for standout defensive Denver Broncos vs New Orleans Saints match player stats:
| Player (Team) | Tackles (Solo/Assist) | Sacks | Interceptions | Fumbles Forced/Recovered | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pat Surtain II (DEN) | 5 (4/1) | 0 | 0 | 0 | Tackled Miller; coverage standout. |
| Que Robinson (DEN) | 3 (2/1) | 1 | 0 | 1 (forced) | 6-yard sack on Shough; game-changer. |
| Karene Reid (DEN) | 4 (3/1) | 0 | 0 | 1 (recovered) | Key fumble pickup led to points. |
| Demario Davis (NO) | 7 (5/2) | 0 | 0 | 0 | Tackled Badie; veteran leadership. |
| Jordan Howden (NO) | 6 (4/2) | 1 | 1 | 0 | INT on Ehlinger; big play in secondary. |
| Cameron Jordan (NO) | 4 (3/1) | 0.5 | 0 | 0 | Pressure on Nix; postgame praised effort. |
The Broncos’ defense was opportunistic, with Robinson’s sack-forcing fumble turning the tide. Saints’ Howden’s interception kept them alive, but Denver’s tackles prevented big gains. These stats underscore how defenses dictate pace—fewer yards allowed mean more scoring chances.
Key Player Performances: Standouts from Denver Broncos vs New Orleans Saints Match Player Stats
Beyond the tables, let’s spotlight a few stars. Bo Nix’s debut snaps were flawless, completing 71% of his passes without a hitch—perfect for a rookie QB facing a familiar foe in Payton’s return to NOLA. RJ Harvey’s 68 rushing yards included that gritty TD, marking him as a name to watch in Denver’s backfield battle. On the Saints’ side, Chris Olave’s 58 yards showed his route-running prowess, but the O-line injuries (like Young’s ankle) hampered protection.
Demario Davis led with seven tackles, embodying the Saints’ tough mentality despite the loss. And don’t sleep on Quincy Riley’s pick on Ehlinger—it was a heads-up play that swung momentum. These performances aren’t just numbers; they hint at roster battles. With cutdown day looming, players like Shough and Harvey fought for spots.
What These Stats Mean for the 2025 Season
Wrapping up our look at Denver Broncos vs New Orleans Saints Match Player Stats, this game was a microcosm of preseason football: raw, revealing, and full of promise. Denver’s 28-19 win boosts confidence as they host Tennessee on September 7, while the Saints ponder their QB choice before facing Arizona. The passing efficiency from Nix, Harvey’s rushing burst, and Sutton’s receiving flair suggest the Broncos could surprise in the AFC West.