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NFL Preseason Week 3 Recap: Denver Broncos 38, Arizona Cardinals 12

2XXPAMP Denver Broncos quarterback Zach Wilson, right, gets hit by Arizona Cardinals linebacker Jesse Luketa, left, as Wilson gets off a pass during the first half of a preseason NFL football game Sunday, Aug. 25, 2024, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

Zach Wilson led the Denver Broncos to a 38-12 victory over the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday, capping a perfect preseason for Sean Payton's squad.

Wilson started an 11-play, 77-yard touchdown drive with a 21-yard scramble, finishing it with a 1-yard pass to tight end Nate Atkins to get Denver to a 14-0 lead. He later added a 1-yard rushing touchdown and a 46-yard strike to Brandon Johnson. Wilson finished 16-of-25 for 250 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions. Jarrett Stidham also contributed, directing a touchdown drive before giving way to Wilson.

PFF's dedicated team of graders was hard at work, analyzing every player on every play in real time. The grades and data will be available after a thorough review tomorrow at 12 p.m. EST.

In the meantime, we’ve gathered some high-level data and snap counts from the game to give you an early look. Our expert graders have also nominated the standout player of the game, highlighting exceptional performance on the field.

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PLAYER OF THE GAME

After playing just a combined 52 snaps over the first two preseason games, Zach Wilson took the field for 54 snaps on Sunday night. He finished 16-of-25 for 250 yards, two touchdowns and four big-time throws. The only blemish on his stat sheet is the one turnover-worthy play that came early in the third quarter.

Wilson didn't fare especially well under pressure, as he went just 2-of-6 for 16 yards when he was moved off his spot by the pass rush. However, he was lights out when he was kept clean in the pocket, finishing 14-of-19 for 234 yards and both his touchdowns in those situations.

BOX SCORE

Cardinals Broncos
Total points 12 38
Total offensive plays 66 62
Average EPA per play -0.192 0.256
Total net yards 354 389
Avg yards per play 5.4 6.3
Total first downs 18 21
Rushing first downs 6 5
Passing first downs 11 14
Penalty first downs 1 2
Third-down efficiency 38% 30%
Fourth-down efficiency 0% 29%
Possessions 10 8
Avg plays per drive 6.3 7.9
Avg yards per drive 29.5 38.9
Avg points per drive 1 3.2
Red zone possessions 4 4
Red-zone plays 14 14
Red-zone TDs 1 3
Red-zone FGs 1 1
Red-zone scoring efficiency 50% 100%

SNAP COUNTS & PLAYER PARTICIPATION

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