Barron returns pick for TD as Broncos top Falcons 27-7 in preseason opener
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 15, 2026, 2:11 AM
Last updated Aug 15, 2026
The Denver Broncos defeated the Atlanta Falcons 27-7 in their preseason opener on Friday night in Atlanta. Jarrett Stidham contributed with a touchdown pass and Jahdae Barron returned an interception for a 97-yard touchdown. Stidham completed 9 of 15 passes for 131 yards, while Sam Ehlinger added 67 passing yards in relief. The Falcons' Tua Tagovailoa struggled early, completing 3 of 5 passes for 22 yards. Despite the defeat, Atlanta's undrafted rookie, Jack Strand, scored a late touchdown after a fumble from Broncos’ Jaleel McLaughlin. The Broncos will host the Green Bay Packers next week, while the Falcons face the Indianapolis Colts.
- •Stidham throws a TD and leads Broncos to a 24-0 halftime lead.
- •Barron returns an interception 97 yards for a touchdown.
- •Falcons held to 192 total yards during the game.
- •Tagovailoa competes with limited success, seeks starting role.
- •Next games: Broncos vs. Packers, Falcons at Colts.
- 2:11 AMYahoo Sports — Barron returns pick 97 yards for a TD as Stidham leads Broncos to runaway 27-7 win over Falcons
"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.
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