League: NFL Sport: Football Country: United States Category: Scores & Results

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

Barron returns pick for TD as Broncos top Falcons 27-7 in preseason opener

Summary

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.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

Status Watch

•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.

Latest Updates

2:11 AMYahoo Sports — Barron returns pick 97 yards for a TD as Stidham leads Broncos to runaway 27-7 win over Falcons

What they're saying

"
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.
— Yahoo Sportsby CHARLES ODUM

Related Teams & Leagues

Atlanta Falcons NFL Football