Improvement was the name of the game for the Denver Broncos in a 23-13 win over the Minnesota Vikings on Saturday night at Empower Field at Mile High.
The Broncos shook off the effects of a sub-par performance against the Bills the week before and played much better in the win over the Vikings. Both teams rested their starters.
Brett Rypien started at quarterback and completed 14-of-21 passes for 137 yards and one interception. He made his case for a spot on the 53-man roster.
Josh Johnson played the second half and was 11-14 for 107 yards.
Trailing 7-3 in the second quarter, Broncos wide receiver Montrell Washington took an end around 11 yards for a touchdown with 5:54 left in the first half. Soon after, Baron Browning scooped up a fumble by Vikings quarterback Sean Mannion and went 17 yards for another score and the Broncos led 17-7 at halftime.
In the second half, Broncos kicker Brandon McManus hit field goals from 40 and 31 yards to finish 3-for-3 in the game. He hit a 50-yarder in the second quarter.
The Broncos finish the preseason with a 2-1 record. They now turn their attention to finalizing their 53-man roster. The Broncos must go from 80 to 53 players by 4 p.m. MDT on Tuesday, August 30.
The Broncos will open the regular season at Seattle on Monday, September 12. KOA coverage will start at 12 p.m. MDT.
Check out KOA postgame interviews with (in order) head coach Nathaniel Hackett, QB Brett Rypien, LB Baron Browning, LB Nik Bonitto and LB Bradley Chubb.