An 88-yard strike and 3 TDs: Sam Ehlinger’s big night for the Broncos in 34-6 rout of Vikings

Sam Ehlinger delivered a stellar performance in Denver Broncos' 34-6 victory over the Minnesota Vikings in their preseason finale on Friday night. The quarterback capped a three-touchdown game with an impressive 88-yard strike to rookie tight end Justin Joly. Ehlinger also directed a smooth two-minute drill that culminated with a 20-yard touchdown pass to Jaleel McLaughlin before halftime and connected with running back Cody Schrader on a 14-yard touchdown strike.

Ehlinger completed 15 of 20 passes for 233 yards, three touchdowns, and an interception in the game. Neither team played their starting quarterback, with Minnesota not even fielding backup J.J. McCarthy, who suffered a minor ankle injury earlier in the week. The Broncos utilized a combination of Sam Stidham and Ehlinger, with the latter stepping in for the latter part of the game.

Running back Schrader shone in the game, rushing for 42 yards and catching six passes for 90 yards, including the crucial 20-yard touchdown that extended the Broncos' lead to 27-6 in the second half. Stidham played a pivotal role in setting the tone early, leading the Broncos to scores with a field goal and a one-yard touchdown run by fullback Adam Prentice, which put Denver ahead 10-0 before Minnesota's Jacobs Roberts suffered a knee injury and Terrill Davis a calf injury.

Despite the impressive showing by Ehlinger and the rest of the Broncos, several key players were sidelined. Wide receiver Marvin Mims Jr. sustained a right foot injury during the opening drive and missed the game. Mims had recently returned from a lower leg injury that had sidelined him for much of training camp. Cliff Hailassie's interception of Ehlinger's pass set the stage for the first of two field goals by Will Reichard, who extended the Broncos' lead to 13-6.

The game also saw a high-profile injury to Broncos cornerback Reese Taylor, who left the game with a concussion. Additionally, Vikings running back Schrader played a significant part in the Broncos' victory, contributing to a 17-play, 85-yard drive in the second half that culminated in his touchdown catch. The Vikings will face the Green Bay Packers on September 13, while the Broncos will host the Kansas City Chiefs on September 14.