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DENVER — Sam Ehlinger threw three touchdown passes, and the Denver Broncos defeated the Minnesota Vikings 34-6 on Friday night in the preseason finale.
Both teams rested their starters, giving Minnesota quarterback Carson Wentz two series before Max Brosmer took over. Wentz completed 3 of 4 passes for 15 yards. Brosmer finished 20 of 35 for 166 yards.
Denver took control with a late second-quarter scoring drive. Ehlinger completed all four of his passes for 65 yards, including a 20-yard touchdown catch and run by Jaleel McLaughlin.
Ehlinger completed 15 of 20 passes for 233 yards and finished with a 131.9 passer rating. He also directed a 17-play, 85-yard drive that lasted nearly 10 minutes and ended with a 14-yard touchdown pass to Cody Schrader on fourth-and-2.
The Broncos added an 88-yard touchdown pass to rookie tight end Justin Joly after a coverage breakdown. Denver finished with 412 yards, converted 7 of 14 third downs and held the ball for 33:57.
Minnesota managed 270 yards and converted just 3 of 13 third downs. The Vikings went 0-for-2 in the red zone and did not score a touchdown, finishing the preseason with one touchdown in three games.
Minnesota’s defense suffered injuries to defensive backs Jacob Thomas and Jacob Roberts. Kahlef Hailassie intercepted Ehlinger in the second quarter, setting up the Vikings’ first score.
The game also featured a punting competition. Denver’s Johnny Hekker and Minnesota rookie Brett Thorson each punted three times for 156 yards, averaging 52 yards per kick.
