The Broncos beat the Cardinals, 38-12, in a preseason game Sunday at Empower Field. Grading Denver's victory:

OFFENSE

Grade: B-

Jarrett Stidham led a touchdown drive on his lone series. Zach Wilson completed 64 percent of his passes and led three touchdown drives. Most importantly, neither quarterback committed a turnover. The Broncos are especially deep at wide receiver and running back, but until the regular season starts, the quality of that depth is unknown. Preseason inspired confidence that they'll be improved.

DEFENSE

Grade: A-

Take a bow, Broncos defense. You were the star of preseason. They held Arizona to one touchdown (failed 2-point conversion) and two field goals. Defensive end Jordan Jackson recorded two sacks. Linebacker Justin Strnad forced a fumble recovered by opportunistic safety Keidron Smith. Then linebacker Lavelle Bailey returned an interception 94 yards for a touchdown. Impressive all around.

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SPECIAL TEAMS

Grade: C+

There is not much separation between Riley Dixon and Trenton Gill in the punting competition. Dixon recorded punts of 41 and 50 yards. Gill blasted one for 73 yards through the end zone. Will Lutz converted a 30-yard field goal attempt and made all five of his extra-point opportunities. There is still plenty to learn about the kicking game when teams employ real strategies for new rules.

COACHING

Grade: A

Are preseason outcomes meaningless? Not if you ask coach Sean Payton. He emphasized the importance of winning exhibition games, and the Broncos went 3-0, so mission accomplished. It should be a minor confidence boost for a young team still learning how to consistently win. But the NFL regular season is a different beast. It's still unclear how high the Broncos' ceiling will be in 2024.