Atwater tempers his enthusiasm over Broncos’ big win

The recently inducted Hall-of-Famer liked what he saw, but he’s not ready to crown any champions in Denver.

Steve Atwater, one of the most optimistic evaluators of Broncos football, told Ryan Edwards and Benjamin Allbright he saw a lot of positive things against the Vikings, but he wasn’t quite as optimistic about the potential as some following the 33-6 preseason rout.

Like many, Atwater noted the Broncos’ offense was going against a second-team defense. Although Edwards nicknamed the Hall-of-Famer “Steve Bucket of Cold AtWater” for that, the former safety stood his ground.

“C’mon man,” he said in response. “Everybody looked like they knew what they were doing, but they were going against Vikings’ 2s, so we’ve got to temper it a little bit.”

But Atwater did have compliments for the overall performance.

“They balled out though,” he added. “And I think that’s the potential.”

Atwater was quick to argue it’s too early to make a call on the quarterbacks, but he was definitely encouraged by the offensive line.

“The offensive line played incredible. They balled out,” Atwater said, adding that with all the offensive weapons on the field, either QB will be successful if the offensive line holds. “And if they can do that consistently, that’s going to make the QB’s job much easier.”

When it came to the defense, Atwater was equally measured, though he is pretty excited about Patrick Surtain’s potential.

“Pick six first game? You know how good that has to feel?” Atwater said. “First round draft pick coming in and showing, ‘hey I’m in the right place’.”

But still Atwater doesn’t want anyone in Broncos Country to forget it wasn’t the first-team offense he was playing against.

“But it was still a great play on the ball; great awareness. He did his homework and he was ready,” Atwater said. “Pat Surtain is the real deal.”

In fact, Atwater added that he’s as excited to see which cornerbacks start in Week 1 as he is to see who is named QB1.

Edwards dismissed the mystery, arguing it was definitely Ronald Darby, Kyle Fuller on the outside and Bryce Callahan in the slot.”

To which Atwater responded, “We’ll see!”

Allbright also reported that a source has let him know Surtain will absolutely be used as a chess piece against tight ends, particularly Darren Waller and Travis Kelce.

“That source also guaranteed one win against the Chiefs this year,” Allbright added.

No details from Allbright on “which Chiefs game,” but I doubt anyone in Broncos Country is going to argue – as long as we get at least one.