The Denver Broncos dominated the Arizona Cardinals in a 27-7 victory on Saturday evening. After a 30-9 win over the San Francisco 49ers last week, the Broncos are now 2-0 going into the final week of preseason.

Winning during preseason does not necessarily directly translate to wins during the fall, but it is a good sign for the quality of Denver’s depth going into the regular season. One area that coach Sean Payton will look to improve this week is penalties after the Broncos committed 11 fouls for 75 yards, including seven pre-snap penalties.

Following the big win against Arizona, here are five quick takeaways for Denver’s squad.

5 takeaways after Broncos’ win over Cardinals

1. Jarrett Stidham looked sharp once again: After impressing in San Francisco last week, Stidham had another strong performance against the Cardinals, going 16-of-23 for 240 yards with two touchdowns. Denver scored on four of its five drives, and kicker Wil Lutz missed a long field goal attempt on the sixth drive. Stidham has looked calm, composed and methodical as he operates the second-team offense this summer. The 29-year-old veteran appears to be an ideal backup as Bo Nix enters his second season.

2. Damarri Mathis stock trending down: Mathis allowed Arizona’s only touchdown of the night, and he has no guaranteed salary this season. The Broncos could save $3.4 million if they cut Mathis, and if they’re worried a young cornerback like Reese Taylor might not clear waivers to get to the practice squad, Mathis might be in jeopardy.

3. Audric Estime buried on depth chart: Denver rested most starters on Saturday, including running back J.K. Dobbins. RJ Harvey got the start in the backfield, and he was followed by Tyler Badie, Jaleel McLaughlin and Blake Watson. Estime was last in line, and he only managed 20 yards on nine carries (2.2 yards per toot). It certainly appears that Estime, a fifth-round pick in last year’s draft, is the odd man out in the Broncos’ backfield.

4. That’s what the Joker can do: Last week, Payton said he wanted to see Engram get some reps, so the tight end didn’t get to rest against the Cards like many of his fellow starters. Engram did exactly what you’d want to see against backup defenders, hauling in a catch for a first down and rumbling 58 yards to set up the team’s first touchdown of the game. Engram’s going to be a weapon for Denver this fall.

5. Troy Franklin and Pat Bryant continue to impress: Franklin had four catches for 67 yards, and he caught both of Stidham’s touchdown passes. Bryant also hauled in four catches and he totaled 70 yards. Franklin could be trending toward a breakout in Year 2, and Bryant has been praised by Payton since Day 1. There should still be room for Devaughn Vele on the active roster with Courtland Sutton, Marvin Mims, Franklin, Bryant, Trent Sherfield and Vele the top contenders to make the team at wide receiver.

The Broncos are now set to close out preseason on the road against the New Orleans Saints on Aug. 23. After that, Denver will build a 53-man roster and then turn attention toward the regular season.

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