The Lead

Denver's first preseason game is quickly approaching, and several players will be looking to make an impact.

Head Coach Sean Payton has emphasized the importance of preseason games throughout training camp, and few players know that better than second-year running back Jaleel McLaughlin.

Just a year ago, the undrafted rookie made a statement when he scored four touchdowns in three preseason games. His remarkable preseason stretch was highlighted by his performance in Denver's meeting with San Francisco. McLaughlin carried the ball seven times for 45 yards and a touchdown, caught two passes for eight yards and a score and returned a kickoff 44 yards.

Payton still remembers the moment and will be on the lookout for more breakout performances this preseason.

"Everyone in here who has covered this game has seen preseason games where they see a rookie, and there is this kid named Jaleel McLaughlin, and we're in San Francisco and he has over 105 yards," Payton said on July 23. "He grew that night. Something took place that night. That is what we are looking for."

While the performance may have come as a surprise to many, for McLaughlin, there was no secret recipe to the success.

"I would say … I just went out there and played," McLaughlin said Monday. "I didn't let anything get to me. I felt like I was playing backyard football. I felt like I was just playing my game."

As several of Denver's rookies will take the field for their NFL debuts this weekend against the Colts, McLaughlin said he has shared similar advice with them on how to approach the opportunity.

"That's what I was telling a couple of guys, … 'Just enjoy every moment you're out here,'" he said. "That's what I did last year, and that's what I'm going to do this first preseason game upcoming. Just go out there and enjoy it. As long as you give your 100 percent, you don't need to be down on yourself or anything. … That's what I've been preaching to the rookies."

Now beginning his second year in Denver, McLaughlin will look to carry last year's momentum into 2024. Payton has already noticed that McLaughlin is "more confident" and looks forward to seeing how this will translate to his performance on the field.

And while he may have made a statement a year ago, McLaughlin shows no signs of slowing down any time soon.

"I think that hunger is just who I am as a person," he said. "I'll never be complacent. I'm always striving to get better at something, no matter what that is. … I'm just going to keep working every day."