The Lead
The Broncos' preseason home opener against the Packers was a memorable one, as Denver's strong defensive performance propelled the team to a 27-2 victory.
Super Bowl 50 champions Aqib Talib and Chris Harris Jr. made the opener even more exciting, as they hosted the team's first-ever alternate broadcast of a preseason game alongside James Palmer. "Denver Broncos Alt Cast: 'No Fly Zone' presented by Ford" was a three-hour alternate broadcast that welcomed several special guests and provided fans with an new viewing experience.
While the broadcast was only available to Broncos fans in Colorado due to NFL preseason broadcasting restrictions, we brought some of the best moments to you below.
The Mile High Collection
Denver unveiled its first new uniforms since 1997 this season, and Talib and Harris are fans of the Mile High Collection.
"That's why they got that nice little start right there," Talib joked. "They came out looking good."
Palmer said Head Coach Sean Payton is allowing Denver's captains to decide which pants the team will wear each week, and Talib said he certainly would have had a say in those decisions if he were still on the team.
"I know 'Lib would have been in that room," he joked.
Tim Patrick's return
Broncos fans have been thrilled to see wide receiver Tim Patrick back out on the field this preseason, and Patrick's comeback continued on Sunday as he recorded his first touchdown reception in over two years. Patrick's teammates were excited to see his hard work continue to pay off, and so too were his former teammates Talib and Harris.
While Patrick was a member of the practice squad during Talib's final season in Denver, he still made a lasting impression.
"Me and Chris knew he was going to be good because he used to come out, and he was the ultimate competitor every day," Talib said. "… He came out and gave us real work in a lot of those practices when he was on the practice squad. So, I'll never forget it."
Harris was also on the team when Patrick made the roster in 2018 and 2019.
"He was really a grinder," Harris said. "… You [have] to have a guy like Tim who is that tough competitor for you."
Reliving the 2015 AFC Championship
As the Broncos took the field in front of a home crowd for the first time this preseason, Talib and Harris couldn't help but reflect on one of their most memorable games at home.
Before going on to win Super Bowl 50, the duo played a key role in Denver's 2015 AFC Championship victory over the New England Patriots in front of a home crowd.
"I probably watched that game more than any other game I ever played in," Talib said. "… I watch that game more than I watch the Super Bowl."
While Talib said it was the most fun he ever had playing in a game, he also said competing against players like Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski made the game even more memorable.
"It was just greatness in that game," he said. "You can see a bunch of it all over the tape."
The importance of internal belief
Denver's coaches and players have noticed a difference in the mentality of the team this year, and Talib and Harris said this can play a key role in leading the team to success in 2024.
"It really doesn't matter what the outside people think," Harris said. "As long as they believe that they can go out there and make plays for each other, and they're confident in the plan that Coach Sean Payton has, they can win every game. That's just the belief you [have to] have."
Talib added that he believes it only takes a few confident players to ignite that belief in the locker room, and he said it often is the job of the quarterback to lead the charge.
"It starts with the quarterback," Talib said. "… That's the key to winning games and being competitive in the league."
Talib and Harris both believe rookie quarterback Bo Nix is up for the challenge. Earlier in the broadcast, they reflected on some of the positive things they have seen from him so far this preseason.
Talib said he has been impressed with Nix's decision-making, while Harris enjoyed watching the rookie quarterback's ability to make plays with his legs.
Evaluating cornerback Pat Surtain II
As former members of the Broncos' secondary, Talib and Harris took the time to evaluate cornerback Pat Surtain II ahead of the 2024 season.
Talib joked that Surtain practically grew up playing in the NFL as he looked up to his father, three-time Pro Bowler and 2002 first-team All-Pro Patrick Surtain.
"You [can] tell he grew up in it," Talib said. "When you come to the league and your technique and your professionalism is already just through the roof, you can tell you've been in the league since you were like, seven years old."
Talib and Harris said they are impressed with what they have seen from him so far and believe it is only the beginning for the fourth-year player.
"The way he moves and the skill set he has with his body frame is just ridiculous," Harris said. "… He should be in the top corners for a while."
