The Broncos defeated the Saints, 28-19, on Saturday at the Caesars Superdome in their third and final NFL preseason game.

Here are three takeaways from the win:

Nix rebounds

The first-team offense went three-and-out on their first drive with quarterback Bo Nix called for a delay of game penalty. Yikes. It’s no surprise coach Sean Payton elected to play starters into the second quarter. Nix rebounded with better second and third drives resulting in 10 points. He finished the game 10 of 14 passing for 110 yards with several big plays and a touchdown completion to wide receiver Courtland Sutton. It was a positive finish after a slow start. Nix and the first-team offense have something to build on entering Week 1 of the regular season against the Titans on Sept. 7.

Broncos assistants Zach Strief, Austin King have been best buddies for 25 years since meeting at Northwestern

Ehlinger time

Backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham, who performed well in the first two preseason games, did not play in New Orleans. That opened the door for quarterback Sam Ehlinger to get an extended look against the Saints. Ehlinger finished the afternoon throwing for 198 yards on 22 of 31 passing with one touchdown and one interception. It was a good showing for the University of Texas product with intriguing decisions ahead. Do the Broncos keep three quarterbacks on the active roster? Or do they risk losing Ehlinger on waivers with the intention of putting him on their practice squad?

Who will be the Broncos No. 2 receiver after the trade of Devaughn Vele? | Friday Faceoff

RB competition

J.K. Dobbins and Jaleel McLaughlin did not play on Saturday. Rookie RJ Harvey started at running back. He rushed just three times and totaled 4 yards. How did the other running backs perform?

—Tyler Badie: four carries for 14 yards / four catches for 31 yards

—Audric Estime: eight carries for 45 yards and one touchdown / one catch for 8 yards

—Blake Watson: four carries for 13 yards / three catches for 9 yards

It is likely that all three players are in competition for one available spot on the 53-man roster. Estime finished on a high note after an up-and-down preseason without many snaps. Watson flashed promise but injured his knee in the fourth quarter and did not return. It feels like Badie is the strongest candidate.

Broncos' Sean Payton called it 'difficult' to trade Devaughn Vele but getting fourth-round pick sealed it