It took all of one game, and not even a full one, for Jaylen Waddle to show why the Denver Broncos acquired him in a trade with the Miami Dolphins, surrendering their first-round draft pick in the process.
Waddle caught just one pass. He was only targeted once during the contest, but it was for a big gain and a highlight in a disappointing tilt.
It both allayed concerns about his recent injury and helped justify the deal to bring him in.
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The most important note that emerged from Waddle is that the first-year Broncos playmaker said he feels “good” after the contest, which his team lost at home 33-13 to the visiting NFC rival Packers.
“It was the first game, I got the play in, as a Bronco, and with new teammates,” Waddle told reporters on August 21.
“I went out there and executed pretty well, so. Definitely wanted more, but yeah.”
After his score, Waddle was spotted chatting with fellow Broncos WR Courtland Sutton, and he explained, “We were saying what we would get better at. I think that’s a key thing. Even when you score touchdowns, obviously, it’s things you can learn from throughout the drive and get better at stuff. So, we was just looking at that.”
Waddle also explained what his post-TD exuberance meant after he shouted skyward.
“It was the first time here. The crowd was definitely energetic and brought some energy, so just giving a little energy back as well.”
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Asked about playing with Broncos QB Bo Nix “for real,” Waddle–who played just six snaps in what may be his only action of the preseason–said it was “great,” a sentiment surely bolstered by their big-play connection.
Waddle gave the proper respect to his teammates for the splash.
“A 35-yarder. That’s how you describe it, a 35-yarder. A good play, a good play. Not just by me from the O-line. Obviously, the quarterback and all the receivers,” Waddle said. “I get the ball, but it’s much more than me just making the play that goes into it.”
As for the big-play ball being behind him, “It’s all chemistry. I think we’re still building that chemistry. And we just gonna continue to build in practice, and getting them quality reps.”
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Waddle also spoke about what makes him such a weapon after the catch, an aspect of his game the Broncos are sure to take advantage of whenever possible.
“I think just running to space and making good, efficient moves when the time is right is a good thing for that,” Waddle said. “So, something that I’m always looking to improve on, and something that the group is always looking forward to.”
In the end, Waddle was glad to share the field with his new teammates in a competitive setting.
“It was great, man. It was great to go out there with all the guys. This is my first time out there playing over the guys against someone else. So, man, it was great.”
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