DENVER — The night before the Broncos' 44-24 win over the Cowboys, Denver's offensive players watched tape of 11 plays that could potentially result in touchdowns.
Each clip was intended to feature a different player as the primary option, and the Broncos highlighted the intended player by adding their college alma mater's fight song to the clip.
"None of the players knew the name of their fight songs except [Marvin] Mims," Head Coach Sean Payton said after Sunday's win.
Rookie running back RJ Harvey still didn't know the name of Central Florida's fight song as he talked to the media on Sunday evening, but there were plenty of opportunities to fire up the band as he turned in a three-touchdown performance.
Harvey was just one of the Broncos' rookies to make a significant impact, as first-round pick Jahdae Barron notched his first career interception to thwart a Cowboys drive and third-round pick Pat Bryant snagged the first touchdown of his own career.
"A lot of production from the rookie class," Payton said. "… It's great to see them moving, getting the experience."
Harvey, whose designated fight-song play resulted in a third-down touchdown grab, was particularly effective. He carried the ball seven times for 46 yards (6.6 yards per carry) for a pair of rushing scores — the first of his career. His receiving score pushed him to three total touchdowns, which were the most by a Broncos rookie in a game since Clinton Portis in 2002. Harvey's first touchdown, a 40-yard dash to open the scoring for Denver, was Denver's longest rushing score since the final week of the 2021 season.
"He's a huge part of what we're doing offensively, and it was a huge breakout game for him," tackle Mike McGlinchey said. "You knew that was coming."
Bryant's acrobatic touchdown grab gave the Broncos a 27-10 halftime lead, and he threw up a Mile High Salute for the first time in his career.
"Honestly, you have to earn that respect, you know," Bryant said. "Especially coming in as a rookie, you have to show that you can go out there and play ball. Having that connection with Bo [Nix], we did a lot of great things in practices, but just going out in a game and just feeling that connection was special."
Nix raced to retrieve the football after Bryant tossed the ball aside in the celebration, and the Broncos' signal-caller said he's noticed the progress the two rookies have made.
"Those guys are starting to find a good rhythm, understanding more and more and knowing more of what they can do," Nix said. "I'm proud of them. I'm proud of the work they put in. They are practicing hard, they show up to work, they are great teammates, great team players in the locker room, very humble guys and just want to make the next play."
Barron, meanwhile, prevented a Dallas scoring drive as he recorded the first interception of Dak Prescott since Week 3.
"It was amazing," cornerback Riley Moss said of the play. "I got my first pick actually in the alternates, the throwbacks last year, and then he got it this year. I don't know if there's something with those jerseys, I'm just saying. I'm proud of him. It was amazing, it was a great play."
As the Broncos continue forward, they'll continue to rely on their rookies — and those players will aim to ride the confidence to find future success.
"It's a great confidence-builder for us," Harvey said. "Pat had a great game today. Jahdae had an exceptional pick today. We're just trying to put on for this rookie class."
