NFL football is among us.

The first preseason game may be the most trivial and insignificant 60 minutes of football during the entire season, but it can still be a telling sign for what is to come once the calendar meanders into September. Yes, the Detroit Lions went 4-0 in preseason before failing to win a regular season game during the 2008 season, but preseason games are somewhat indicative of how a football team will perform when the final scores do matter.

Score aside, Broncos fans should be fairly giddy about what they saw tonight in the Broncos 22-0 victory over the Chicago Bears, but what are some things that stood out in particular?

1. The Broncos quarterback situation is far from grim.

After moving on from arguably the greatest quarterback to play the game in Peyton Manning, there were some very serious question marks at the quarterback position. Can Mark Sanchez come into Denver and reach even half of the potential he once had as a fifth overall draft pick? Everyone knows that he has a great arm, but is Trevor Siemian truly a viable option as a starting quarterback? How far away is Paxton Lynch from starting in the NFL?

The Broncos first preseason game at least gave fans a little sneak peak into answering some of these questions. Sanchez marched 76 yards in 10 plays to score a touchdown on Denver’s opening drive, while Siemian was one fantastic play by Bears’ defensive back Deirdre’ Hall away from matching Sanchez in touchdown passes. Lynch quietly posted a 110.7 passer rating by completing six of his seven pass attempts for a total of 74 yards in the first NFL action of his career. Besides one mistake by Sanchez on a tipped ball that was intercepted, all three quarterbacks were reasonably smart with the football and took control of the huddle.

Despite what you might have heard throughout the offseason, the Broncos have two capable quarterbacks and another not drastically far behind. Both Siemian and Sanchez looked like they are more than competent to lead the troops into battle for the 2016 campaign.

So don’t get fooled Broncos fans, the quarterback situation is not as grim as some have made you believe.

2. The Defense continues its dominance.

Preseason or not, the Broncos defense is not only good, but also deep. It was good to see that they have not missed a beat since roughing up the Carolina Panthers in Super Bowl 50. Even with the absence of Chris Harris, Von Miller, Aqib Talib, and DeMarcus Ware, the Broncos defense looked as dominant, if not more, than they did last season.

The Broncos held the Bears to only 130 total yards, 82 passing and 48 rushing, while posting seven sacks, one interception, and a safety. Bears’ quarterback Jay Cutler looked befuddled from the get-go (granted he makes the same face renting a RedBox movie or eating a pudding pop), and running back fantasy favorite Jeremy Langford was held to only seven yards on four carries. Every yard that the Bears captured seemed difficult and they were never even a threat to put points on the board all night.

Last season, I would have questioned whether the Broncos’ defense was truly that good or if the Bears’ offense was on the brink of being borderline abysmal. However, this concoction put together by coach Wade Phillips known as the ‘No Fly Zone’ is real folks, and they are back for 2016.

3. There seems to be some kinks in the kicking game.

Brandon McManus is slowly becoming a fan favorite. After spending his offseason offering to pay for an all-expensed trip for Justin Tucker, McManus might still be on a bit of a Super Bowl hangover.

The 25-year-old kicker out of Temple University had a 46-yard field goal hit the right upright, a 48-yard field goal blocked, and was mere feet away from hitting the upright on a 44-yard attempt. McManus finished the night with an unflattering 50 percent field goal success rate.

The mental battles of a kicker’s confidence are truly a phenomenon that resembles that of the Twilight Zone. How else can one explain Blair Walsh missing a 27-yard chip shot to put away the Seattle Seahawks during wild card weekend? A kicker’s confidence is their lifeblood. Without it they might as well help serve water and pick up towels. McManus was an intricate part of the Broncos performance last season, and a small shock to his confidence could have a lasting impact on their success as a team. This is something that has to get worked out over the next few weeks, but I have all the confidence in the world that McManus will be ready to go when the season begins.

4. Virgil Green could have a huge 2016 season.

Virgil Green has always been known for his terrific blocking skills as a tight end, but the 2016 Broncos might be looking to use his athleticism and quickness to attack defenses. Although his playing time was very limited, Sanchez looked for Green early and often and found him twice on third down. Green finished the night with three catches for 26 yards.

With the recent loss of Owen Daniels, and the second year tight end Jeff Heuerman coming off a knee injury that kept him from playing his rookie season, there was some question marks about where the Broncos would get productivity at the tight end position. Not only has Green seemed to answer that in training camp, but also in the first preseason game. After waiting for the 6’5 tight end to bust out, it is possible that Green finally becomes a focal point in the offensive scheme.

5. The WR3 battle is going to be a good one.

Cody Latimer and Bennie Fowler are currently battling for the third wide receiver position, but it is likely to go down to the fourth and final preseason game as both had a terrific night. Latimer, a second round draft pick out of Indiana University led the Broncos’ pass catchers in receptions and yards by posting seven catches for 82 yards, and Fowler, an undrafted wideout from Michigan State University, blocked a punt that resulted in a Broncos touchdown to add to his three receptions.

Both receivers looked explosive and reliable, and could be an enormous asset for whichever quarterback gets the starting gig. With many coaches and fans alike waiting for Latimer to arrive, it was refreshing to see some spunk out of him, even if it is only preseason. Add these two talents to the already talented Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders, and the Broncos have an embarrassment of riches to catch the ball. It may only be the first preseason game, but hopefully Fowler and Latimer can continue to mimic what we saw out of them tonight.