On the opening drive against the Bears, Sanchez drove the Broncos 76 yards for a touchdown, hitting 7 of 9 passes, including a 32-yard scoring strike to Demaryius Thomas. It seemed to be a good sign for Sanchez, who is vying for the Broncos’ starting quarterback job alongside second-year quarterback Trevor Siemian.

MORE: Carson Wentz leads group of rookies trying to take veterans’ jobs

On his next possession, Sanchez threw an interception. That was not a good sign.

Sanchez finished with a respectable performance in one quarter of play, completing 10 of 13 passes for 99 yards with the touchdown and interception. Siemian also played well, completing 7 of 12 passes for 88 yards and leading the Broncos to a field goal before giving way to rookie Paxton Lynch in the second half.

Denver dialed up the passing game to give Sanchez and Siemian a chance to show their stuff.

“We came out with a purpose: Let those guys throw it around,’’ Broncos coach Gary Kubiak told Denver TV station KUSA at halftime.

Denver went on to beat the Bears, 22-0. And the quarterback debate continues.

Injury roundup

— Patriots wide receiver Malcolm Mitchell suffered a gruesome arm injury against the Saints in the second quarter after making a tough catch. X-rays after the game were negative, and ESPN reported he will miss about four weeks with a dislocated elbow.

— ESPN reported that Ravens linebacker Chris Carter underwent the league’s concussion protocol.

— ESPN reported that Buccaneers tight end Brandon Myers suffered a knee injury against the Eagles.

Impact rookies

— Carson Wentz, QB, Eagles: The No. 2 overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft completed 12 of 24 passes for 89 yards and an interception in his Eagles debut.

— Michael Thomas, WR, Saints: The second-round pick out of Ohio State looked great against the Pats, with four catches for 67 yards.

— JD McKissic, Falcons: The undrafted free agent out of Arkansas State returned the opening kickoff of the second half 101 yards for a touchdown.

Highlights

Patriots running back Tyler Gaffney, who missed all of 2015 with an injury, is back. And gone:

Sanchez didn’t take long to make his presence felt in Denver, finding Demaryius Thomas for an easy touchdown:

MORE: NFL preseason Week 1 may as well be QB showcase

NFL preseason scores Week 1

Thursday’s Scores

Falcons 23, Redskins 17 Eagles 17, Buccaneers 9 Jets 17, Jaguars 13 Ravens 22, Panthers 19 Patriots 34, Saints 22 Broncos 22, Bears 0

Friday’s games (All times Eastern)

Dolphins at Giants, 7 p.m. Lions at Steelers, 7 p.m. Vikings at Bengals, 7:30 p.m. Browns at Packers, 8 p.m. Raiders at Cardinals, 10 p.m.

Saturday’s games

Seahawks at Chiefs, 4:30 p.m. Colts at Bills, 7 p.m. Cowboys at Rams, 8 p.m. Chargers at Titans, 8 p.m.

Sunday’s game

Texans at 49ers, 7 p.m.