The Denver Broncos dominated the Green Bay Packers from the start of their Week 2 preseason showdown at Empower Field at Mile High on Sunday night. The Broncos started early with help from quarterback Bo Nix, and continued with the defense and special teams on their way to a 27-2 win.
While there is a lot of good to be taken from this win, we take a look at five winners and losers from the game.
Winner: QB Bo Nix
Nix had a strong outing with the Broncos’ starting offense, throwing a touchdown and accounting for 10 points on two drives with the 1s. Nix finished his day eight-of-nine for 80 yards and a touchdown. Nix found the open man, read the field well, and showed why he is the fan favorite to start Week 1 against Seattle.
Winner: WR Tim Patrick
Broncos wide receiver Tim Patrick continues to make a remarkable comeback with the Broncos after two straight season-ending injuries in training camp in 2022 and 2023. Against the Packers, the veteran Patrick has a team-high four receptions for 30 yards and a touchdown.
Loser: QB Jarrett Stidham
Stidham took the second team snaps this week, leading four drives and rushing for a touchdown during a two-minute drill at the end of the first half. However, he also threw an interception, which bounced off the top of a Packer helmet. At times, it seemed like Stidham looked very uncomfortable in the pocket. Stidham finished 7-for-11 for 65 yards and one interception.
Winner: S Keidron Smith
For the second straight week, safety Keidron Smith showed his ball hawk skills, getting a crucial interception in the first half two-minute drill to set up Jarrett Stidham and the offense with phenomenal field position. The offense then took the ball down the field for a touchdown.
Loser: Penalties
Penalties were a massive issue for Denver this game, and a massive regression from Week 1 of the preseason, when they had seven penalties for 79 yards. The team as a whole had 13 offenses for a whopping 120 yards, as opposed to Green Bay, who finished with four flags for 40 yards. Denver gave up three first downs by way of the yellow flag, a trend that head coach Sean Payton will surely want to crack down on in weeks to come.
