The Denver Broncos wrapped up their final training camp practice with a joint session against the Green Bay Packers ahead of their preseason game on Sunday. The session provided invaluable live reps for both teams, as noted by Broncos head coach Sean Payton.

“Obviously, a lot of good reps for both teams and a lot of good video,” Payton said after practice. “We got into a number of situations… I thought it went really well.”

The practice focused on situational football, with both teams working on third down, red zone, and two-minute drills. Payton emphasized the importance of these sessions in preparation for the upcoming season. “We’re getting a lot of work in, but we still have work to do. There’s so many things that can come up,” he noted, reflecting on the variety of scenarios they encountered during practice.

One of the key benefits of the joint practice was the opportunity for the Broncos’ offense to face a different defensive scheme. Payton highlighted this, stating, “These guys a year ago were more of an odd front team. They’ve kind of evolved to more of an even front with the new defensive coordinator. We’ve been seeing our own defense, which is like an odd front structure, so it’s always good when you can get the opposite of what you’re used to working it.”

As the Broncos continue to evaluate their quarterback options, the joint practice offered more insights into the performances of Bo Nix, Jarrett Stidham, and Zach Wilson. Payton shared his thoughts on the ongoing quarterback rotation: “I think the plan, like I mentioned all along, is what we’re going to see, you know, Bo starting out in phase one, Stidham in phase two, and then Zach in phase three.”

The competitive energy on the field was palpable, with both teams pushing each other to perform at their best. Payton was pleased with how the teams handled the intensity of the practice, stating, “I was pleased that the practice ran smoothly. I thought both teams did a good job of working with each other.”

The practice was not without its challenges, particularly with the physical demands on the players. “It’s warm, how does that affect our tempo? I thought offensively we tend to be a fairly faster tempo type team… you really get some information when guys get to be a little tired,” Payton observed, emphasizing the importance of maintaining discipline and avoiding mental mistakes as fatigue sets in.

Looking ahead to the preseason game on Sunday, Payton mentioned that the work done during the joint practice is comparable to what they expect to see in the game. “These are good live reps and you get the coaches off the field and you get a chance to see these guys play. So it’d be very similar,” he explained.

As the Broncos move closer to finalizing their roster, the performances in these practices and games will be crucial. Payton acknowledged the ongoing evaluations, noting, “We’re probably at 60 right now, give or take 61… there are nine or ten spots probably I’m still looking at.”

Overall, the joint practice with the Packers was a productive session that provided the Broncos with valuable insights and the opportunity to refine their game ahead of the preseason. As Payton concluded, “It was good work.”

With the final training camp practice behind them, all eyes are now on Sunday’s preseason matchup against the Packers, where the Broncos will continue to fine-tune their roster and game plan for the upcoming season.