DENVER — What better way for a duck to open his first game at home, than in the rain… The Denver Broncos delivered a commanding performance in their second preseason game, defeating the Green Bay Packers 27-2 on Sunday night. The win capped off a productive week that included a joint practice with Green Bay, which Head Coach Sean Payton emphasized as a crucial part of the team’s preparation.

“I thought there were a lot of positives. Now, we had enough penalties for three games, and we’ve got to get a lot of that cleaned up,” Payton remarked postgame. Despite the penalties, Payton expressed satisfaction with the team’s energy and progress throughout the week.

Quarterback Bo Nix led the Broncos’ offense, completing eight of nine passes and guiding multiple scoring drives. Although Payton refrained from naming a starting quarterback, he praised Nix’s performance. “He does a good job of distributing the football, understanding the zones, man to man, what coverage concepts we’re getting. Overall, I was pleased,” Payton said.

Wide receiver Tim Patrick, who returned to action after missing the last two seasons due to injury, was a standout performer, catching a touchdown pass. “Obviously, I’m happy. I have a higher standard of myself. Just trying to be a better story. So, it’s a step in the right direction,” Patrick shared. His return was a morale boost for the team, with fellow wide receiver Courtland Sutton adding, “I was so happy for him. I could have celebrated with him the rest of the game if I could.”

The Broncos’ defense was equally dominant, stifling the Packers and limiting them to just two points. Outside linebacker Nik Bonitto highlighted the defense’s increased hunger this season. “Just hungrier. I mean, from top to bottom, a lot of guys are hungry,” Bonitto said. His sentiments were echoed by linebacker Jonah Elliss, who credited the team’s intense practice sessions for their game-day performance. “The game’s definitely starting to slow down a little bit. The way we practice is very intense,” Elliss noted.

In the secondary, rookie cornerback Riley Moss continues to impress. Safety P.J. Locke praised Moss, saying, “He’s fast, he has great footwork, he has great technique, he knows the defense, and he’s doing great.” Moss’s quick adaptation to the NFL has been a positive development for the Broncos.

Running back Tyler Badie also turned heads with his strong performance, though penalties often negated big gains. Payton acknowledged the need to clean up mistakes, saying, “We have a 38-yard run called back because of a penalty. I want to look at the tape.” Despite this, Payton noted that the Broncos ran the ball more effectively than the Packers.

Zach Wilson, who also saw action at quarterback, reflected on his performance and the importance of finding rhythm. “I have to find a way to start better,” Wilson admitted. He also praised the offensive line and running backs for their strong play, saying, “I thought we ran the ball really well. Some big holes, backs hit hard. It starts with the big boys up front.”

Cornerback Pat Surtain II, a key leader on the defense, expressed confidence in the team’s direction. “When your team is flying around, making plays like that, you know, you expect it for the season,” Surtain said. He also spoke highly of Nix’s development, noting, “He played lights out as usual. He’s just growing his confidence.”

With the final preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals approaching, the Broncos will continue to evaluate their roster and refine their game plan. The competition for roster spots remains fierce, but the overall atmosphere in the locker room is one of unity and determination as the team gears up for the regular season.

Photos by Carlos Bryant/DSM