Instant reaction: Broncos throttled by Packers in second preseason game

DENVER, COLORADO - AUGUST 21: Sean Payton of the Denver Broncos looks on in the first half of a preseason game against the Green Bay Packers at Empower Field at Mile High on August 21, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Tyler Schank/Clarkson Creative/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Denver Broncos had won eight preseason games in a row with Head Coach Sean Payton at the helm. Alas, tonight that streak wended. When the clock struck zero, the Broncos suffered a 33-13 defeat to the Green Bay Packers. Here are several instant reactions from their first preseason game.

Welcome back, Bo Nix!

Broncos Country waited a long time for quarterback Bo Nix to get back on the football field. Even though it was a brief preseason debut, it was great to see Denver's high-caliber signal caller on the field. In limited action, I thought Nix looked good.

On their first offensive possession, the Broncos embarked on a six play, 65-yard drive. A 35-yard strike to Jaylen Waddle put the Broncos in scoring position. A few players later, a beautiful 21-yard throw by Nix to RJ Harvey that evened the score at 7-7. Divvying up the ball to a variety of targets, Nix looked poised in the pocket and comfortable on the move.

Early on in the second quarter, Nix was replaced by Jarrett Stidham after the offense's second drive of the game resulted in a 53-yard field goal by Wil Lutz. In his two possessions, Nix went 6-of-9 for 79 yards and 1 touchdown. Unfortunately, his presence was one of the only notable positives from tonight's matchup.

Bo is BACK

GBvsDEN on @nflnetwork
Stream on @NFLPluspic.twitter.com/THCoTwHnA3

- NFL (@NFL) August 22, 2026

Sloppy preseason football: Too many penalties, too many mistakes.

The preseason provides an opportunity for NFL teams to work out the kinks. In turn, hopefully gaining some discipline in the process. That didn't happen tonight for the Broncos who were in many ways their own worst enemies. This was a really sloppy performance and not up to the standard' the team has set for themselves.

Whether it was extending drives for the Packers with third down penalties, turning the ball over or dropped passes on offense, everything after the first two drives seemed problematic for Denver. Penalties were something Broncos struggled with immensely last season. Given such, it is still a bit of a concern seeing that trend continue through two preseason games. They had 10 this evening.

Alongside this, I thought the Broncos' defensive coverage shells were a little vanilla. Yeah, it's the preseason. I get that, but those cornerbacks were playing off quite a bit too much for my liking.

Would've been nice to see the preseason winning streak continue but Sean Payton will absolutely use this loss where the #Broncos made mistakes in all 3 phases as a learning opportunity for the team to keep their focus on the details

- Ryan Edwards (@redwardsradio) August 22, 2026

Offensive line depth and run game struggles against Packers

The Broncos have a strong starting five on the offensive line. Additionally, versatile swing backup Alex Palczewski is capable of answering the call if need be. Unfortunately, I thought of the backup offensive lineman struggled tonight.

Between Calvin Throckmorton and Gavin Ortega at center, the Broncos had a handful of botched snaps and interior pressures missed on delayed blitzes. For the most part, Denver struggled to get a consistent push in the running game as well. Last week they had 162 yards on the ground versus the Atlanta Falcons. Tonight, the offense mustered only 69 rushing yards.

Moreover, I thought backup tackle Frank Crum struggled for the second straight week. He had a few penalties and several whiffs tonight in pass protection allowing defenders a straight-line path to backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham. A lot of folks have him penciled in as likely to make the 53-man roster, but I'm not sure he has played up to par in these first two outings.

Promising fourth-round rookie Kage Casey looked good last week. Though he didn't seem to play as well in his second NFL game. I thought he looked less comfortable playing on the right side in the second half and didn't get much push up front going up against the Packers' second-team defensive line.

Miscellaneous thoughts and observations.

• It didn't take long for the referees in tonight's matchup to cook up some questionable calls. Perhaps it's my orange and blue colored glasses, but I thought Christian Watson clearly fumbled the ball on the game's first drive. On Denver's opening possession on offense, I thought Courtland Sutton's sideline catch was legit, but the zebras obviously felt otherwise.
  
  That was just the beginning. What kind of roughing the passer call was that on Que Robinson in the second quarter? Dane Key getting shoved to the ground and a missed defensive pass interference call right in front of a ref? Wild. I don't need to write hundreds of words on how bad the refs were tonight. Everybody who watched witnessed their ineptitude.
• Last week, the Broncos had a few issues on special teams with their field goal unit. This week, the third phase for Denver continued to be an issue. They allowed several long returns on coverage including a 68-yard kickoff return by Pierre Strong. Maybe next week they will play an issue-free game.
• Earlier I mentioned not being impressed with the Broncos' offensive line depth's performance. The same goes for the defensive line. I was hoping to see some quality play from Sai'vion Jones and Tyler Onyedim, but neither flashed getting after the quarterback and on multiple occasions, both were blown off the ball or washed out completely in the running game. Those two need to have a rebound performance against the Minnesota Vikings in the preseason finale next Friday.