The Denver Broncos hosted the Green Bay Packers this morning for joint practices at Broncos Park Powered by CommonSpirit. After experiencing a letdown in joint practices against the Los Angeles Rams last year, Sean Payton had his young, dangerous team ready on Friday.
Denver Broncos secondary shines vs. Green Bay Packers
The Denver Broncos secondary was impressive in Friday’s joint practice against the Packers. Green Bay, coming into Friday’s practice, had an arsenal of talented wide receivers, including Christian Watson, Romeo Doubs, Dontayvion Wicks, and Bo Melton. That didn’t matter much because, like the Avengers had a Hulk, the Broncos had a PS2.
Patrick Surtain II was locked in on Friday, disrupting the football and coming away with a couple of near interceptions on the day. In particular, the Packers had an end-of-game scenario in a move-the-ball period where they needed to score or get in field goal range to tie. Denver’s defense, led by Surtain, Riley Moss, and P.J. Locke, thwarted four straight passing attempts by Jordan Love, including Surtain’s breakup on fourth and 10 that would have won the Broncos the game in a real simulation.
Devon Key laid a huge hit on a Packers receiver across the middle of the field that forced an incompletion.
Earlier in the day, Denver’s defense held up firmly against Green Bay’s wide receivers in a goal line and red zone period. Riley Moss had a pass breakup on Dontayvion Wicks on a fade route to the outside. Ja’Quan McMillian, who is having a stellar offseason, read a Jordan Love pass to Romeo Doubs on the inside all the way, nearly intercepting it and forcing it to fall incomplete.
Denver’s communication on the backend was consistent and the secondary made plays, while Denver’s defensive line and pass rush sent heat after Love and the Packers offense.
Bo Nix looks more and more comfortable
Friday’s practice saw both teams use the two fields at the facility to get a lot of reps on offense and defense. Bo Nix and the Broncos offense began on the far side field, where the media had the best up-close vantage point of the action. Nix and Denver’s offense had a hot start early, seeing him connect with Tim Patrick, Javonte Williams, Josh Reynolds, and other receivers on the day.
Nix’s ball placement on an outside throw to Patrick was perfect on third and 9, allowing him to corral it in with two feet and a first down. He’d later find Patrick underneath for a large catch and run, led by Courtland Sutton blocking downfield.
There have been a lot of discussions this week about Nix and his footwork, but on one play to Reynolds in particular, he sidestepped pressure coming from the inside, set his feet and delivered the strike 20-plus yards across the middle to Reynolds who beat his defender.
Here’s the thing that matters most when evaluating Nix, he’s being smart with the football, he’s protecting it, and he’s getting it out of his hands decisively. Whether it’s firing off a quick strike for six or seven yards, a checkdown at four, or a rip across the middle for 20-plus, he looks comfortable.
Bo Nix’s pocket presence on full display here at #BroncosCountry camp.
Just slid in the pocket to his left and easily avoided a sack. Fired a dart to Josh Reynolds, who continues having a strong camp, for a huge gain.
— Chase Daniel (@ChaseDaniel) August 16, 2024
Not only did Nix have a good day, but so did Jarrett Stidham and Zach Wilson. After practice, Payton noted that Nix will get Phase 1 reps on Sunday, Stidham will get Phase 2 reps, and Wilson will get the reps in Phase 3 — even if the Packers don’t plan on playing any of their starters.
Overall, Denver’s offense and defense came out with a lot of energy today and Payton was pleased with what he saw from his team. Now the table is set for their showdown on Sunday for Week 2 of the preseason.