Packers vs. Broncos: 3 X-Factors That Could Flip The Game
Packers Preseason Game 2: What to Watch in Denver
The Big Picture
The Green Bay Packers are heading to Denver for their second preseason game this Friday night. Think of this like a "dress rehearsal" before the real games start — players are fighting for spots on the final team, and coaches are making big decisions.
Key Storylines to Follow
1. The Starters Get Their Final Tune-Up
IMPORTANT: This is likely the last time you’ll see the main players in a preseason game!
- Quarterback Jordan Love and the starting offense will play
- Defensive leaders Zaire Franklin and Xavier McKinney will suit up
- Players coming back from injury might sit out to stay safe
- Next week vs. Arizona? The starters won’t play — they’ll practice with the Cardinals instead
2. Can Last Week’s Stars Shine Again?
Several players looked great in the first preseason game against Pittsburgh. But in the NFL, one good game isn’t enough.
- Coaches want consistency — doing it again and again
- Reliability = trust from coaches = roster spot
- This game separates "flash in the pan" players from real NFL talent
3. Position Battles Heating Up
Cornerback Battle
| Player | Status |
|---|---|
| Brandon Cisse (rookie) | Getting all 1st-team reps |
| Keisean Nixon | Rotating between units |
| Carrington Valentine | Rotating between units |
| Benjamin St-Juste | Rotating between units |
Watch for: Someone might grab the other starting cornerback job this week!
Defensive Tackle Logjam
Locked in (probably):
- Devonte Wyatt
- Javon Hargrave
- Karl Brooks
Fighting for maybe 1-2 spots:
- Warren Brinson
- Chris McClellan
- Jonathan Ford
- Nazir Stackhouse
- Anthony Campbell
COACH’S DILEMMA: All these reserves have "flashed" (looked good at times). But the team only keeps 53 players total — not everyone fits!
4. The Underdog Stories
Players nobody drafted — fighting for their NFL lives:
| Player | Position | Note |
|---|---|---|
| J. Michael Sturdivant | Wide Receiver | Undrafted rookie, shining in practice AND games |
| Anthony Campbell | Defensive Tackle | Also listed above — doing double duty! |
| Mark Perry | Safety | Making noise |
| Jaylin Simpson | Cornerback | Rough game in Pittsburgh, but great in practice — bounce-back alert! |
What Happens Next? (Numbered Steps)
- Friday Night — Game vs. Broncos in Denver
- Next Wednesday — Joint practice with Arizona Cardinals (starters work here)
- Next Friday — Preseason finale vs. Cardinals (starters rest)
- Late August — Roster cut to 53 players
- September — Real season begins!
Why This Game Matters (Callout)
FOR BUBBLE PLAYERS: EVERY SNAP COUNTS
- One great play = roster spot saved
- One mistake = ticket home
- Coaches are watching everything — effort, tackling, assignments, attitude
- No preseason game is "meaningless" for these guys
Quick Summary
| What | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Starters play one last time | Final tune-up before real games |
| CB competition | Cisse leading, others chasing |
| DT logjam | 5+ guys for 1-2 spots — brutal! |
| Underdogs rising | Sturdivant, Perry, Campbell making cases |
| Consistency test | Can Week 1 stars do it again? |
Bottom line: This is decision-making time. By Sunday, the roster picture gets much clearer.
FAQ: Your Questions Answered
Q: What does "bubble player" mean?
A: A player right on the edge of making the team or getting cut. They’re "on the bubble" — one good or bad game pops it!
Q: Why don’t starters play in the last preseason game?
A: Risk vs. reward. Starters have proven themselves. Playing them risks injury in a game that doesn’t count. They get better work in controlled practices.
Q: What’s a "joint practice"?
A: Two teams practice together instead of playing a game. It’s safer (no live tackling usually) but competitive. Great for starters to get work without game risk.
Q: How many wide receivers do teams usually keep?
A: Typically 5-6 on the 53-man roster. So every catch Sturdivant makes matters hugely!
Q: Can a player get cut after playing well in preseason?
A: Absolutely. Preseason is vs. other backups. Some guys dominate bad competition but can’t hack it vs. real NFL starters. Coaches know the difference.
Enjoy the game, Cheeseheads! The real season is coming fast!