Broncos vs. Packers: 3 Burning Questions for Week 2 Preseason
Denver Broncos vs. Green Bay Packers: 3 Big Things to Watch in Preseason Game #2
The Denver Broncos are back at home tonight! After beating the Atlanta Falcons in their first preseason game, they’re hosting the Green Bay Packers for round two. Think of preseason games like practice matches before the real season starts—the score doesn’t count for the standings, but coaches use them to decide who makes the final team.
Here are the three main storylines to keep an eye on tonight.
1. Bo Nix Takes the Field: His First Real Action Since the Playoffs
What’s Happening?
Bo Nix, the Broncos’ starting quarterback (the guy who throws the ball), is playing his first game since the AFC Divisional Playoff game against the Buffalo Bills back in January.
Important Point: Head Coach Sean Putton said Nix will be on a "pitch count"—meaning he’ll only play about 14 plays (or "snaps") tonight. That’s not a lot, but it’s his first chance to run the offense with the new play-caller.
Why It Matters
- New Play-Caller: Davis Webb, the quarterbacks coach, is now calling the offensive plays during games. This is like a new conductor leading the orchestra.
- Better Teammates: Nix has the most talented group of offensive players (catchers, runners, blockers) the Broncos have had in 10 years. This could be his best season yet (Year 3 in the NFL).
- Under Center vs. Shotgun: Most of Nix’s snaps so far have been from "shotgun" (standing a few yards behind the center). The writer wants to see him line up "under center" (right behind the center, taking the snap directly). Why?
- Helps the running game (handing the ball off)
- Makes play-action passes (fake handoff, then throw) more dangerous
2. Will the Tight Ends Get More Involved?
What’s a Tight End?
Think of a tight end as a hybrid player—big enough to block like an offensive lineman, but athletic enough to catch passes like a wide receiver.
The Numbers Don’t Lie
In the first preseason game:
- Backup QBs Jarrett Stidham and Sam Ehlinger threw 29 passes total
- Only 5 went to tight ends
- Evan Engram (veteran starter) got 3, rookies Lucas Krull and Justin Joly got 1 each
The Rookies to Watch
Two rookie tight ends have impressed in practice:
- Justin Joly (from NC State) — Great at moving the chains (getting first downs) and catching contested balls in traffic
- Dallen Bentley — A red zone monster (scores touchdowns near the goal line)
Important Point: Even veteran Evan Engram praised these rookies this week. The writer hopes the coaches call plays specifically designed to highlight their strengths tonight.
3. Who Becomes the 5th Defensive Lineman?
The Starting Four (The "Core Four")
The Broncos’ defensive line (the big guys up front who stop the run and rush the passer) has a potentially dominant top four:
- D.J. Jones
- Zach Allen
- Malcolm Roach
- Eyioma Uwazurike
The Open Spot
John Franklin-Myers left in free agency, leaving snaps (playing time) up for grabs for the 5th rotational spot. Teams usually only dress 5 defensive linemen on game day, so this is a real roster spot.
The Contenders (Both 3rd-Round Draft Picks)
| Player | Year | Draft Round | Preseason Game 1 Performance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sai’vion Jones | 2nd Year | 3rd Round | 1 tackle, relatively quiet |
| Tyler Onyedim | Rookie | 3rd Round | Quiet debut despite training camp hype |
The Concern
Both players have traits and talent to become starters eventually, but the jump from college to NFL is really hard for defensive linemen. Neither stood out in Game 1.
Important Point: If neither grabs the spot clearly in the last two preseason games, the Broncos might play "Guess Who?" each week—rotating who’s active based on matchups. The writer hopes one separates themselves tonight.
Summary: What to Watch For Tonight
| Storyline | Key Question | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Bo Nix’s Debut | How does he look in ~14 plays with Davis Webb calling plays? | First look at Year 3 Nix + new offense |
| Tight End Usage | Do rookies Joly & Bentley get targets in their specialty areas? | Adds dimension to passing attack |
| DL Rotation Battle | Does Sai’vion Jones or Tyler Onyedim step up as clear #5? | Determines game-day roster all season |
FAQ: Your Questions Answered
What is a "pitch count" for a quarterback?
ELI5: It’s like a limit on how many plays a quarterback runs. Coaches do this to protect players from injury or overuse in games that don’t count. Think of it like a pitcher in baseball having a pitch limit.
What’s the difference between "under center" and "shotgun"?
ELI5:
- Under Center: QB stands right behind the center, takes the snap directly into their hands. Traditional, better for running plays and play-action fakes.
- Shotgun: QB stands 5-7 yards back, catches the snap like a pass. Better for seeing the field and passing, but harder to run the ball effectively.
Why do tight ends matter in the passing game?
ELI5: They’re mismatch nightmares for defenses. Too big for cornerbacks to cover, too fast for linebackers. When tight ends catch passes, it opens up the whole offense—running lanes get wider, wide receivers get more space.
What does "rotational player" mean on the defensive line?
ELI5: Defensive linemen get tired fast (they’re 300+ lbs fighting every play). Teams rotate 4-5 guys so everyone stays fresh. The "5th man" plays 20-30 snaps a game—crucial for keeping the starters fresh for 4th quarter.
Do preseason games count for anything?
ELI5: No for standings, YES for jobs. The wins/losses don’t matter for playoffs. But coaches watch every snap to decide: Who makes the 53-man roster? Who starts? Who gets cut? For rookies and bubble players, these are job interviews.
Broncos Country—what are YOU watching for tonight? Drop your thoughts in the comments!