Bo Nix stepped back onto the Empower Field at Mile High turf for the Denver Broncos against the Green Bay Packers and immediately put on a show, leading two drives that racked up 10 points. But even with Nix flashing big potential, it wasn’t enough to stop a brutal 33-13 thrashing, handing Denver their first preseason defeat in a whopping three seasons. Ouch.
Nix’s Return: Instant Offense After Months Away
Man, did Nix look ready to play after being out since January. His highly anticipated return started with a solid five-yard run, then he dropped a dime to Courtland Sutton high outside. Sutton made an absolutely insane toe-tap catch that was initially ruled incomplete. Seriously, the officiating crew somehow missed both toes in bounds with control, needing instant replay to confirm. Typical NFL, right? That must have lit a fire under Nix because he immediately went deep to Jaylen Waddle for a massive 35-yard gain, pushing them deep into Packers territory. Three plays later, on a third and six, Nix threaded the needle to RJ Harvey on a wheel route for a 21-yard touchdown strike. That’s how you tie a game, and Nix went a crisp 3/5 for 60 yards and a score on that drive alone! He showed some real promise.
Stidham’s Struggles and Green Bay Running Up the Score
While Nix was lighting it up, the rest of the night was a tough watch for Denver fans. The Packers opened strong, with Jordan Love nearly throwing an interception right away. But Green Bay quickly marched down the field, with Love finding a wide open receiver for a 20-yard gain into the red zone. They chewed up the clock with what felt like a million plays, capping a 12-play, 66-yard touchdown drive to open the game. Love’s night was done after that, but the scoring wasn’t. Jarrett Stidham had a seriously rough go at it in the second and third quarters, which was a huge reason Green Bay kept piling on the points. Even Nix’s second drive, which started with a Jonah Coleman five-yard run and a pass to Adam Trautman, and another 14-yard out route to Lil’Jordan Humphrey, ended up facing a third and 18 after some miscues and a penalty.
Jarrett Stidham needs a massive bounce-back in the preseason finale next week. After his struggles in the second and third quarters contributed to Green Bay’s dominant score, he’s got to prove he can turn it around.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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