In a commanding preseason performance, the Denver Broncos trampled the Green Bay Packers with a 27-2 victory on August 18, 2024. Dive into our full game recap for highlights, key plays, and standout performances.
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Broncos Stampede Over Packers in Preseason Clash: A Dominant 27-2 Victory Recap
Football fans, grab your gear because the Denver Broncos just sent a resounding message across the NFL! On a warm Sunday evening in Denver, under the cloudy skies of Empower Field at Mile High, the Broncos steamrolled the Green Bay Packers with a 27-2 victory that had the home crowd roaring with excitement. This was a game where the Broncos not only flexed their muscles but also showcased the kind of depth and grit that makes teams championship contenders.
First Quarter: Broncos Set the Pace Early
The Broncos kicked off the action, starting with precision and purpose. From the first whistle, it was clear they came to play. While the Packers fumbled their way through their initial possessions, the Broncos methodically worked their way down the field. Broncos kicker Wil Lutz put the first points on the board with a 37-yard field goal after a well-executed 9-play, 34-yard drive, setting the tone for what would be a long night for Green Bay.
The Packers’ offense, led by quarterback Sean Clifford, struggled to find any rhythm. Denver’s defense, led by linebackers Jonathon Cooper and Alex Singleton, clamped down hard, forcing early punts and limiting Green Bay’s ground game. Meanwhile, Broncos quarterback Brock Nix began to find his groove, connecting with wide receiver Tim Patrick for several key plays.
The first quarter concluded with the Broncos leading 3-0, but it was clear they were just getting started.
Second Quarter: Broncos Dominate Both Sides of the Ball
If the first quarter was about setting the stage, the second quarter was about delivering the blows. Broncos’ offense was firing on all cylinders, and the Packers had no answers. Nix continued his air assault, hitting Patrick for a 2-yard touchdown pass early in the quarter, capping off an 11-play, 80-yard drive. The chemistry between Nix and Patrick was undeniable, and the Packers’ defense seemed helpless to stop it.
But the Broncos weren’t done yet. With just seconds left in the half, backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham took matters into his own hands, literally. Stidham scrambled 9 yards into the end zone on a gutsy run, putting the Broncos up 17-0 as the first half ended. Denver’s defense continued to suffocate the Packers, with the only blemish being a safety allowed late in the third quarter.
Third Quarter: Denver’s Defense Seals the Deal
The second half began with the Broncos’ defense asserting its dominance once more. Green Bay tried to claw their way back, but the relentless pressure from Denver’s front seven made it impossible. The Packers were held to a paltry 109 total yards on the ground and barely over 50 through the air—a testament to the Broncos' defensive prowess.
Denver’s defense also forced several key turnovers, including a fumble recovery by linebacker Jonathon Cooper. Green Bay’s quarterbacks were under siege all night, with Zach Allen and Jonathon Cooper each notching sacks. The Broncos even added to their score with a safety in the third quarter, putting the Packers in an almost insurmountable hole.
Special teams also played a crucial role in maintaining Denver’s dominance. Wil Lutz nailed another field goal, this time from 39 yards out, extending the lead to 20-2. Every time the Packers seemed to gain a sliver of hope, the Broncos snuffed it out with surgical precision.
Fourth Quarter: A Final Flourish
By the time the fourth quarter rolled around, the game was all but decided. However, the Broncos’ backups didn’t take their foot off the gas. With under six minutes to play, running back Tayon Badie capped off a 34-yard drive with a 7-yard touchdown reception from quarterback Zach Wilson. The play was a thing of beauty—Wilson threaded the needle, and Badie made a diving catch in the end zone, putting the final nail in the Packers’ coffin.
The Packers, desperate to avoid a shutout, managed only a safety and a couple of decent drives that never materialized into points. The Broncos’ defense stood tall, ensuring that the Packers remained scoreless in the red zone and walked away with just two measly points—a mark of the Broncos' dominance.
Broncos' Depth Shines
This preseason matchup was more than just a game; it was a statement. The Broncos demonstrated incredible depth across the board, with both starters and backups making significant contributions. Brock Nix was efficient and effective, spreading the ball around and leading his team with poise. His connection with Tim Patrick was particularly noteworthy, and if this performance is anything to go by, the Broncos' passing game could be a force to be reckoned with this season.
On the defensive side, Jonathon Cooper and Alex Singleton led the charge, with the Broncos' defense holding the Packers to just 2 points and under 200 total yards. The secondary, led by Patrick Surtain II and Justin Simmons, was equally impressive, locking down Green Bay’s receivers and ensuring no big plays slipped through.
Special teams, too, were on point, with Wil Lutz going a perfect 3-for-3 on field goals and consistently pinning the Packers deep in their own territory.
A Promising Start for the Broncos
While preseason games are often dismissed as mere warm-ups, the Broncos’ performance against the Packers was anything but. It was a clear indication that this team is ready to compete and has the depth needed to handle the rigors of an NFL season. For the Packers, it’s back to the drawing board—they were outmatched in every phase of the game and will need to address their shortcomings quickly.
For Broncos fans, there’s plenty to be excited about. If this game is a sign of things to come, the Mile High faithful can look forward to a season filled with hard-hitting defense, explosive offense, and a team that’s ready to take on all comers. As John Madden might say, "This team came out, executed, and plain outplayed their opponent. That’s what football’s all about!"
Player Of The Game - Bo Nix