Broncos Vs. Packers: 3 Storylines To Watch For In Week 2 Of Nfl Preseason

Tue Denver Broncos host the Green Bay Packers tonight for their second preseason game. After a decisive win against the preseason opener against the Atlanta Falcons, the Broncos are looking to continue their success in front of a hometown crowd. Here are three storylines to watch this evening.

The return of Bo Nix

Quarterback Bo Nix starting his first game since the AFC Divisional Playoff matchup versus the Buffalo Bills highlights my storylines to watch. Earlier in the week, Head Coach Sean Payton mentioned Nix will be on a pitch-count—roughly around fourteen plays. That’s not a large sample size, but I’m still excited to see how he operates with Offensive Davis Webb calling the plays.

With several new teammates on the offensive side of the ball, Nix should be in store for his best season yet in Year 3. It’s easily the most talented bunch the franchise has had in a decade. Perhaps tonight we will witness some of the early visions Webb has for the offense with Nix leading the way.

One thing in particular I’m wondering about: Will we see more of Nix under center? A healthy majority of his snaps to date have been from shotgun. In order for him to make a jump this year, I would like to see some variance and balance with this. Getting under center more would help the Broncos’ run game but also help with having a more explosive play action passing game.

Will we see more involvement from tight ends in the passing game?

Speaking of quarterbacks, Jarrett Stidham and Sam Ehlinger combined for 29 passing attempts in the preseason opener. However, only five throws went to tight ends. Evan Engram was the recipient of three with Lucas Krull and Justin Joly earning the other two.

The Broncos have a bunch of young skill positions players. That makes it hard to give everyone equal opportunities in the passing game. Even so, I would like to see more involvement from the tight ends tonight against the Packers.

Two players I’m hoping to see get some looks are Joly and fellow rookie Dallen Bentley. Earlier in the week, Engram spoke highly of the rookie tight end duo. Both Joly and Bentley flashed in their final seasons in college and were incredibly productive.

It would be nice for them to get some targets. Joly had a penchant for moving the chains and coming down with contested catches at NC State. Bentley was a redzone monster and has the potential to be a difference maker there. Why not dial up some play calls that highlight their strengths?

Who can step up to be the fifth man in Denver’s defensive line rotation?

The defensive line is one of the big strengths of the Broncos’ defense. D.J. Jones, Zach Allen, Malcolm Roach, and Eyioma Uwazurike have the potential to be a dominant core four in 2026. Though I’m wondering is who will step up and be that key fifth player in the rotation up front.

With John Franklin-Myers leaving in free agency there are quite a few snaps up for grabs. The two obvious candidates to take over for some of them are second-year player Sai’vion Jones and rookie Tyler Onyedim. Both were third round picks and developmental prospects that have the traits and talent to eventually become starters in the NFL.

Unfortunately, that possibility seems further down the road than one would hope. I wasn’t too impressed with either last week against the Falcons. Despite getting a lot of praise and hype through training camp with some big plays, Onyedim was relatively quiet in his NFL debut. The same can be said for Jones, who notched only one tackle in his reps last Friday.

The Broncos will likely dress just five defensive lineman each week of the regular season. That’s why I’m eager to see if one of them can cement themselves as the clear-cut favorite in that battle. If not, we are likely entering a scenario of weekly “Guess Who?” as to who will be active or not. It’s a tough position to make an impact in going from the college to pros, but I’m hoping that one of them can gain some steam in the final two preseason games.

Broncos Country, what do you think? What are some things you are looking for in tonight’s matchup versus the Packers? Sound off in the comments section and let me know your thoughts.