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Broncos Fall to Packers at Mile High: The Good, Bad, And the Ugly
Bo Nix returned from his playoff ankle injury and looked sharp in limited action, but the Denver Broncos fell to the Green Bay Packers 33-13. Jaylen Waddle made his Broncos debut with a 35-yard catch, while coach Sean Payton criticized the team's performance.
The Denver Broncos opened their home preseason slate with a 33-13 loss to the Green Bay Packers on Friday night, but the evening was highlighted by the return of quarterback Bo Nix. Playing just two drives, Nix completed 6 of 9 passes for 76 yards and a touchdown, posting a 129.9 passer rating. Both first-team drives ended in points, with Nix putting 10 of Denver's 13 points on the board.
Nix, who fractured his right ankle in the AFC Divisional Round overtime win over the Buffalo Bills last season, showed no signs of limitation. He connected with RJ Harvey on a 21-yard touchdown pass to tie the game at 7-7, and also hit Jaylen Waddle on a deep 35-yard pass.
"It was very smooth, very easy to get back out there and go," Nix told reporters. "Felt like exactly where I left off."
Asked about playing in the next preseason game, Nix said, "I think as a competitor, that's an easy answer. Like to play as much as I can, but I don't have control of that."
Jaylen Waddle Makes His Broncos Debut
Jaylen Waddle, acquired in a trade with the Miami Dolphins, made his preseason debut and immediately showed why Denver paid a premium for him. On just six snaps, Waddle caught one pass for a 35-yard gain, a play that showcased the speed and explosiveness the Broncos believe he adds to the offense.
"It was the first game, I got the play in, as a Bronco, and with new teammates," Waddle said. "I went out there and executed pretty well, so. Definitely wanted more, but yeah."
Waddle described the catch simply: "A 35-yarder. That's how you describe it, a 35-yarder. A good play."
He also discussed his chemistry with Nix, calling playing with him "great," and noted that post-touchdown exuberance was fueled by the home crowd's energy. He and fellow receiver Courtland Sutton talked after the game about areas to improve.
ESPN's Jeremy Fowler said on SportsCenter that Denver views Waddle as the "missing piece" to their offense, noting how his route running and yards-after-catch ability fit with Payton's system and Nix's arm strength.
Payton Unhappy With Overall Performance
Despite the positives, head coach Sean Payton was clearly frustrated with the team's overall showing.
"Obviously, that wasn't good enough. There weren't a lot of things. I said this after the game: just pick a topic. You know, pick penalties; we lose there. Kickoff, kickoff return. We lose that battle. Rushing numbers, we lose that, and we can't just say, 'Hey, this is preseason,'" Payton told reporters.
When asked about the plan for the next preseason game, Payton was noncommittal, saying he wanted to figure out the tape first before preparing for the regular-season opener at Kansas City on Sept. 14.
The Bad: Backup Struggles and Special Teams Woes
After the first-team offense and defense held their own early, the game got away from Denver once the backups took over. The Packers outscored the Broncos 26-3 after the first quarter.
Quarterback Jarrett Stidham, who played most of the game, threw an interception and finished with 82 yards on 15 attempts. Cornerback Jahdae Barron gave up a touchdown in coverage, and the defense struggled against Jordan Love, who used play-action to find MarShawn Lloyd for a touchdown after a miscommunication in the secondary.
Special teams were particularly problematic, a recurring theme for the Broncos, who fired coordinator Ben Kotwica and hired Darren Rizzi in the offseason. Pierre Strong had a 68-yard kickoff return, Skyy Moore added a 16-yard punt return, and Wil Lutz, despite making field goals from 53 and 38 yards, botched a kickoff out of bounds.
Player Grades Paint a Mixed Picture
Sports Illustrated's grading of individual performances highlighted several standouts and many low marks. Karene Reid earned a 78.9 as the defensive MVP, while Lil'Jordan Humphrey led the offense with a 70.4. Bo Nix graded 75.6, and Que Robinson, who recorded the Broncos' only sack, graded 73.9.
At the other end of the spectrum, several backups struggled badly: Dasan McCullough graded 20.1, Frank Crum 21.3, and both Kristian Williams (25.3) and Jordan Miller (28.2) were liabilities. Lucas Krull (31.6) and Joseph Manjack (43.2) also graded poorly. Sam Ehlinger had just nine snaps, which would have graded 5.3 if he had qualified.
Looking Ahead
The Broncos have one preseason game left against the Minnesota Vikings before opening the regular season at Kansas City on Sept. 14 against the Chiefs. DraftKings Sportsbook gives Denver +2000 odds to win the Super Bowl. Payton said he wants to play the starters into the third quarter of the next preseason game, though he will evaluate the tape first.
For Nix, the night was a successful first step in his return. "It was very smooth, very easy to get back out there and go," he said, and the team hopes that smoothness carries into the season.
How each outlet told it
The Denver Post
Framing: Headline poses a question about trading for Shedeur Sanders or Joe Milton III; leaves out that the article is a dialogue between two columnists discussing backup QB options. — Debate-like and analytical, with quotes like 'I can’t see Stiddy or Ehlinger winning a postseason game.'
Facts Included:
Bo Nix returned from ankle injury in preseason game vs Packers.
Nix led starters to 10 points on two drives.
Broncos managed only a field goal in next seven possessions vs Packers.
Jarrett Stidham and Sam Ehlinger are backup QBs.
Shedeur Sanders lost Todd Monken's quarterback battle in Cleveland and is No. 2 there.
Shedeur has career sack rate of 9.8%, similar to Russell Wilson's rates under Payton.
Joe Milton III is a Cowboys backup with TD-to-int ratio of 3-0 and passer rating of 142.9 this month.
Payton complained about NFL Combine changes right after Milton's long throw.
Broncos' roster cutdown is Aug. 30.
Zach Wilson might be cut, but no other young QBs have learned Payton's system.
Framing: Headline highlights Waddle's update after head-turning debut; leaves out the losing score. — Positive and focused on Waddle's individual performance, e.g., 'head-turning debut.'
Facts Included:
Jaylen Waddle made Broncos debut vs Packers, caught one pass for 35 yards.
Waddle was acquired from Dolphins in trade for first-round pick.
Broncos lost 33-13.
Waddle said he feels 'good' after the game.
Waddle said 'it was great' playing with Bo Nix.
Waddle played six snaps, said he wanted more.
Waddle described the 35-yarder as 'A 35-yarder. That’s how you describe it, a 35-yarder. A good play.'
Waddle emphasized chemistry with Nix still building.
Waddle spoke about improving after the catch: 'running to space and making good, efficient moves.'
Framing: Headline focuses on Payton addressing Nix as preseason starter after loss; leaves out that Nix played well but team lost. — Neutral but with a critical undertone via Payton's quotes, e.g., 'that wasn't good enough.'
Facts Included:
Bo Nix returned from ankle injury in preseason matchup vs Packers.
Nix completed 6 of 9 passes for 76 yards and a touchdown, 129.9 passer rating.
Packers won 33-13.
Payton said he wasn't ready to announce next week's plan, wants to play them into third quarter next week.
Nix suffered fractured right ankle in AFC Divisional Round overtime win over Buffalo Bills.
Nix threw for 3,931 yards and 25 touchdowns with 11 interceptions last season.
Payton called out the team: 'Obviously, that wasn't good enough.' And 'pick penalties; we lose there. Kickoff, kickoff return. We lose that battle. Rushing numbers, we lose that.'
Broncos' next preseason game vs Vikings, regular season opener at Chiefs on Monday Night Football Sept. 14.
Framing: Headline focuses on Nix's honesty about injury return; leaves out that the team lost. — Optimistic and sympathetic, with quotes like 'felt like exactly where I left off.'
Facts Included:
Bo Nix returned in preseason game vs Packers, played briefly.
Nix completed 6 of 9 passes for 76 yards.
Nix connected with RJ Harvey for a 21-yard touchdown pass.
Packers outscored Broncos 26-3 after tie, final 33-13.
Nix said, 'It was very smooth, very easy to get back out there and go.'
Nix suffered fractured ankle in overtime win against Buffalo Bills in AFC Divisional Round.
Nix also hit Jaylen Waddle on a deep 35-yard pass.
Broncos open regular season at Kansas City on Monday Night Football Sept. 14.
Framing: Headline labels Waddle as 'missing piece'; leaves out that the team lost the preseason game. — Positive and enthusiastic, e.g., 'game-breaking speed' and 'put the Broncos over the top.'
Facts Included:
Broncos went 14-3, top seed in AFC in 2025 season.
Broncos averaged 223.9 passing yards per game (11th) and 23.6 points per game (14th).
Waddle made preseason debut vs Packers, connected with Nix for 35-yard gain on third play.
Waddle was chased down by three Packers defenders before breaking away.
ESPN's Jeremy Fowler said Broncos view Waddle as 'missing piece' on SportsCenter.
Fowler said people in Denver are excited about Waddle's fit with Payton, new OC Davis Webb, and Nix.
Fowler mentioned Nix added arm strength and is zipping the ball.
Trade details: Dolphins traded Waddle and a fourth-round pick (No. 111) to Denver for a 2026 first-round pick (No. 30), a third-round pick (No. 94), and a fourth-round pick (No. 130).
Waddle had three straight 1,000-yard seasons in Miami, including 2022 with 75 catches for 1,356 yards and 8 TDs, averaging 18.1 yards per catch.
Waddle did that while Tyreek Hill had over 1,700 receiving yards.
Framing: Headline emphasizes Broncos as potential elite team; leaves out that this is a betting preview and the article is from a betting perspective. — Optimistic and promotional, with betting-oriented language, e.g., 'surging to a 14-win season.'
Facts Included:
Week 2 of NFL preseason is complete, regular season kicks off soon.
Last season, Super Bowl champion Seahawks opened win total at 8.5 before 14-win season; Patriots opened at 8.5 and won AFC.
Broncos win total opened at 9.5 last year, cruised to 14 wins.
Broncos defense led league with 68 sacks; Nik Bonitto emerged as star; Pat Surtain II ranked third entering season per PFF.
Broncos added Jaylen Waddle via Miami; backfield depth includes J.K. Dobbins and RJ Harvey.
Chiefs' Patrick Mahomes returning from ACL injury; Raiders rebuilding; Chargers revitalized by Jim Harbaugh.
Bills finished 12-5 last season, parted ways with Greg McDermott, promoted Joe Brady to head coach.
Bills added DJ Moore and Bradley Chubb; Josh Allen and James Cook are key players.
Bears' Caleb Williams delivered seven fourth-quarter comeback wins, including Wild Card win over Packers.
Ben Johnson led Bears to first NFC North title since 2006.
Bears have toughest schedule in football; teams with toughest paths since 2021 saw win totals decrease by average of 4 games.
Betting odds: Broncos Over 9.5 wins (-130 bet365), Over 10.5 (+160 DraftKings); Bills Over 10.5 (-130 BetMGM); Bears Under 9.5 (-125 DraftKings).
Framing: Headline focuses on winners and losers; leaves out that the team lost overall. — Analytical and somewhat critical, e.g., 'looks like Tarzan, plays like Jane.'
Facts Included:
Broncos lost 33-13 to Packers in preseason Game 2.
Nix played 15 snaps over two possessions, went 6-of-9 for 76 yards and a touchdown, put 10 points on board.
Nix coming off ankle surgery, mobility not restricted.
Stidham threw an interception, finished with 82 yards on 15 attempts.
Waddle caught one pass for 35-yard gain, set up scoring drive.
Barron allowed a touchdown in coverage, had three tackles (two solo), including a tackle for loss.
Robinson finished with Broncos' only sack, two QB hits, two tackles (both solo).
Ortega had a fumbled snap and allowed a sack.
Onyedim finished with four tackles (one solo).
Butler failed to haul in a contested catch that would have been a touchdown.
Reid had three tackles (one solo) and impressed.
Badie carried four times for two yards, caught one pass for three yards.
McLaughlin had a couple of decent gains called back by penalties.
Framing: Headline focuses on player grades from 33-13 loss; leaves out context of preseason. — Analytical and critical, e.g., 'Stidham is clearly the better option... it's like choosing between moldy pepperoni pizza and moldy pizza with sardines.'
Framing: Headline focuses on 'Good, Bad, And the Ugly' aspects of the loss; leaves out that it's a preseason game. — Passionate and critical, especially on special teams, e.g., 'abysmal' and 'extremely aggravating.'
Facts Included:
Broncos lost 33-13 to Packers.
Nix returned from ankle surgeries, showed mobility.
Nix threw 35-yard pass to Waddle, who made his debut.
Nix threw 21-yard touchdown pass on wheel route to RJ Harvey.
Nix hit Lil’Jordan Humphrey for 14 yards to set up field goal.
Nix eluded pressure and delivered on the run.
Defense struggled against Jordan Love, bit on play-action.
Love hit MarShawn Lloyd for touchdown with Dondrea Tillman in coverage after miscommunication.
Backup defenders allowed Pierre Strong Jr. to gain yards and Barron gave up a two-yard touchdown.
Special teams gave up huge gains: Strong had 68-yard kickoff return, Skyy Moore had 16-yard punt return.
Wil Lutz made field goals from 53 and 38 yards but botched a kickoff out of bounds.
Commentary: 'Ben Kotwica was axed so Sean Payton could hire his buddy Darren Rizzi, and ever since, this unit hasn't been the same.'
Each row is one claim, attributed to the outlet whose wording states it most clearly. Confidence rates how directly the source text states the claim — explicit and unhedged rates high; hedged, pieced-together, or internally inconsistent statements rate lower. It does not measure whether the claim is true. Status counts the distinct outlets we found asserting it — so a single-source claim can still show high confidence, and a multi-source claim can show medium. Every one of those outlets is named beside the status, so you can check the count against the list. For claims extracted before we began storing that list, the row says so: it names the outlet the claim is quoted from and states that we have not recorded which outlets backed it. Outlets wrote at different times, so a figure that evolves — a casualty count, for example — can legitimately differ between rows; check the "as of" time next to each claim's source.
Claim
Confidence
Status
ClaimWeek 2 of the NFL preseason is complete, with the regular season kickoff a few weeks away.
ClaimUnofficial player grades from the Packers game included Bo Nix 75.6, Jarrett Stidham 38.7, Sam Ehlinger 5.3, Karene Reid 78.9, Lil’Jordan Humphrey 70.4, Que Robinson 73.9, Parker Robertson 73.2, Tyler Onyedim 70.5, Dan Key 69.8, Cameron Ross 68.9, Cody Schrader 67.2, Dasan McCullough 20.1, Frank Crum 21.3, Kristian Williams 25.3, Jordan Miller 28.2, Lucas Krull 31.6, and Joseph Manjack 43.2.
ClaimThe Dolphins traded Jaylen Waddle and a fourth-round pick (No. 111) to Denver for a 2026 first-round pick (No. 30), a third-round pick (No. 94), and a fourth-round pick (No. 130).
ClaimJaylen Waddle had three straight 1,000-yard seasons in Miami, including 2022 with 75 catches for 1,356 yards and 8 touchdowns, averaging 18.1 yards per catch.