The Green Bay Packers rolled to a 33-13 preseason victory over the Denver Broncos on August 22, powered by a balanced attack and a 59-yard field goal from Trey Smack.
The Green Bay Packers improved to 1-1 in preseason play with a convincing 33-13 road win over the Denver Broncos on August 22. The Packers’ balanced offense and a standout night from kicker Trey Smack proved too much for a Broncos team that saw starting quarterback Bo Nix make his preseason debut after offseason ankle surgery.
Packers’ Offense Finds Rhythm
Quarterback Kyle McCord led the Packers’ passing attack, completing 12 of 19 attempts for 118 yards. Running back Pierre Strong Jr. paced the ground game with 37 yards on 8 carries, while wide receiver Will Sheppard emerged as the top target, hauling in 6 receptions for 47 yards and a touchdown. The Packers also got a scoring toss from Jordan Love, who connected with running back MarShawn Lloyd on an 11-yard touchdown pass in the first half. Tyrod Taylor added a 2-yard touchdown pass to Sheppard later in the game.
Kicker Trey Smack was perfect on the night, connecting on field goals of 51, 59, and 43 yards, plus an extra point. His 59-yarder was a highlight and a strong statement in his bid to make the 53-man roster. The Packers’ defense also contributed, with linebacker Kristian Welch recording 7 total tackles and defensive end Nyjalik Kelly adding a sack.
Broncos’ Bo Nix Returns, Shows Promise
For the Broncos, the main storyline was the return of quarterback Bo Nix, who made his first preseason appearance after two offseason surgeries on a fractured right ankle. Nix played 14 snaps and finished 6-of-9 for 76 yards and a touchdown, a 21-yard scoring toss to R.J. Harvey. His performance was a positive sign for a Broncos team that is hoping to build on last season’s AFC Championship run.
Backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham went 9-of-15 for 82 yards with 1 interception, while running back Cody Schrader led the ground game with 15 yards on 4 carries. Wide receiver Jaylen Waddle had 1 reception for 35 yards. Defensively, Que Robinson recorded a sack and Red Murdock tallied 7 total tackles. Kicker Wil Lutz connected on field goals of 53 and 38 yards.
Turning Point: Smack’s 59-Yard Field Goal
The game’s turning point came in the second half when Trey Smack drilled a 59-yard field goal, extending the Packers’ lead and deflating the Broncos’ momentum. The kick was part of a 16-point burst that put the game out of reach. Prior to that, the Broncos had kept pace, but the Packers’ ability to convert scoring opportunities—including a 51-yard field goal and a touchdown from Tyrod Taylor to Will Sheppard—proved decisive.
What It Means for Both Teams
The Packers improved to 1-1 in the preseason and will host the Arizona Cardinals on August 29 in their finale. With roster cuts looming, the coaching staff will be evaluating key battles, including the backup quarterback pecking order and whether Trey Smack’s strong leg earns him a roster spot. The Packers also have several key players listed as questionable, including running back Josh Jacobs and tight end Tucker Kraft.
The Broncos also sit at 1-1 and will host the Minnesota Vikings on August 29. The primary focus will be on Bo Nix’s health and whether he gets more preseason work before Week 1. The Broncos have a long injury report, with Riley Moss, Marvin Mims Jr., Luke Wattenberg, Warren Brinson, and J. Michael Sturdivant all questionable. Defensive tackle remains a position to watch as the team finalizes its 53-man roster.
Key Stats
- Packers QB Kyle McCord: 12/19, 118 yards
- Broncos QB Bo Nix: 6/9, 76 yards, 1 TD
- Packers WR Will Sheppard: 6 receptions, 47 yards, 1 TD
- Packers K Trey Smack: 3/3 FGs (51, 59, 43)
- Broncos K Wil Lutz: 2/2 FGs (53, 38)
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