The Green Bay Packers faced the Denver Broncos in the second week of the preseason on Sunday evening. It was a tough performance for the Packers, especially the offense, which gave fans nothing to get excited about in a 27-2 loss.
Green Bay did not field any of its starters despite having plenty of work to do during Friday’s joint practice in Denver. The reserves struggled with the Broncos’ starters early in the game and continued to struggle into the second half.
It was difficult to pick the best players from this match, but here they are from the team’s second preseason match:
Brenton Cox Jr.
Cox was coming off a productive outing against the Cleveland Browns, in which he had three quarterback pressures on 14 pass-rushing plays. The undrafted 2023 free agent was busy again Sunday, disrupting the quarterback’s play and ultimately earning a sack in the third quarter. Cox picked up right quarterback Frank Crum with a nice move to beat Jarrett Stidham.
I reached him.#GBvsDEN photo: twitter.com/i687qFgaF9
— Green Bay Packers (@packers) August 19, 2024
LB Kristian Welch
Welch has now had a hand in two interceptions in back-to-back weeks. Last week, he recovered a fumble and scored on a 35-yard field goal for Green Bay kicker Greg Joseph for a 17-3 lead. This week, he had an interception off of defensive lineman James Ester. Arron Mosby also played a role in the interception, putting pressure on Stidham to force a rushing throw. In addition to the interception, Welch finished the game with five combined tackles, including a tackle for loss.
OUR BALL.#GBvsDEN photo:twitter.com/wEl68NWJy6
— Green Bay Packers (@packers) August 19, 2024
DL Zach Morton
Thanks to the second-year player from Akron, the Packers weren’t shut out. Green Bay pulled a trick play when Denver was backed up in their own territory, allowing Morton to get a clear shot on Zach Wilson. He was able to bring Wilson down in his own end zone for a safety. After being released by the Detroit Lions, Morton played for the San Antonio Brahmas of the UFL in 2024. A 53-man roster prospect, he was listed as one rusher and one QB rusher in the first preseason game.
BAG FOR SAFETY!#GBvsDEN photo:twitter.com/mMezKiwyUI
— Green Bay Packers (@packers) August 19, 2024
LB Ty’Ron Hopper
Hopper has seen plenty of action since missing last week’s game with an ankle injury. The third-round rookie was one of Denver’s most busy players on the field, leading the team with 11 total tackles. He had one massive stop on a massive hit in the second half. The Missouri product will struggle to get on the field on defense this season, but he could be a key special-action player.
