Broncos 27, Packers 2; Quarterbacks Sean Clifford, Michael Pratt struggle in preseason game: Recap, box score, highlights (2024)

The Green Bay Packers delivered an uninspired performance with mostly their backups in a 27-2 preseason loss to the Denver Broncos on Sunday night at Empower Field at Mile High in steamy Denver, Colorado.

The Packers had been in Denver since Thursday, where they first participated in a joint practice on Friday with the Broncos. That served as the main action for the Packers' starters since most of them did not play in the preseason game.

In total, 31 players did not suit up for the Packers Sunday. That allowed the Packers backups to show what they could do against Denver's starters. It wasn't pretty.

Quarterback Jordan Love watched the game from the sidelines as Sean Clifford and Michael Pratt struggled from start to finish with neither separating themselves in the battle for the backup quarterback job. Both had turnovers that led to Broncos scores.

The Packers return to the field for their final preseason game on Saturday against the Baltimore Ravens at Lambeau Field.

Reporter Tom Silverstein took your questions during the Packers-Broncos game in his chat. You can review it here. And here's a recap at how the game unfolded in reverse chronological order. Review it below:

Packers vs Broncos box score

Green Bay Packers vs Denver Broncos stats

Packers total plays: 54

Broncos total plays: 56

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Packers total yards: 168

Broncos total yards: 263

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Packers yards per play: 3.1

Broncos yards per play: 4.7

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Packers passing: 80 yards

Broncos passing: 154 yards

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Packers rushing: 88 yards

Broncos rushing: 109 yards

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Packers red zone (made-att): 0 for 0

Broncos red zone (made-att): 3 for 4

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Packers penalties: 4 for 40 yards

Broncos penalties: 13 for 120 yards

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Packers turnovers: 2

Broncos turnovers: 1

Emanuel Wilson stats

Wilson was the featured running back tonight for the Packers. Veterans Josh Jacobs and AJ Dillon didn't play and rookie MarShawn Lloyd as well as undrafted free agent Jarveon Howard were both out with injuries.

Wilson, looking to win the No. 2 job behind Jacobs, had 41 yards on 13 carries on Sunday. His longest run was for 15 yards. Wilson has now rushed for a combined 108 yards in the team's first two preseason games.

Packers lose to Broncos 27-2

The Packers' four-day stay in Denver is over with a 27-2 loss to the Broncos in their second preseason game.

A muffed punt by Dimitri Stanley to end the game was fitting for this one.

Unlike last week when there were many notable performances, this one didn't have many.

The Packers' final tuneup for the regular season is Saturday against the Baltimore Ravens at Lambeau Field.

Packers punter Daniel Whelan with a big punt

Daniel Whelan got plenty of work tonight.

He just drilled a 60-yard punt after the Packers went three and out. That was Whelan's fourth punt of the game.

Broncos returner Michael Bandy took the ball at the 10-yard line, gaining 6 yards but a holding penalty pushed the ball back.

The Packers backup quarterbacks had issues with turnovers while the Broncos had their fair share of problems with penalties. The Broncos had 13 penalties totaling 120 yards.

Zach Wilson's touchdown pass to Tyler Badie puts Broncos up 27-2

Zach Wilson and the Broncos take advantage of the short field for a touchdown.

The big play was a 22-yard pass from Wilson to Michael Bandy for 22 yards to get down to the Packers 9-yard line.

Then on 3rd and goal from the Packers 7-yard line, Wilson's gets off a short screen pass to Tyler Badie, who then does the rest as he gets into the end zone.

Drive: 5 plays, 34 yards, 1:57 (touchdown)

Score: Broncos 27, Packers 2

Packers turn the ball over on downs

The Packers fail to convert on 4th and 1 when running back Nate McCrary is stuffed for no gain on a tackle by former Wisconsin Badger defensive end and Menomonee Falls High School graduate Matt Henningsen.

The Broncos take over at the Packers 34-yard line.

That's 0 for 3 for Green Bay on fourth downs.

Drive: 4 plays, 9 yards, 2:10

Zach Wilson and Broncos offense struggling to move the ball

Zach Wilson hasn't done anything for the Broncos offense.

Denver goes three and out.

The Broncos have a total of -8 yards of offense on their last four possessions. Wilson has been in for three of these possessions.

Wilson is 0 for 3 passing.

Drive: 3 plays, 4 yards, 1:30

Greg Joseph misses 47-yard field goal

The Packers had a solid drive going but it stalled at the Denver 29-yard line. The Packers faced 4th and 5 and probably would have gone for it had the kickers gotten some action earlier. Anders Carlson and Greg Joseph are in a kicking battle, after all, for the job.

Matt LaFleur brought in veteran Greg Joseph, who is competing with the incumbent kicker Anders Carlson. Joseph missed the 47-yard field goal wide right.

There is some wind but when you're battling for the job that's a kick you need to make.

Drive: 8 plays, 42 yards, 4:29 (missed kick)

Packers on board with safety by Zach Morton

The Packers finally find the end zone!

They get a safety, one of the few positives in a game where they've been few and far between.

After another Packers punt, the Jets were backed up deep in their own territory.

On 2nd and 14 from their own 7-yard line, Packers defensive end Zach Morton came rushing up the middle to sack quarterback Zach Wilson in the end zone for a safety.

That's the kind of play that shows the coaches you're a gamer.

Score: Broncos 20, Packers 2 (with 54 seconds left in the third quarter)

Will Lutz makes 39-yard field goal to put Broncos up 20-0

The Broncos again get points after a Packers turnover.

Former New York Jets quarterback Zach Wilson is now in the game. Wilson signed with the Broncos in the offseason after three years in New York. He was supposed to be Aaron Rodgers' backup last year, but he was thrust into the starting job after the former Packers QB was hurt in Week 1. Wilson and the Jets floundered.

Wilson threw two incompletions and Denver brings on Will Lutz for another field goal. He's good from 39 yards.

That's now 10 points off Packers turnovers.

Drive: 4 plays, 2 yards, 53 seconds (ends with 39-yard field goal)

Score: Broncos 20, Packers 0

Michael Pratt loses ball, Broncos recover fumble

The Broncos go three and out, but then get the ball back 38 seconds later after Packers quarterback Michael Pratt fumbled the ball on a strip sack as he was looking to move up in the pocket.

Pratt was trying to make something happen but needs to protect the ball better.

The Broncos recovered at the Packers 23-yard line.

Another Packers turnover sets the Broncos up with great field position.

Drive: 3 plays, 3 yards, 38 seconds (ends with fumble)

Packers linebacker Ralen Goforth suffers concussion in preseason game

Packers linebacker Ralen Goforth suffered a concussion in the game, the team announced in the third quarter.

Michael Pratt, Packers offense fail to take advantage of defense's takeaway

The Packers offense just can't get anything going tonight.

After a 1-yard loss, Michael Pratt had a nice scramble for 7 yards. Then Emanuel Wilson rushed for 3 yards just short of the first down.

Facing 4th and 1 and a great opportunity for Pratt and the offense at the Denver 37 the rookie couldn't connect with receiver Grant DuBose.

The Packers failed to capitalize on the short field following the takeaway.

The Broncos take over still up 17-0 with 8:27 left in the third quarter.

Drive: 4 plays, 9 yards, 2:08

Packers linebacker Kristian Welch intercepts Jarrett Stidham's pass early in second half

The Packers finally get a play worth celebrating in this one.

The Broncos opened the half with the ball and were on the move again thanks to a 20-yard pass play. But a chop bock penalty on Denver — their eighth of the game — pushed the Broncos back to their own 46-yard line.

Then on 1st and 25 Jarrett Stidham's pass was tipped at the line and Kristian Welch went up and picked it off. Those often can be tricky to grab but Welch held onto it.

It's one of the few positive plays the Packers have had on the night on either side of the ball.

Can Michael Pratt get the Packers on the board?

Drive: 7 plays, 16 yards, 4:25

Packers vs Broncos first half stats

Packers total plays: 26

Broncos total plays: 28

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Packers total yards: 69 yards

Broncos total yards: 173 yards

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Packers yards per play: 2.7

Broncos yards per play: 6.2

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Packers passing yards: 32

Broncos passing yards: 113

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Packers rushing yards: 37 yards on 14 carries

Broncos rushing yards: 60 yards on 13 carries

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Packers penalties: 2 for 25 yards

Broncos penalties: 7 for 75 yards

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Packers turnovers: 1

Broncos turnovers: 0

Michael Pratt takes over at quarterback, relieving Sean Clifford

Packers rookie quarterback Michael Pratt has entered the game.

He's taking over for Sean Clifford, who struggled in his four possessions. Only once did he get the Packers in Broncos territory. And that drive ended with him throwing an interception. Sean Clifford finished 6 of 10 for 43 yards for a 30.4 passer rating with one interception.

The Packers get two plays on the drive before time expires on the first half.

While most of the starters on both sides of the ball are watching from the sidelines for the Packers, the backups didn't put up much of a fight in the first half against the Broncos. An ugly showing so far from players on the back end of the roster looking to make an impression.

First half: Broncos 17, Packers 0

Jarrett Stidham runs for touchdown to give Broncos 17-0 lead over Packers

The Broncos take advantage of the great field position following the interception return.

Three plays later, the Broncos find the end zone.

On 3rd and 5 at the Green Bay 9-yard line quarterback Jarrett Stidham scrambled for the score. The Packers now trail 17-0.

Drive: 3 plays, 14 yards, 1:13

Score: Broncos 17, Packers 0 (with 30 seconds left in the second quarter)

Broncos pick off Packers quarterback Sean Clifford

The Packers had what looked to be a strong drive going to end the first half, but it ended in disappointment after Sean Clifford was picked off.

Green Bay started the drive deep into their own territory at their own 5-yard line.

Sean Clifford finally had some positive momentum as we hit the 2-minute drill. He had two completions of 8 yards each to Malik Health. Clifford also scrambled for an 11-yard gain on a 3rd and 10.

The Packers were then in Broncos territory for the first time after a roughing the passer penalty.

But then on 1st and 10 from the Broncos 46-yard line Clifford telegraphed his pass and Keidron Smith undercut the route for the pick and then ran 56 yards to the Packers 14-yard line with 1:43 left in the half.

Clifford has had a rough game.

Drive: 9 plays, 49 yards, 4:36 (ends with interception)

Packers and Broncos both have costly penalties

The Broncos have their first punt of the game.

Denver had a 3rd and 17 from its own 13-yard line but a roughing the passer penalty by Packers linebacker Ralen Goforth gave the Broncos a first down.

That's certainly not what you want to see if you're defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley. It hasn't been a very clean for the Packers.

Three plays later, the Broncos faced a 4th and 1 but a false start pushed it back 5 yards and were then forced to punt.

The Broncos now have six penalties, and the Packers have two. The Packers get their first stop of the contest, but it continues to be a sloppy preseason game.

Drive: 6 plays, 30 yards, 3:10

Broncos quarterback Bo Nix stats: Rookie had strong showing in preseason game vs Packers

Bo Nix's day is done for the Denver Broncos.

And he impressed.

The rookie quarterback and 2023 Heisman Trophy finalist had a stellar performance in his first game in front of the home fans. He led two scoring drives in each of his two possessions and finished 8 of 9 for 80 yards with a touchdown for a 140.4 rating. He didn't let penalties bother him and looked confident out there.

Veteran QB Jarrett Stidham is taking over for Nix.

Sean Clifford sacked; Packers can't take advantage of roughing the kicker penalty

The Packers' third offensive possession was their worst.

Two runs by Emanuel Wilson only netted 2 yards and then on third down Sean Clifford was sacked for a loss of 11 yards. But they received a gift and another opportunity when a roughing the kicker penalty gave them a fresh set of downs.

But offense punted three plays later. Clifford had the first chance to seize control of the backup QB job, but he hasn't done that yet.

Drive: 6 plays, 12 yards, 3:45

Broncos lead Packers 10-0 after Bo Nix's touchdown pass to Tim Patrick

Two possessions for the Broncos, two scores.

An 11-play, 80-yard drive ends with Bo Nix hooking up with Tim Patrick for a 2-yard touchdown.

It was a well-drawn play where Nix rolled out and found Patrick between a group of Packers defenders.

Patrick was a favorite target of Nix on the drive. On a 3rd and 9 earlier in the drive the two connected for a first down on a 14-yard completion.

Lukas Van Ness had a nice pressure on the drive, continuing his nice preseason. But the Packers defense seems a step slow tonight.

Drive: 11 plays, 80 yards 5:57

Score: Broncos 10, Packers 0

Broncos on the move as second quarter begins

Broncos quarterback Bo Nix is having a lot of time and he's making decisive throws on the team's second possession.

He's in the midst of a seven-play drive and had the Broncos down to the Packers 27-yard line.

But a 10-yard holding penalty pushed the ball back as time expired on the first quarter.

The Broncos' starters continue to be out on the field and are playing mostly against the Packers' second unit.

Packers' offensive holding penalty limits second drive

The Packers don't get much going on their second drive.

Sean Clifford connected with tight end Ben Sims for 10 yards but then the drive stalls thanks in large part to a 10-yard holding penalty by tight end Tyler Davis.

That put the Packers in long yardage situations. Running back Emanuel Wilson had a nice catch on a screen pass to gain 11 yards.

Daniel Whelan, who has been booming kicks all training camp, had a 53-yard kick into the end zone.

Drive: 5 plays, 17 yards, 4:12

Broncos take 3-0 lead over Packers after Will Lutz field goal

The Broncos have the early lead after Will Lutz made a 37-yard field goal to cap off a nine-play drive.

The Broncos had to settle for the field goal after a touchdown was taken away a play earlier when a booth replay determined that quarterback Bo Nix crossed the line of scrimmage at the 13-yard line on his TD pass to Javonte Williams.

A rookie mistake for Bo Nix, the team's first-round draft pick who has the inside track at the starting job. Before that, though, Nix looked poised in the pocket and finished the drive 4 of 4 for 26 yards.

The Broncos had great field position after the Packers turned the ball over on downs at Denver's 48-yard line.

Drive: 9 plays, 34 yards, 4:37

Score: Broncos 3, Packers 0 (8:23 left in the first quarter

Sean Clifford opens game for Packers at quarterback

The Sean Clifford-led offense was going deep to start the game.

On both third and fourth downs, Clifford aired it out along the left sideline only to come up incomplete on both. He looked for Malik Heath on 3rd and 3 at the Denver 48 and then for Bo Melton on 4th down.

Clifford fumbled the snap on first down earlier in the drive but recovered it and gained 4 yards. A Broncos face mask gave the Packers a first down and 15 yards.

Clifford was trying to do his best Jordan Love impression with a big strike on the team's first drive. This one didn't end like last week when Love found Dontayvion Wicks for a 65-yard touchdown on the third play.

Drive: 4 plays, 22 yards, 2:00

Who isn't playing tonight for the Packers?

It will be mostly a game of backups for the Packers.

Thirty-one players, most of whom are expected starters, are not suiting up tonight.

What's the weather in Denver for Packers-Broncos?

It's HOT!

The Packers are not only battling the high altitude but also scorching temperatures.

Temperature at kickoff was close to 90 degrees. There was a chance of rain.

Is Jordan Love playing today?

No.

The Packers quarterback will sit this one out as will many of the team's starters. Love was 2 for 2 with a perfect passer rating (158.3) in last week's 23-10 preseason-opening win over the Cleveland Browns. His 65-yard touchdown pass to Dontayvion Wicks on the third play of the game might be his final throw of the preseason.

Love threw passes during the warmups.

Packers pre-game

What time is the Packers game on today?

Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.

What channel is the Packers game? How to watch Packers vs Broncos, stream live

• TV info:WTMJ-TV (Channel 4) in Milwaukee; WGBA-TV (Channel 26) in Green Bay; Packers preseason games are televised over a 22-station network across Wisconsin and the Midwest; NFL Network

• Stream:Packers.comwill stream the team's official radio broadcast to desktop users. The Packers mobile appwill stream the radio broadcast within the Packers' home market; Fubo

Packers vs. Broncos location

Empower Field at Mile High, Denver, Colorado

Packers vs Broncos odds, betting line, spread

Odds courtesy ofBetMGMas of Sunday afternoon.

• Spread:Packers +6.5

• Moneyline:Packers +235, Broncos -290

• Over/under: 38.5

Packers vs Broncos prediction

The Packers are playing in Denver for a second straight season. Unlike last year when the Packers lost a deflating regular season game during their early-season slump, this one doesn't count in the standings. But it's still important as head coach Matt LaFleur evaluates players with cut down day looming in less than two weeks.

And there are many spots up for grabs. The Packers may come up short, but it will be a great opportunity for Sean Clifford at quarterback and Emanuel Wilson to seize the backup jobs in a challenging environment. Who will kick in the team's regular season opener Sept. 6 will remain undecided.

Broncos rookie quarterback Bo Nix will stand out in his first game in front of the home fans.

Broncos 24, Packers 17

Packers vs Eagles Week 1 game in Brazil

We're less than three weeks from the Packers' Week 1 regular-season game against the Philadelphia Eagles in São Paulo, Brazil.

The game, part of a huge kickoff week to the 2024 NFL season, is set for 7:15 p.m. (Central time) on Friday, Sept. 6.

It's the NFL's first-ever game in South America.

Packers news

• Here are 3 things to watch as the Green Bay Packers face the Denver Broncos in a preseason game

• Simone Biles wears a Packers-themed Jonathan Owens jacket to Bears preseason game in Chicago

• Michael Pratt’s improved play setting up a heated No. 2 Packers quarterback competition with Sean Clifford

• Jordan Love using this year’s training camp practice to ‘push the limit’ for Packers offense

Packers roster

Here's a look at the Packers' full 90-man roster.

But we're just nine days away until the Packers need to have their roster at 53 players. Packers columnist Pete Dougherty projected this week who will make the team. Read it here.

Packers depth chart

Green Bay Packers offense

Wide receiver:Christian Watson(9), Malik Heath (18), Grant DuBose (86), Jalen Wayne (2).

Left tackle:Rasheed Walker (63), Andre Dillard (73), Kadeem Telfort (76), Caleb Jones (72).

Left guard:Elgton Jenkins (74), Royce Newman (70), Lecitus Smith (61), Donovan Jennings (67).

Center:Josh Myers (71), Sean Rhyan (75) Elgton Jenkins (74), Jacob Monk (62), Lecitus Smith (61), .

Right guard:Jordan Morgan(77), Sean Rhyan (75), Jacob Monk (62) Royce Newman (70), Luke Tenuta (78)

Right tackle:Zach Tom(50), Kadeem Telfort (76), Andre Dillard (73), Travis Glover (79).

Tight end:Luke Musgrave (88), Tucker Kraft (85), Ben Sims (89), Tyler Davis (84), Joel Wilson (82), Messiah Swinson (43).

Slot receiver:Jayden Reed (11), Bo Melton (80), Samori Toure (83), Dimitri Stanley (19).

Wide receiver:Romeo Doubs (87), Dontayvion Wicks (13), Julian Hicks (81).

Running back:Josh Jacobs (8), AJ Dillon (28), Emanuel Wilson (31), MarShawn Lloyd (32), Ellis Merriweather (38), Jarveon Howard (35), Nate McCrary (30).

Quarterback:Jordan Love (10), Sean Clifford (6), Michael Pratt (17).

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Green Bay Packers defense

Right defensive end:Preston Smith (91), Lukas Van Ness (90), Aaron Mosby (53), Keshawn Banks (51), Deslin Alexandre (49),

Defensive tackle:T.J. Slaton (93), Devonte Wyatt (95) Jonathan Ford (99), James Ester (65), Spencer Waege (65).

Defensive tackle:Kenny Clark (97), Karl Brooks (94), Colby Wooden (96), Zach Morton (60), Kenneth Odumegwu (98).

Left defensive end:Rashan Gary (52), Kingsley Enagbare (55), Brenton Cox Jr. (57), Aaron Mosby (53),

Inside linebacker:Quay Walker (7), Ty'Ron Hopper (59), Christian Young (46).

Inside linebacker:Isaiah McDuffie (58), Edgerrin Cooper (56), Ralen Goforth (44), Kristian Welch (54).

Outside linebacker:Eric Wilson (45), Edgerrin Cooper (56). Christian Young (46).

Left cornerback:Eric Stokes (21), Carrington Valentine (37), Kalen King (34) Gemon Green (41).

Right cornerback: Jaire Alexander (23), Corey Ballantine (26), Robert Rochell (22), LJ Davis (40).

Slot cornerback:Keisean Nixon (25), Javon Bullard (20), Corey Balentine (26), Kalen King (34).

Free safety:Xavier McKinney (29), Anthony Johnson (36), Zayne Anderson (39).

Strong safety:Javon Bullard (20), Evan Williams (33), Benny Sapp (48), Kitan Oladapo (27).

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Green Bay Packers special teams

Kicker:Anders Carlson(17), Greg Joseph (2), Alex Hale (16).

Punter:Daniel Whelan (41).

Long snapper:Matt Orzech (42).

Packers stats in preseason Week 1 vs Browns

Jordan Love was 2 of 2 for 63 yards with a 65-yard touchdown in the Packers' 23-10 win over the Browns. His passer rating was a perfect 158.3. Backup quarterback Sean Clifford came in next and completed 10 of 19 passes for 111 yards with a 70.3 quarterback rating. Rookie Michael Pratt finished 5 of 7 for 46 yards with an 89.0 rating.

Running back Emanuel Wilson led the Packers with 67 yards on the ground and a touchdown. Grant DuBose had a game-high 66 receiving yards on five receptions.

Anders Carlson and Greg Joseph both made all of their kicks. Carlson was 2 for 2 on field goals and made his extra point, while Joseph made his only field goal and extra point.

Packers stats in 2023

• PPG:22.5

• PPG allowed:20.6

• 3rd down%:47.1%

• 4th down%:50.0%

• Offense yards per game:359.7

• Yards allowed per game:352.0

Packers preseason schedule

• Aug. 10:Packers 23, Browns 10 (RECAP)

• Aug. 18:at Denver Broncos, 7 p.m.

• Aug. 24:Baltimore Ravens at Lambeau Field, noon

Green Bay Packers schedule 2024

Home games in bold

• Sept. 6, 7:15 p.m., at Philadelphia Eagles, Sao Paulo, Brazil

• Sept. 15, noon, vs. Indianapolis Colts

• Sept. 22, noon, at Tennessee Titans

• Sept. 29, noon, vs. Minnesota Vikings

• Oct. 6, 3:25 p.m., at. Los Angeles Rams

• Oct. 13, noon, vs. Arizona Cardinals

• Oct. 20, noon, vs. Houston Texans

• Oct. 27, noon, at Jacksonville Jaguars

• Nov. 3, 3:25 p.m., vs. Detroit Lions

• Nov. 10, Bye week

• Nov. 17, noon, at Chicago Bears

• Nov. 24, 3:25 p.m., vs. San Francisco 49ers

• Nov. 28, 7:20 p.m., vs. Miami Dolphins (Thanksgiving)

• Dec. 5, 7:15 p.m., at Detroit Lions, Detroit (Thursday Night Football)

• Dec. 15, 7:20 p.m., at Seattle Seahawks, Seattle (Sunday Night Football)

• Dec. 23, 7:15 p.m., vs. New Orleans Saints (Monday Night Football)

• Dec. 29, noon, at Minnesota Vikings

• Jan. 4-5, vs. Chicago Bears, Lambeau Field, date and time to be determined

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: What was the score of the Packer game? Preseason highlights vs Broncos