Broncos' Biggest Winners and Losers in 33-13 Loss to Packers

Two-thirds of the Denver Broncos' preseason is in the books.

In Game 2, Bo Nix's return to the field headlined the night, but the Broncos turned in an overall lackluster performance, falling to the Green Bay Packers 33-13.

We've shared 10 bite-sized takeaways and the good, bad, and ugly, but now it's time to highlight the Broncos' biggest winners and losers from preseason Game 2.

Winner: Bo Nix | QB

Nix played 15 snaps over two possessions, and both of his drives quarterbacking the Broncos' first-team offense ended in points. He went 6-of-9 for 76 yards and a touchdown, putting 10 of Denver's 13 total points on the board.

Nix may have felt a bit rusty, but he certainly didn't look it. Coming off of ankle surgery this offseason, his mobility didn't appear to be restricted in any way. The Broncos have the face of the franchise back.

Loser: Jarrett Stidham | QB

Stidham was unable to follow up his impressive performance in Game 1 with another strong showing. He was given most of the game, but could only produce three additional points.

The interception Stidham threw was concerning, as he stared down a receiver. Although he led all quarterbacks with 15 attempts, he finished with just 82 yards passing — not that it matters; it would seem that Denver has already made up its mind on the QB2 issue. It's 'Stiddy' again.

Winner: Jaylen Waddle | WR

Waddle only played a handful of snaps, but his 35-yard catch-and-run down the right seam was one of the biggest plays of the night. Nix found Waddle on third-and-long, and after hauling in the catch, the sixth-year receiver turned on the jets, crossing midfield and setting the Broncos' offense up to score shortly thereafter.

The speed element is real, and how Waddle changes the math for opposing defenses will redound to Denver's great benefit this season. He's going to eat, make no mistake, but so will Courtland Sutton and others.

Loser: Jahdae Barron | CB

After an impressive preseason debut last week, Barron took a step back against the Packers. He was on the field a lot, which shows that Denver values him, but he allowed a touchdown in coverage, and his typical reliability as a tackler was absent, although he did finish with three tackles (two solo), including one for a loss.

Barron's place on the team is secure. But those looking for strong signs that he's turned a corner in Year 2 are left feeling a little uneasy about the Broncos' 2025 first-round pick.

Winner: Que Robinson | OLB

Que Robinson and Jonathon Cooper. — DENVER, CO - AUGUST 21: Denver Broncos linebacker Que Robinson (51) celebrates with linebacker Jonathon Cooper (0) after his sack in the second half during a preseason game between the Green Bay Packers and the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High on August 21, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. | Dustin Bradford / IMAGO / Icon Sportswire

Robinson looked unstoppable against the Packers. His pass-rush pressure was consistent, and while he was flagged for roughing the passer, his hit on Tyrod Taylor was clean.

Robinson finished with the Broncos' only sack of the night, two quarterback hits, and two tackles, both of which were solo. Denver has to be feeling particularly excited about its 2025 fourth-round pick.

Loser: Gavin Ortega | C

I hate to say it but Ortega was bad against the Packers. He had a fumbled snap and allowed a sack, which led to a big hit on the quarterback.

Now, in fairness, the undrafted rookie has exceeded expectations this summer, in that, he was expected to play some guard with the third-team offense, but the Broncos' rash of injuries at the center position forced him into action. In that respect, Ortega deserves credit for stepping up, but his performance against Green Bay was one that he'll hope to make up for in the preseason finale next week.

Winner: Tyler Onyedim | DL

The rookie third-rounder had one heck of a game playing on a defensive line that got bullied most of the night by the Packers. Onyedim finished with four tackles (one solo), and was hustling around the field, chasing ball-carriers to the edge and to the second level.

Onyedim seems to have the upper hand on Sai'vion Jones in the Broncos' defensive line pecking order, and if that was uncertain going into preseason Game 2, the coaching staff should have no further questions on the matter.

Loser: Hakeem Butler | WR

Once again, with the eyes of the NFL on him, Butler had his chances to show what he could do, but he came up small. I'm starting to worry that the 6-foot-5 behemoth of a wideout is a 'looks like Tarzan, plays like Jane' type of player.

Against the Packers, Stidham gave Butler an opportunity to do what he does best, and use his big body and catch radius to win a contested-catch situation, but he failed to haul it in. It would have been a touchdown. Stidham looked Butler's way on the very next play, targeting his back shoulder, but the pass was inaccurate.

Winner: Karene Reid | LB

Reid seems to have one of the two open inside linebacker roster spots on lockdown. He looked great in Atlanta last week, and followed that up with another impressive showing against the Packers.

Reid's instincts and football IQ were on full display, as he flew around the field making plays. He finished with three tackles (one solo), and made it clear that he's currently the Broncos' best linebacker after Alex Singleton and Justin Strnad.

Loser: Tyler Badie | RB

I'm not sure what the Broncos' fascination with Badie has been, but he was quite forgettable in his touches against the Packers. He carried the ball four times but gained just two yards, and caught one pass for three yards.

So, with five touches, Badie netted the Broncos five yards from scrimmage. Meanwhile, Jaleel McLaughlin showcased his burst and had a couple of decent gains called back by penalties, and Cody Schrader again ran hard, displaying his physicality and vision.

If the Broncos keep four running backs and a fullback, it still feels like it's McLaughlin's job to lose, but Badie's play on the field this summer should have him far removed from consideration. Schrader has been much better and maybe even the best running back overall after Jonah Coleman.

Sign up for our free Denver Broncos On SI newsletter, and get breaking Broncos news delivered to your inbox daily!

Add us as a preferred source on Google