4 standouts from Packers' preseason defeat to Broncos

The Green Bay Packers faced off against the Denver Broncos in Week 2 of the preseason on Sunday night. It was a rough outing for the Packers, especially the offense, who gave fans little to get excited about in a 27-2 loss.

Green Bay did not play any of their starters after they got plenty of work during Friday’s joint practice in Denver. The backups struggled against the Broncos starters to start the game and then continued to struggle deep into the second half.

It wasn’t easy to identify standouts from this performance, but here they are from the team’s second preseason game:

DE Brenton Cox Jr.

Cox was coming off a productive outing against the Cleveland Browns in which he generated three quarterback pressures on 14 pass-rushing snaps. The 2023 undrafted free agent was active again on Sunday, disrupting the quarterback and eventually getting rewarded with a sack in the third quarter. Cox beat backup right tackle Frank Crum with a nice move to take down Jarrett Stidham.

LB Kristian Welch

Welch has now had a hand in two takeaways in back-to-back weeks. Last week, he recovered a fumble set up a 35-yard field goal for Green Bay kicker Greg Joseph to go up 17-3. This week, came down with an interception thanks to a deflection from defensive lineman James Ester. Arron Mosby also played a role in the turnover by putting pressure on Stidham to force a hurried throw. In addition to the pick, Welch finished with five combined tackles, including a tackle for loss.

DL Zach Morton

Thanks to the second-year man out of Akron, the Packers didn’t get shut out. Green Bay ran a stunt with Denver backed up in their own territory, which allowed Morton to get a clean shot on Zach Wilson. He was able to bring Wilson down in his own endzone for a safety. After being released by the Detroit Lions, Morton played for the San Antonio Brahmas of the UFL in 2024. A longshot to make the 53-man roster, he was credited with one tackle and one QB hurry in the first preseason game.

LB Ty’Ron Hopper

Hopper played a ton of snaps after missing last week’s game with an ankle injury. The rookie third-rounder was one of the most active players on the field in Denver, leading the team with 11 combined tackles. He had one big run stop on a big hit in the second half. The Missouri product will be hard-pressed to see the field on defense this season, but he could be a core special teamer.