Susanna Weir

DENVERThe Broncos fell to the Packers, 33-13, in the team's home preseason opener on Friday night.

Quarterback Bo Nix returned to the field and led the Broncos on two scoring drives to begin the game, but Head Coach Sean Patyon spoke following the preseason loss about the need to improve in several areas as the team continues to prepare for the regular season.

Here are three things to know about Denver's second game of the 2026 preseason.

BRONCOS WILL AIM TO 'GET THE CORRECTIONS MADE'

Payton acknowledged that Friday night's performance "wasn't good enough" and pointed to a number of areas that Denver will look to improve in ahead of next week and the 2026 regular-season slate.

"I think they won a lot of the battles," Payton said of Green Bay following the game."You can take the line of scrimmage, you can take the kick coverage, they've got a big return. Penaltiesthat impacted field position a lotrushing battle, pick a topic."

Payton also spoke about the importance of not dismissing some of the shortcomings of Friday's performance simply due to the nature of preseason competition. As the Broncos continue to prepare for the regular season, Payton reiterated the need to maximize every opportunity to prepare the right way.

"We can't just say, 'Hey, this is preseason [game] two,'" Payton said. "Each phase saw their share of what ended up being the final score. So, tomorrow we've got to be able to come in coaches the same way and look closely at what we're doing and get the corrections made. You can't not pay attention to these games, these scrimmages, these important steps towards the start of the regular season."

WR JAYLEN WADDLE FLASHES EXPLOSIVE PLAYMAKING ABILITY

Broncos fans got their first look at wide receiver Jaylen Waddle on Friday night, and it did not take long for the star receiver to make a good impression.

On Denver's first offensive drive, Waddle used his speed to create separation andcatchhis first pass from his new quarterback. The 35-yard connection on third down continued a drive that ultimately ended in a touchdown.

"A good play," Waddle said of the 35-yard connection following the game. "Not just by me, from the O-line, obviously the quarterback and all the receivers. I get the ball, but it's much more than me just making a play."

In his return to the field, Nix said it was encouraging to see evidence of his growing connection with Waddle during live-game action.

"You can't really explain the type of player he is, you've just got to get out there and play," Nix said. "When you throw him the ball, you just understand that it's a bit different. He's just a really great football player. He adds a lot to our team not only on the field, He gets everybody going. He's very exciting. Got a great, positive attitude out there. He's going to be great for us."

QB BO NIX IS 'SOLID' IN PRESEASON DEBUT

Nix returned to the field for the first time since Denver's 2025 Divisional Round win over the Buffalo Bills on Friday night, and the third-year quarterback said "it was like riding a bike."

"It was very smooth, very easy to get back out there and go," Nix said. "Honestly, the other 10 guys in the huddle made it pretty easy for me as well. Just going out there, and doing my job and treating it like a practice rep."

Nix was efficient in his preseason debut, leading the Broncos on two scoring drives as he completed 6-of-9 passes for 76 yards, a touchdown and a 129.9 passer rating.

"We knew it was going to be a few plays and just wanted to see the production that we got,"Nixsaid.

Payton said Nix "was solid" in his return to action, and Nix was ultimately glad to walk away from his limited reps with an efficient opening drive capped by a 21-yard touchdown pass to running back RJ Harvey.

"It was great," Nix said. "You want to finish every drive with a touchdown, so to do that for the first one to start the game was good."