After starting the season 0-2 for the first time since 1999, the Broncos looked to turn things around heading into Sunday’s game against Green Bay. Unfortunately for the Broncos, the Packers dominated play on both sides of the ball and left Denver winless for at least another week, winning 27-16.
Green Bay wasted no time getting on the scoreboard, with quarterback Aaron Rodgers (Chico, Calif.) connecting a forty yard pass to wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling (St. Petersburg, Fla.) in the endzone less than three minutes into the game. The Broncos responded at the beginning of the second quarter with a one yard touchdown run from running back Phillip Lindsay (Denver) to tie it up.
After two straight possessions resulting in a field goal from each team, Denver quarterback Joe Flacco (Haddon Township, N.J.) got strip-sacked by Green Bay linebacker Preston Smith (Stone Mountain, Ga.) for a loss of seven yards. The play resulted in a fumble recovered by Packers linebacker Rashan Gary (Plainfield, N.J.). The Green Bay offense was able to capitalize on the sack with a seven yard touchdown run from running back Aaron Jones (El Paso, Texas) to close out the first half.
The Broncos committed another offensive mistake at the start of the second half with tight end Noah Fant (Omaha, Neb.) fumbling the ball, which was then recovered by Green Bay cornerback Jaire Alexander (Charlotte, N.C.). Once again, the Packers were able to take advantage of the turnover with a one yard touchdown run from Jones, who tied his career high with two touchdowns. The Broncos marched down the field the next possession getting another one yard rushing touchdown from Lindsay on fourth and goal. After a missed extra point attempt from Denver kicker Brandon McManus (Philadelphia, Pa.) and an unproductive possession for the Packers that resulted in a punt, Flacco threw an interception caught by Green Bay safety Darnell Savage Jr. (Seaford, Del.). The Packers closed the game by scoring a field goal before missing another attempt in their final possession of the ball with 1:09 remaining in the fourth quarter.
The Broncos will host the Jacksonville Jaguars next week at 2:25 p.m. MST. The game will be broadcast on CBS.
