DENVER (AP) — Rookie Bo Nix made another strong case for the Broncos' starting quarterback job Sunday night when he led Denver to scores on both of his drives in his first NFL start, a 27-2 win over the Green Bay Packers' backups. Nix, the former Oregon star and the sixth QB selected in the 2024 NFL draft, has now led Denver to scores on six of his seven drives in the preseason. Nix threw a 2-yard touchdown pass to Tim Patrick , who's come on strong in his bid to return to the lineup after missing the last two seasons with leg injuries.
Nix also had a 14-yard strike to Javonte Williams that was overturned on review as he was ruled just past the line of scrimmage when he threw. Denver (2-0) settled for the first of Wil Lutz's two field goals instead. Nix finished 8 of 9 for 90 yards and a stellar 140.
7 passer rating. Patrick caught four of his passes for 30 yards. Nix also ran three times for a dozen yards.
Nix relieved incumbent Jarrett Stidham last week at Indianapolis before getting the bulk of the first-team work leading up to his first start as a pro, which included a joint practice Friday. That workout was more competitive than this game because Packers coach Matt LaFleur advised his starters they'd have to play Sunday if they didn't get after it at the Broncos' suburban training complex Friday. The Packers (1-1) ending up sitting out 31 players Sunday, including all of their regular starters.
Stidham's 9-yard scramble into the end zone made it 17-0 just before halftim.