In the world of professional football, training camps, preseason games, and summer practices serve as critical preparation for the regular season. But every so often, a unique event—something outside the usual training environment—can provide a team with a transformative experience. For the Denver Broncos in 2023, that transformative event came in the form of a joint summer practice with the Green Bay Packers, an event that not only provided valuable preparation but also became a springboard for one of the most impressive seasons in recent years for the Broncos.
The NFL preseason is typically a time for teams to evaluate talent, fine-tune systems, and build cohesion, but the Broncos’ experience with the Packers proved to be more than just a run-of-the-mill summer practice. It was a rare opportunity to test themselves against one of the league’s historically well-coached franchises, which helped expose weaknesses, improve team chemistry, and develop a mindset that paid off throughout the 2023 season.
### The Setup: A New Preseason Tradition
In early August 2023, the Denver Broncos headed to Green Bay for a joint practice with the Packers. While the idea of joint practices has become more common in recent years, it remains a unique opportunity for teams to go up against a different coaching staff, players, and game plans before the real games begin. The Packers, under head coach Matt LaFleur, had a strong reputation for being one of the most disciplined and well-organized teams in the NFL, and the Broncos were eager to see how they stacked up.
For the Broncos, this was a significant change in approach after a few years of disappointing performances. The franchise was coming off a down year in 2022, plagued by inconsistent play, poor offensive execution, and an identity crisis under the previous coaching staff. New head coach Sean Payton had arrived in Denver with the promise of turning things around, and this joint practice with Green Bay was a key part of his strategy to build a competitive, winning team.
From the moment the two teams hit the practice field, the intensity was palpable. Both squads came ready to compete, with each side looking to make a statement heading into the preseason. The Broncos, in particular, were hoping to use this session as a measuring stick for their progress under Payton.
### A Tale of Two Teams: What the Broncos Learned
The two-day practice in Green Bay served as a crucible for the Broncos to assess both their strengths and weaknesses. But more than anything, it offered a learning experience that would have far-reaching effects on the season that followed. Let’s break down how the practice against the Packers became the catalyst for the Broncos’ impressive 2023 season.
#### 1. **Intense Competition and a Boost to Confidence**
The first major takeaway from the joint practice was the sheer level of competition. The Packers, fresh off a strong playoff run, were the perfect foil for a Broncos team in need of a confidence boost. While Denver’s offense had struggled to find rhythm in 2022, their performance against the Packers’ stout defense gave them a much-needed shot of adrenaline.
Quarterback Russell Wilson, who had a rocky start to his Denver career, benefited immensely from the chance to go up against a top-tier secondary led by Packers’ cornerback Jaire Alexander. Wilson had one of his best days of the preseason, connecting on several deep throws and looking far more comfortable in Payton’s offense. The Packers’ defense tested Wilson’s ability to read coverages, adjust protections, and make quick decisions—all of which were areas that had plagued him in 2022.
More importantly, Wilson’s confidence grew as the practice progressed. By the time the Broncos returned to Denver for their preseason games, Wilson appeared to be in far better sync with his offensive line, running backs, and wide receivers. This newfound confidence was critical for his performance in the regular season, where he emerged as a leader on offense.
#### 2. **Improved Defensive Cohesion**
While the offense benefitted from a confidence boost, the Broncos’ defense also took away valuable lessons from the practice sessions. Denver’s defense was already considered one of the better units in the NFL heading into the 2023 season, but going up against Green Bay’s offense—led by the promising young quarterback Jordan Love—helped iron out some early-season kinks.
The Broncos’ defense, under defensive coordinator Vance Joseph, proved to be disciplined and physical against Love and the Packers’ offense. Linebacker Justin Strnad and safety Justin Simmons stood out during the practice, making critical plays that set the tone for the season. They didn’t just execute their assignments well—they learned how to react to different offensive schemes, improving their ability to adjust mid-game.
The joint practice also gave the Broncos’ defensive line a chance to work on their pass-rush techniques against Green Bay’s offensive line, which had been one of the most reliable in the NFL. By challenging themselves against top-tier competition, the Broncos were able to refine their techniques, leading to a more cohesive defensive performance throughout the season.
#### 3. **Building Chemistry Across the Board**
The Broncos’ practice with the Packers wasn’t just about improving individual skills or studying the opposition—it was a crucial moment for the team to build chemistry as a unit. In the NFL, particularly with a team coming off a down year, establishing cohesion can be the difference between a good season and a great one.
For the Broncos, this joint practice allowed the players to bond over shared adversity. They spent time together in an unfamiliar environment, facing off against an established, successful team. By dealing with the stress and competitive nature of the practice sessions, the Broncos grew closer, building trust both on and off the field. This camaraderie would go on to play a major role in the team’s success as they navigated the ups and downs of the regular season.
### Impact on the Regular Season
Fast forward to the 2023 regular season, and the impact of the Broncos’ summer practice with the Packers became evident. From Week 1, Denver showed a far more organized and competitive team, especially on offense. Russell Wilson, once again a Pro Bowl-caliber quarterback, had the confidence to lead the offense with precision, thanks in part to the lessons he learned from the Green Bay defense. The Broncos’ offensive line was more cohesive, providing better protection for Wilson and creating lanes for the running game, led by Javonte Williams.
Defensively, the Broncos picked up where they left off, and it was clear that their joint practice with the Packers had sharpened their edge. The defensive line, led by standout pass-rusher Bradley Chubb, pressured quarterbacks consistently, while the secondary—anchored by Justin Simmons—was locked in, forcing turnovers and limiting big plays.
With these improvements, the Broncos were able to string together a series of wins, even in close, hard-fought matchups. Their ability to execute in crucial moments—the hallmark of a well-coached, prepared team—was evident, and much of that can be traced back to the lessons learned during their summer practice with the Packers.
### Conclusion: The Power of Unconventional Preparation
The Denver Broncos’ impressive 2023 season was far from a fluke—it was the result of careful planning, smart decision-making, and critical learning moments. The joint practice with the Green Bay Packers in the summer provided the Broncos with an opportunity to face an elite opponent, gauge their own abilities, and learn how to push past their limits.
In a season where every competitive advantage counts, the Broncos’ summer experience with the Packers was a game-changer. It not only sparked their individual and collective growth but laid the foundation for a season that could mark the beginning of a new era in Denver football. What started as a mere preseason scrimmage ended up being a crucial turning point, one that propelled the Broncos to a successful, highly competitive season—one they would not have had without that important summer session in Green Bay.