Denver Broncos – Green Bay Packers: 27-2 – Bo Nix shines
This time, Bo Nix seems to have won the starting job for good. Two series, 8 of 9 completions, 80 yards and a 2-yard touchdown pass to Tim Patrick. An impeccable record, especially since the other offensive ended in a field goal. Bo Nix therefore went for points on his two possessions of the day, and on six of the seven drives that he had in preseason.
After the game, Sean Payton did not want to make it official that the 12th pick in the last Draft would start, but it is hard to see how the position could now escape him. Jarrett Stidham (7/11, 65 yards, 1 int) also seemed less sharp. The choice seems inevitable.
On the Packers side, there is no doubt about the name of the starting quarterback. But it would be better if nothing happened to him. With Jordan Love resting, Green Bay struggled to achieve anything in attack. Sean Clifford (6/10, 43 yards, 1 int) and Michael Pratt (10/16, 52 yards) succeeded each other with the same inefficiency. The offense finished the game with only 168 yards. The longest play gained only 15 yards.
San Francisco 49ers – New Orleans Saints: 16-10
Kyle Shanahan somewhat abandoned Brock Purdy (2/6, 11 yards) this Sunday. The starting quarterback was sent onto the field without his starting receivers and behind a line also deprived of its pillars. Result, three complicated series, under pressure, and with some hits from opposing defenders. The 49ers gained only 11 yards on all three offenses led by Purdy. Joshua Dobbs (12/21, 133 yards – 1 rushing TD) had much more success in relief.
If Purdy struggled, it was mainly because of an excellent Chase Young (2 tackles, 2 QB hits), impressive in preparation for the moment. In attack, Derek Carr had three possessions. On the last one, New Orleans went up 95 yards to score. It was Taysom Hill, still used in reception as well as in running, who closed the offensive on the ground.
