Packers Defense Misses Golden Opportunities in Costly Loss to Broncos
In a game that could’ve swung in a very different direction, the Green Bay Packers’ defense let more than just a few passes slip through their fingers-literally. Despite a final score that suggests a competitive contest, Green Bay’s 34-26 loss to the Denver Broncos on Dec. 14 came down to missed chances, especially on the defensive side of the ball.
The Packers dropped not one, not two, but three catchable interceptions-each of them potential game-changers. Meanwhile, Denver capitalized on its chances, picking off Jordan Love twice and turning those opportunities into points. That contrast in execution was a defining factor in this one.
Bo Nix: Flash and Flaws
Broncos rookie quarterback Bo Nix put up a sparkling 134.7 passer rating, outdueling Love (68.3) on paper and on the scoreboard. Nix showed off the athleticism and improvisational skill that made him a first-round pick-evading pressure, extending plays, and delivering some impressive throws.
His 23-yard touchdown strike to Troy Franklin on the final play of the third quarter gave Denver a 27-23 lead and was one of his best moments of the night. Then came a perfectly placed touch pass to Courtland Sutton on a fade route for 26 yards, converting a critical fourth-and-2 and setting up the Broncos’ final touchdown.
But for all the highlights, Nix still showed why some call him “Bo Pix.” He’s thrown nine interceptions this season and tends to give defenses opportunities to flip the script. The Packers had their chances-they just didn’t take them.
Xavier McKinney’s Rare Off Night
Xavier McKinney, who earned first-team All-Pro honors last season with eight interceptions, had two golden chances to add to his 2025 total-and both slipped away on the same Broncos touchdown drive late in the third quarter.
The first came when Nix rolled right under pressure from Micah Parsons and forced a throw toward tight end Evan Engram near the sideline. McKinney read it perfectly, undercut the route, and had the ball in his grasp as he slid to the turf. But he couldn’t secure it.
Just three plays later, McKinney nearly made up for it. He baited Nix by giving Marvin Mims Jr. a cushion on a deep post, then closed fast when Nix committed to the throw.
Again, McKinney was in position. Again, the ball hit his hands.
And again, it fell incomplete.
Those missed picks proved costly. The Broncos finished that drive with Nix’s touchdown pass to Franklin-a seven-point swing that could’ve gone the other way if McKinney had come down with even one of those balls.
Valentine’s Missed Chance Seals the Deal
With just under five minutes left in the game and the Packers trying to mount a comeback, cornerback Carrington Valentine had a chance to give Green Bay life. Nix rolled right on a bootleg and tried to squeeze a pass to Lil’Jordan Humphrey along the sideline. Valentine read it, jumped the route, and had a clean shot at the interception.
But like McKinney before him, he couldn’t finish the play.
Margin for Error Shrinking
In a game where the Packers were already without Micah Parsons, the margin for error was razor-thin. And while Love’s turnovers will draw attention, the defense’s inability to capitalize on Nix’s mistakes loomed just as large.
If Green Bay wants to stay in the playoff hunt, these are the kinds of plays they simply have to make. Interceptions are more than just stats-they’re momentum shifters, field-flippers, and in this case, potential game-winners.
The defense had its chances. Next time, they’ll need to cash in.