Summer practice with Packers sparked Broncos' impressive season

(Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports)The Denver Broncos dominated the Green Bay Packers in a joint practice last summer, then they defeated them 27-2 in a preseason game. After that game, Packers coach Matt LaFleur said his team was humbled in Denver.

That joint practice against Green Bay's starters gave the Broncos a confidence boost ahead of the regular season, and Denver went on to reach the NFL playoffs for the first time since 2015.

“I think what was very compelling about that joint practice was the tenacity that the team had," Broncos cornerback Pat Surtain said. "The energy, the vibrant energy that we had as a team, the enthusiasm. I think that speaks volumes because the Packers are a playoff…