The Green Bay Packers and the Denver Broncos clashed in an intense preseason practice session on Friday, providing a glimpse of what fans can expect in the upcoming NFL season. The workout, which lasted for over two hours in the scorching heat and high altitude, showcased several notable takeaways. Here are five key highlights from the competitive session.

Firstly, standout running back Josh Jacobs took center stage for the Packers' first-team offense. Demonstrating his versatility, Jacobs was heavily involved in both the running and passing game, making the most of his opportunities. He carried the ball or caught passes on 12 out of quarterback Jordan Love's initial 30 snaps, showcasing his reliability and eagerness to contribute. Jacobs expressed his satisfaction with the workload, stating that he thrives in the competitive environment and is eager to review his performance and improve further.

Additionally, Jacobs showcased his receiving skills by executing well-designed pass plays that allowed him to operate in open space. His ability to make catches on flares and sprint-outs demonstrated his versatility as a dual-threat player. Even when faced with a challenging catch, Jacobs exhibited strong hands and concentration, securing an impressive reception during a red-zone play.

Tempers flared momentarily during the practice session when Love's arm was hit as he attempted a throw, resulting in an intercepted flutterball by the Broncos. Green Bay's players were quick to defend their quarterback, but Love maintained that the incident was a result of friendly fire, with a teammate inadvertently bumping into him during the play. Despite the minor scuffle, the practice session continued without any major disruptions.

Offensively, both teams faced their fair share of challenges throughout the practice, particularly in the red zone. Denver's defense displayed their resilience by breaking up passes and applying pressure on Love. However, the Packers managed to find success on a well-executed play-action, with tight end Luke Musgrave capitalizing on the deception to secure a touchdown. Musgrave emphasized the importance of blocking effectively to sell the play, further highlighting the offensive intricacies involved in such plays.

Defensively, Packers stalwart Kenny Clark stood out as he embraced the challenge of facing Broncos guard Quinn Meinerz. The Pro Bowl defensive tackle relished the opportunity to test his skills against Meinerz, who recently signed a contract extension with Denver. The Packers' defensive front disrupted the Broncos' offensive rhythm for a significant portion of the practice, despite facing the challenges posed by the heat and altitude.

These joint practice sessions serve as valuable preparation for the upcoming season, as teams get an opportunity to face unfamiliar opponents and test their strategies. By eschewing a specific game plan, players are forced to adapt quickly and rely on their fundamental abilities to execute plays effectively. The film sessions following these practice sessions provide valuable teaching moments for coaches to assess player performances and identify areas for improvement.

The intense preseason clash between the Packers and the Broncos highlighted the determination and competitiveness of both teams. As the NFL season approaches, these joint practices serve as important stepping stones for teams to refine their skills and build chemistry. The Packers will now prepare for their upcoming joint practice sessions with the Baltimore Ravens, continuing their quest for a successful and competitive season.