DENVER – Kristian Welch has played enough football to know there's only so much a player can control when trying to make an NFL 53-man roster.
To his credit, the Packers' fifth-year linebacker keeps finding ways to get noticed for the right reasons.
Welch was responsible for one of the highlights of an otherwise forgettable 27-2 preseason loss to the Denver Broncos on Sunday night, intercepting a Jarrett Stidham pass that had been batted in the air by Green Bay defensive lineman James Ester at the line of scrimmage.
It was the second straight week Welch helped generate a takeaway for the Packers' defense coming out of halftime. A week earlier, the 6-foot-3, 240-pound linebacker corralled a fumble en route to a 23-10 win over Cleveland.
Welch used every inch of his vertical to do it, high-pointing the ball and maintaining possession once he hit the ground.
"I just knew there was probably going to be some pursuit from the offense," Welch said. "It was pretty high up there for a tip. I just tried to high-point it and make the play. I just take it one play at a time and try to take advantage and win that play. That's really my mindset."
A native of Iola, Wis., Welch started last year on Green Bay's practice squad before becoming a core member of the special-teams unit. Since re-signing in March, the veteran linebacker has been competing all offseason amongst a deep linebacker room.
Welch maximized his minutes Sunday, recording six tackles (one for a loss) with the INT while playing most of the game with Green Bay not dressing veterans Quay Walker and Isaiah McDuffie and rookie second-round pick Edgerrin Cooper, who's been out with a hip injury.
Welch's pick seemed to be a turning point for the Packers' defense, which conceded just 90 total yards in the second half. The Broncos' 10 second-half points came off a fumble recovery and a turnover on downs at the Green Bay 34.
Welch lamented the final outcome and the missed opportunities that went along with it but also knows big plays are what help make sure he's on the roster when the games truly matter. In that way, Sunday was a step in a positive direction.
"There's only so much you can control at this point in training camp," Welch said. "I've just been trying to take full advantage of every play that I get. Just gotta try to make the ones that come to you and not try to do too much and do your job on every single play. That's kind of been my mindset. Just try to make the ones that come to you."
Morton's moment: On his 11th day as a member of the Packers, first-year defensive end Zach Morton prevented his new team from getting shut out.
Having signed with Green Bay due to injuries at the position, Morton busted through the Broncos' line in the third quarter to sack quarterback Zach Wilson for a safety to secure the only two points the Packers would score.
"As an undrafted guy, the preseason means everything," Morton said. "I treat it like it's honestly my Super Bowl. I just try to go out there and do what I can do. I know everybody's watching. It definitely pays off."
Unfamiliar territory for Sean Clifford and Co.: As well as things went for the second- and third-team offense in Cleveland, the Packers' offense struggled to get going while facing most of Denver's defensive starters in the first half.
Clifford and rookie quarterback Michael Pratt were 16-of-26 for just 95 passing yards. Clifford's last pass was an interception in the second quarter, while Pratt fell victim to a strip-sack midway through the third quarter.
It was a learning experience for both young QBs, who'll look to bounce back in Saturday's preseason finale at Lambeau Field.
"Last week was great. … We were efficient and then now you get skunked, and I've not gotten skunked in my life," Clifford said. "So that's very humbling. I'm not gonna walk out of here with my head down. I'm gonna make sure that I put my best foot forward my whole week. There's gonna be mistakes and there's gonna be some tough conversations when it comes to some of those plays."
Hopper leads defense in debut: Rookie linebacker Ty'Ron Hopper led Green Bay with a game-high 11 tackles in his first NFL appearance.
The third-round pick out of Missouri missed last week's game against the Browns due to an ankle injury. With Walker, McDuffie and Cooper out of the lineup, Hopper even had a chance to wear the communication helmet and relay calls.
"I take a lot from it. I was able to learn a lot of things, see a lot of different things that I haven't seen before," Hopper said. "I feel like this will definitely be a plus being able to get those reps. Just learn from my mistakes and learn from the things that I did well, too."
Undrafted rookie linebacker Ralen Goforth sustained a concussion in the second quarter, leading to both Hopper and Welch seeing increased snaps in the second half.
An emotional night for Tyler Davis: In his first NFL game in more than a year, the fourth-year tight end was selected as one of Green Bay's three captains for the coin toss.
It was a meaningful honor for Davis, who tore his anterior cruciate ligament just minutes after scoring a touchdown in a preseason game last August against Cincinnati.
While disappointed with the outcome, Davis was grateful for the opportunity.
"It was emotional to say the least; definitely shed some tears in pregame," Davis said. "To be out there with my team again, be out there with my guys, that's what meant the most to me.
"Just being out there and everybody coming up to me and just (saying they) couldn't wait to see me play, that meant the world to me because they saw how much I worked for it. They want to see me do well. It was special to be back out there."
