3 standouts and 3 duds from Packers tough loss vs. Broncos in Week 7

Standout: Dontayvion Wicks

It's been a while since a Packers wide receiver has completed a pass in a game. Enter Dontayvion Wicks to break that streak after completing an across-the-field pass to running back Aaron Jones.

Not only did his passing skills shine against Denver, but he continues to separate on routes and be a weapon for Green Bay to call on in big moments.

Wicks only had one catch on one target, but like in previous weeks, Wicks was called upon in a critical moment and came up big. From Green Bay's own 31-yard line, trailing 9-0, on a crucial third down, Jordan Love threw a bullet to Wicks over the middle of the field that he took for a 17-yard gain.

After the game, Packers head coach Matt LaFleur discussed getting Wicks more involved.

"He's a guy that we've got to continue to try to get more opportunities for in our offense. Because he's shown the ability to, not only is he a great route runner, but he's a pretty tenacious blocker," said LaFleur in the post-game press conference.

Wicks has only garnered 15 targets on the season, but expect to see more consistent looks, especially if Christian Watson can't shake the injury bug. Wicks is creating separation on most of his routes, and with the run game struggling, the Packers will favor a receiver who can fill the run-blocking void left when Allen Lazard departed for the Jets before the season.

Dud: Carrington Valentine

After flashing throughout training camp and preseason, rookie cornerback Carrington Valentine finally got his moment to shine against Denver. With Jaire Alexander sidelined and Eric Stokes not registering a snap in his first game off injured reserve, Valentine got the start across from Rasul Douglas.

But Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson didn't take long to catch on to a new guy in the Packers' secondary.

Valentine played 100% of the defensive snaps in the contest but was picked on early and often, primarily in coverage against Broncos receiver Courtland Sutton. Targeting Valentine, the Broncos converted two third downs on their first drive, one of which went for 33 yards to Sutton.

Surrendering 52 yards on four catches right off the bat was surely not how Valentine imagined his first start unfolding. It was undoubtedly a "welcome to the NFL" game for the rookie to now take to the film room and make improvements off of.

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