ENGLEWOOD — A visiting NFL head coach gave ultimate praise to a Broncos legend.

It’s no coincidence Matt LaFleur brought the Packers to Shanahan’s Steakhouse for team dinner before a joint training camp practice on Friday at Broncos Park.

Because two-time Super Bowl champion Mike Shanahan is a beloved mentor.

“Coach Shanahan has had a tremendous impact. He gave me really my first (NFL) position job with Washington in 2010 as a quarterback coach,” LaFleur said. “I learned so much from him, not only Xs and Os.”

“When you look back on it, we’ve had a lot of guys (from that staff) that have gone on to be head coaches. I think it’s because we learned the right way from coach Shanahan,” he added. 

LaFleur spent three seasons (2010-13) in Washington to begin his NFL coaching ascension. In Green Bay, his 56 regular season wins rank second-most in league history among head coaches over their first five seasons. Shanahan lessons still guide LaFleur and the Packers.

“His expectations … and his level of detail — you better be on it. Otherwise, you were going to feel him. I’ve never been around somebody that could focus as long as he could,” LaFleur said. “He had some stamina when it came to watching tape. He was so thorough in the draft process with how he evaluated players. I just think there were a ton of lessons that we took from our time there.”

Payton on joint practice: ‘I thought it went really well’

The Broncos and Packers practiced jointly for about two hours and 10 minutes on Friday.

Coach Sean Payton left with a positive impression heading into the second preseason game on Sunday against Green Bay.

“I thought it went really well,” Payton said. “Guys were good, competing. Overall, I was really pleased. Obviously, I’ve got a lot of film to look at. … It’s always good when you can get the opposite of what you’re used to working at.”

One significant focus throughout training camp is situational football.

That continued against the Packers with third-down, red zone and two-minute drill scenarios. Payton is happy with the team’s overall direction from last season.

“Are we further along today than we were a year ago? I think so, yeah,” Payton said. “I think we’ve kind of bolstered our defensive line. The communication. I think Jim (Leonhard) has done a great job on the back end working with Vance (Joseph). So, these (joint practices) are a litmus test.”

CB Alexander on Nix: ‘They have a good quarterback in him’

Packers cornerback Jaire Alexander, a two-time Pro Bowler, is already a believer in rookie quarterback Bo Nix after one joint practice at Broncos Park.

“Honestly, I like Bo Nix. I think he’s a young talent and I think he’s going to be a pretty good quarterback in this league,” Alexander told reporters. “You could tell, as practice went along, his decision-making became crisper. … He carries himself like a veteran.”

The Packers reached the playoffs last year and won a Wild Card game. The Broncos last made the postseason in 2015. Alexander predicts a future where that changes with Nix under center.

“They have a good quarterback in him, and I think if (the Broncos) continue to build around him, I think we’ll see them in the playoffs eventually,” Alexander said.

Briefly

Payton confirmed that the QB order Sunday against Green Bay is Bo Nix, Jarrett Stidham and Zach Wilson. … Payton estimates the roster is “probably at 60 right now” before making cuts for the eventual 53-man roster. “There’s nine or 10 spots, probably, I’m still looking at and George (Paton) is looking at. We’re discussing,” Payton said.