Bo Nix became the first week-one starter for the Denver Broncos since 1983 when John Elway did it. In his first career game, Elway was 1-8 for 14 yards and he threw an interception, thankfully, Nix at least did better than that. Despite two avoidable interceptions, and a loss, Sean Payton had this to say about his rookie QB, “I thought he seemed calm, poised, I felt like he was very comfortable and ready.” Denver led 13-9 at the half but went down quickly in the second half. In the third quarter, the Seahawks outscored Denver 10-0. Kenneth Walker had 84 of his 103 rushing yards and his only TD in the second half.
Bo Nix Debut
Nix finished the game 26 of 42 for 138 yards and two interceptions. The first interception was a rushed throw Nix forced out before getting hit. Julian Love picked it off at the one-yard line as Nix was targeting Courtland Sutton in the end zone. Nix also later forced a pass into double coverage on 3rd & Goal targeting Sutton, and it was nearly picked again. Nix's second interception came in the fourth quarter with 5:33 left. Nix was targeting Sutton yet again and Riq Woolen undercut the throw and picked it off.
Nix did have a good drive late and brought Denver back within six points with just over two minutes left. On that drive, Nix was 4/5 passing, converted a third down, had a 23-yard rush, and ran in the Broncos' only touchdown of the game. “Overall, I think as poorly as we did, we gave ourselves a chance to win there at the end,” Nix said. He did show flashes, but he also showed that he has plenty of room to grow.
Defense and Special Teams
The main reason Denver had a chance to win this game was defense and special teams. Denver's D started the game with an interception on the second play of the game. They then forced two straight punts, then gave up a 50-yard field goal. The previously mentioned Julian Love interception on the on-yard line turned into a safety on the very next play. The defense started the game almost perfectly, and Denver''s defense only score three points in that time frame.
Later in the game, Denver led 8-3, Seattle scored a TD and went for two to try and take a three-point lead. The Broncos defense stood tall and got the stop, keeping it a one-point game. On the next drive Broncos punter Riley Dixon booted it 65 yards and Denver fielded it perfectly and downed it at the one-yard line. In the very next play, the defense forced ANOTHER safety and reclaimed the lead 10-9. The Broncos went into halftime up 13-9, but they would only score once in the second half. At least that score was an offensive TD.
Red Zone
Denver had four total red zone trips and only made it into the end zone once. The scoring summary for the Broncos went like this; FG, Safety, FG, Safety, FG, TD. If Denver made the most of a red zone trip just one more time, they would've won this game. Odds are the Broncos won't get two safeties in a game again this year, and that's the main reason this game was decided by single digits. Denver needs to clean up their red zone offense. In 2023 they finished 20th in the league with a 50.85% red zone conversion rate.
The Seahawks offense scored three touchdowns and all three were from outside the red zone. Denver will need to make sure they don't become a defense that consistently gives up big plays. Geno Smith ran in a 34-yard score and threw a 30-yard TD to Zach Charbonnet. Kenneth Walker had a 23-yard rushing TD as well. We don't even know how good Denver's red zone defense is, because they only gave up 20-30 yard touchdowns.
Final Score: Seahawks 26, Broncos 20
Dixon's Three Stars
1st Star- CB Patrick Surtain II (6 Tackles, 2 Catches Allowed for 16 Yards, 3 Forced Incompletions, 48.8 Passer Rating Allowed)
2nd Star- LB Jonathon Cooper (6 Tackles, 2 Sacks, 2 TFL, 4 QB Hits)
3rd Star- LB Alex Singleton (9 Tackles, 1 TFL, 1 PD, 1 INT)
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