(Photo: Denver Broncos)
NFC Game Of The Week
Seattle Seahawks at Denver Broncos
Seahawks (3-2):
That was heartbreaking on Sunday, wasn’t it? But you had to expect the San Francisco 49ers to enter that game with some added motivation, considering they had lost twice to Seattle earlier: first in Week 18, with the division title and the No. 1 seed in the NFC on the line, and then again in the Divisional Round of the playoffs just weeks later. I always like to focus on certain trends, and they find themselves in the same predicament it faced a season ago. After five games, the Seahawks have an identical 3-2 record to last year’s team, which went on a nice winning streak from that point forward. At this point, it comes down to the fundamentals. When you turn the ball over, you kill momentum, and on Sunday against the 49ers, Seattle turned the football over four times. That certainly doesn’t help its cause. I still believe this team will get things together. It’s early in the season, and there’s still time to fix the issues. When I appeared on The Prime on Tuesday night, I mentioned that this is a much better football team when it runs the ball, but Seattle has struggled to establish the ground game. Zach Charbonnet has yet to return, and Jadarian Price is injured, so getting those two back would help immensely. The Seahawks must protect the football and play better complementary football. That’s a point I heard Mike Macdonald emphasize, and it will be critical moving forward. Tonight, the champs make its way to the Mile High City to kick off Week 6.
Broncos (3-2):
I feel they are still trying to figure out who they are as a football team, and there already appears to be a disconnect among the coaching staff. Davis Webb is the new offensive coordinator, and we all know Sean Payton is one of the best offensive-minded coaches in the sport today. I’ve always believed that if you’re a head coach, you need to focus on the entire team rather than just one side of the ball. Sean has decided to make a change and take over play-calling duties. What’s been hurting this group is its lack of offensive execution. They rank 28th in total offense, averaging 280 yards per game through its first five games. The offense is averaging just 16 points per game, and the passing game has struggled to generate production downfield. That brings me to my next point: the quarterback. Throughout last season, whenever the Denver Broncos came up in conversation, I would always ask the same question: Which version of Bo Nix will show up? I believe he has the tools, along with the right coach in Sean Payton, to become a solid quarterback in the NFL. However, I need to see more consistency from him, and I truly believe this Denver team will go as far as he takes it. I have no major concerns about the other side of the football. Denver’s defense remains among the best in the business and will keep the Broncos in games. Tonight, the Broncos return home for a showdown with the defending Super Bowl champions.
Seahawks X-Factor: Julian Love
Mike Macdonald had a really good safety in Kyle Hamilton when he was the defensive coordinator in Baltimore, and he has another good one here in Julian Love. To me, Julian is the glue that holds the entire Seattle secondary together. He’s the guy who roams all over the field and can come out of nowhere to make a pass deflection or create a turnover. If the Seahawks can pressure Bo Nix and force him into hurried throws or difficult downfield passing situations, Julian could capitalize. He also brings valuable experience and the ability to recognize different offensive formations.
Broncos X-Factor: Nik Bonitto
It’s safe to say that Nik has been the Broncos’ best defensive player so far this season. He has recorded three sacks through the first five games and will be counted on tonight to generate more pressure on Sam Darnold. He can attack a quarterback’s blind spots, using his speed and pass-rush moves to get around blockers. He also has the ability to create turnovers, whether through a strip-sack or a hit that forces an inaccurate throw. Either play could change the trajectory of the game. If Bonitto can win his individual matchups, it will give Denver’s defense a better chance to control Seattle’s offense.
Final Thoughts:
It’s the Russell Wilson Bowl! Anytime I think about these two teams, that Super Bowl at MetLife Stadium comes to mind. The 2013 Broncos offense was so special that year, capable of scoring at any time, while the Seahawks’ defense was young, hungry, and confident. All these years later, here they are again, and I’d say this is a crucial matchup for both clubs. Each team enters this game with a 3-2 record, and the loser will fall to .500. The matchup that could determine the outcome is Seattle’s offensive line against Denver’s defensive front, and it starts with protecting Sam Darnold. Bonitto and the Broncos’ pass rush can disrupt the entire flow of the game if they consistently get to the quarterback. Seattle will need sound protection, quick reads, and a few designed plays to get the ball out early. Establishing the run will also be crucial, as it can slow down Denver’s pass rush and prevent the Broncos from pinning their ears back. Seattle needs to maintain an offensive balance. On the other side of the ball, the Seahawks must pressure Bo Nix up the middle. This is where I’ll be watching Byron Murphy II and Leonard Williams. Seattle should emphasize interior pressure rather than relying exclusively on the outside rush. Denver will enter this game shorthanded. Unfortunately for the Broncos, Patrick Surtain II will be out. Had he been available, watching him line up against Jaxon Smith-Njigba would have been must-see TV—or should I say, must-see streaming? The Broncos must allow Nix to attack downfield, something they have struggled to do, as I mentioned earlier. It will be important for Denver to mix in some deep shots rather than lean too heavily on the short passing game. The Broncos also need to get Courtland Sutton involved early, particularly in contested-catch situations, and utilize him in the red zone. Finally, Denver must play disciplined football on defense, maintain effective tackling, and generate pressure on Darnold. With key players missing from the secondary, the Broncos cannot afford to give Seattle easy opportunities.
