Seattle Seahawks at Denver Broncos1 of 3
How Do the Denver Broncos Offset Slow Starts?
The Broncos have been notoriously slow starters since the 2025 campaign began. It continued to be an issue this season, which is why Sean Payton stripped offensive coordinator Davis Webb of play-calling duties and the head coach took over the job once again.
However, Thursday’s approach was different.
The Broncos weren’t marching down the field. However, Denver employed a strong ball-control approach by leaning on the run game. Then, Payton asked Bo Nix to get the ball out quickly when the quarterback did drop to pass. Nix even took a few shots down the field in an attempt to stretch the defense, though those passes didn’t connect.
As The Mandalorian says, “This is the way.”
Ultimately, Denver built a 14-3 halftime. In an ironic twist, the unit and team, as a whole, struggled during the second half before winning in overtime.
QB Bo Nix Remains a Problem
The Bo Nix that everyone continues to watch this season is not the same player as last year. Yes, Payton did a better job manufacturing a little offense to start the game. But the unit still wasn’t particularly good from a macro perspective.
Denver won Thursday despite generating only 168 yards of offense. As Sumer Sports’ Shawn Syed noted, the Broncos’ victory came without Nix completing a pass over 10 air yards. An aggressive and opportunistic defense led the way.
Payton can devise an improved game plan and place his squad in a better position to succeed, but, eventually, Nix must take onus of his position and perform at a higher level. Otherwise, this Broncos team won’t be able to match up against the AFC’s best.
Is Seattle Seahawks QB Sam Darnold Part of the Problem?
It’s weird to question a Super-Bowl winning quarterback just six games after he hoisted the Lombardi Trophy. Even so, Darnold was a primary reason why the Seahawks lost Thursday. He simply hasn’t played well since returning from injury.
Darnold threw two critical interceptions. One occurred in the fourth quarter and the other came in overtime. The latter was particularly devastating, because it led to the Bronco’s game-winning field goal. The first was a little late and left inside during an over pattern that the defensive back undercut. The second was far more egregious since Denver’s safety had shell coverage over the top and Darnold attempted a hole shot that had no chance.
Granted, Denver harassed and assaulted Darnold all night long, amassing 17 quarterback hits. At the same time, the Seahawks quarterback made debilitating mistakes at critical moments. He’s now thrown two interceptions in three of Seattle’s last four games.
Seahawks Must Feature Rashid Shaheed
Jaxon Smith-Njigba may be the most NFL’s most productive wide receiver, but he could use a little help. Shaheed is the perfect complementary option because of the 28-year-old’s explosive traits.
Shaheed is more than a special teams ace and offensive gadget contributor. He can be a legitimate WR2 on Seattle’s roster, as evidenced Thursday with five catches for 66 yards. Both figures were season-highs.
Cooper Kupp isn’t the wide receiver he once was. Tory Horton has yet to prove he can be a reliable option. Shaheed is the logical choice to be the Seahawks’ primary option after Smith-Njigba, thus taking some pressure off the reigning NFL Offensive Player of the Year.