September 8th 2024.
As the Denver Broncos faced off against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 1 at Lumen Field, all eyes were on rookie quarterback Bo Nix as he made his professional debut. The game began with some early struggles for the Broncos' passing game, causing some to wonder if Nix was missing his connection with former teammate Tim Patrick. While it may be unfair to solely blame their passing game struggles on the decision to waive Patrick, it was clear that the chemistry between Nix and Patrick was missed. It wasn't until late in the game that Nix was finally able to connect with his former teammate, leaving fans wondering how long it will take for this connection to show up consistently throughout an entire game.
But it wasn't all bad news for the Broncos. Rookie running back Audric Estime had an impressive first carry, showcasing his incredible speed and athleticism with a 12-yard gain. However, his celebration was short-lived as he fumbled the ball, luckily recovered by veteran tight end Adam Trautman. This was a valuable lesson for Estime, who will undoubtedly work on his ball security moving forward.
Another bright spot for the Broncos was the performance of defensive end Jonathon Cooper. Throughout the preseason, Cooper had made it clear that his goal was to achieve double-digit sacks this season, and he wasted no time in making that a reality. In just the first snap of the game, Cooper recorded his first sack, with another following just before halftime. The Broncos' defensive front was dominant in the first half, putting pressure on Seahawks' quarterback Geno Smith and forcing an interception. This was a promising sign for the Broncos, who had high hopes for their defensive line this season.
However, as the game progressed, it became clear that the Broncos' defense was starting to struggle. Whether it was due to spending too much time on the field or the Seahawks' offensive coordinator figuring out their game plan, the Broncos' defense began to show some cracks in the second half. Their struggles against the run resurfaced, and their pass rush was nowhere to be found. While it may be unfair to expect the defense to play lights out for four quarters, it may be necessary for the Broncos to win games with a rookie quarterback.
Despite the loss, there were some positives for the Broncos to take away from this game. Nix showed flashes of potential, and the defense looked strong in the first half. But as they continue to work out the kinks and find their rhythm, the Broncos will need to rely on their experienced players like Cooper and Patrick to guide them through the season. And with some tough games ahead, the Broncos will need to bring their A-game for the full 60 minutes if they want to come out on top.
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