The Denver Broncos took a loss to begin the 2024 NFL season, a 26-20 defeat against the Seattle Seahawks. Football is a game of adjustments, and while the Broncos lost, there is a lot to take away from this game. Without further ado, let’s get into the studs and duds from the opener.
Stud: Defense
The Broncos started the game looking strong, getting a sack and then an interception on the first Seahawks drive, giving the Denver offense the ball at Seattle’s 20. The defense also contributed two safeties to the scoring, giving the Broncos a 13-9 lead going into halftime.
The defense was tired after halftime, when the Denver offense didn’t make enough adjustments to counter the Seahawks’ defense. They gave up 17 second-half points, as Seattle quarterback Geno Smith got things clicking down the stretch.
Dud: Bo Nix
Broncos quarterback Bo Nix looked like a rookie, but he never quit. Nix had a mixed bag of a day, going 26-of-42 for 138 yards and two interceptions. To be fair, some of those missed throws were misses by the receivers. Nix never stopped throwing the ball after his turnovers, which shows his comfort in head coach Sean Payton’s system. Nix was also Denver’s leading rusher, with five carries for 35 yards and one touchdown.
Stud: WR Devaughn Vele
Rookie wide receiver Devaughn Vele was a favorite target of Nix against Seattle. Vele tied veteran Courtland Sutton for targets, with eight, catching all eight passes for 39 yards. Vele may become a bigger part of the offense in the coming weeks.
Dud: Penalties
The Broncos had an issue during the preseason with penalties, a trend that continued on Sunday against Seattle. The Seahawks benefitted from three first downs by way of penalty, and Denver finished with eight penalties for 60 yards.
Stud: Special teams
The Broncos’ special team’s unit was on point today. The unit recovered a muffed punt, downed a punt at the one-yard line, returner Marvin Mims took back five punts for 47 yards, and kicker Wil Lutz was a perfect 3-of-3 for field goals during the game. Hopefully the unit will continue this high level of play moving forward.
