Denver Broncos Russell Wilson’s return to Seattle, 25 or Under?
25 or Under for the Denver Broncos offense?
Last season under Teddy Bridgewater and Pat Shurmur’s watch, the Denver Broncos offense averaged a putrid 19.7 points per game, which was a bottom dweller in the NFL. As a defense, the Seattle Seahawks allowed just 21.5 points per game last season. Different seasons, different rosters, but those numbers are what the nucleus of those teams put out there last season.
Returning for the Seattle Seahawks on defense, safeties Quandre Diggs and Jamal Adams form a pretty solid duo on the backend of the defense. Diggs is the player that brings more worry in my eyes, Jamal Adams is a T.J. Ward type of safety, which does bring value, but I still think Ward was more effective in that role.
Starting at cornerback is expected to be Artie Burns and Sidney Jones, with rookie cornerback out from Cincinnati, Coby Bryant expecting to see some quality time in their nickel package. Bryant was a guy I was high on during the draft process but this will be a tough outing for his rookie debut.
Former beloved and fan-favorite, Shelby Harris will be facing the Denver Broncos in a different uniform. How strange is that? Shelby was the ultimate Denver Bronco, I wish him the best in Seattle, just not this Monday night.
Accounting for Shelby Harris should absolutely be something the Denver Broncos do, he has the best hands in the league. He’s the player that I think the Denver Broncos will miss the most from the trade for Russell Wilson.
Darrell Taylor was productive last season in limited action and Jordyn Brooks looks to be the next great Inside Linebacker for the Seattle Seahawks. All of that said, I think there is plenty of opportunities for the Denver Broncos to have a great outing come Monday night Russell Wilson must be salivating to show John Schneider and Pete Carroll what they are missing.
Courtland Sutton and Jerry Jeudy will be the primary targets with Tim Patrick missing the season, but what I am interested to see is who follows suit. Surely a lion’s share will go to the running backs, especially in a Nathaniel Hackett run offense.
In the early stages of the game, at least, I expect the Denver Broncos to run a scripted offense, working through the likes of the talented TRIO of Javonte Williams, Melvin Gordon, and Mike Boone. Yes, Mike Boone. Prior to the Denver Broncos bringing back Melvin Gordon, I talked about how good I expected Mike Boone to be in this offense, he put that on film during the preseason.
His talents are a match made in heaven for this scheme. He won’t see 15 touches or any means, but I do think he will see five to seven touches, maybe sprinkled in as the running back used for screens as he is efficient in space, quick, and has good hands.
As the game trickles along, I do expect the Denver Broncos to strike deep early on in the second quarter with a shot to K.J. Hamler that puts the “moon ball” on display for Broncos Country. Courtland Sutton will surpass the 100-yard mark and catch Russell Wilson’s second touchdown pass of the day.
Javonte Williams gets a touchdown run and Brandon McManus knocks in a few field goals in my prediction. That gives the Denver Broncos a 30-burger to start the season.