For the second time in three seasons, the Seattle Seahawks handed the Denver Broncos their first loss to start the regular season, emerging victorious on Sunday, 26-20. The first loss of the Bo Nix era continues a streak of Seahawks dominance, as the Broncos haven’t earned a victory in Seattle since 2002.

Denver’s defense dominated the first half of action, flustering quarterback Geno Smith and the Seahawks offense with dynamic pass rushes and defensive line penetration that earned the Broncos four points on two safeties. But what looked to be a long day for the raucous crowd of Seahawks faithful quickly turned due to a Broncos anemic offense that scored just one touchdown late in the fourth quarter. 

I picked the Broncos to upset the Seahawks (27-24) in a close game against a hostile fan base on the road. But the most frustrating aspect of this loss isn’t the fact that I was wrong in my prediction or that the Broncos started the year with another loss.

Instead, it’s that Broncos Country is forced to lament what should’ve been a very winnable game for Sean Payton’s squad. 

With that said, let’s rip off the band-aid and get to three sad but true takeaways from the Broncos’ first loss. 

The first chapter in the Nix-Payton novel begins with an embarrassing road loss. Denver’s dynamic duo was quickly humbled by Seahawks first-year head coach Mike Macdonald’s smothering defense, which put the Broncos on notice, illustrating the difference between preseason and regular season NFL action. 

As a rookie team captain, Nix looked largely out of place for most of the game as he finished the contest 26-of-42 for 138 yards and two interceptions, with 35 yards on the ground and a rushing touchdown. He faced a barrage of pressure, taking two sacks, enduring multiple hits, and looking bothered and frustrated.

The Broncos offense continually stalled despite prime field position and was outmatched in virtually every statistical category, including total net yards, first downs, third-down efficiency, and penalties. 

Payton did his rookie QB1 no favors in this game. The veteran play-caller abandoned his ineffective rushing attack early with his three-headed stable of Javonte Williams, Jaleel McLaughlin, and Audric Estime. Denver finished the game with 99 yards rushing on 25 attempts, but those stats were padded by Nix’s five rushes and a drive that resulted in his four-yard scoring scramble in the fourth quarter.

The most alarming aspect of Denver’s disappointing offense was that it felt eerily similar to the 2023 season, where Payton would panic and strictly throw the football. By waving the white flag on the most critical principle of Payton’s offense, which is running the football, opposing defenders will continue to tee off on the Broncos’ rookie QB, putting Nix in the unsettling position of playing hero ball. 

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Linebacker Alex Singleton picked off Geno Smith on Seattle’s opening drive. Usually, when a road team’s defense starts the game with a series of QB pressures that force an interception, it’s a sign of good things to come. That should be doubly true when the Broncos defense outscores its own offense with a pair of safeties in the first half against a Seahawks offense that was reeling under Smith. 

Instead, Vance Joseph’s defense left fans with more questions than answers. The box score will show two sacks logged on Smith, both by outside linebacker Jonathon Cooper, who played extremely well off the edge. The Broncos interior D-line — John Franklin-Myers, Zach Allen, and Malcolm Roach — lived in Seattle’s backfield during the first two quarters, posting a productive stat line. 

But as fast as Denver’s pass rushers pummeled Seattle in the first half, they crumbled after halftime, and succumbed to one of Joseph’s biggest flaws: a porous and pathetic run defense. Joseph’s defense allowed Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III to average 5.2 yards per carry at will as their rushing attack gashed Denver’s defense to the tune of 33 attempts for 146 yards and two touchdowns. 

Additionally, Smith found a rhythm by dissecting Denver’s secondary with 171 passing yards, including a touchdown to running back Zach Charbonnet that allowed Seattle to dismantle and take over the game coming out of Denver’s 13-9 lead at halftime. 

Team apologists may argue that Joseph’s defense held its own by limiting the Seahawks’ formidable wideouts DK Metcalf and Tyler Locket to nine combined catches for 106 yards. However, statistics don’t count in a game of wins and losses where ‘VJ’ has again proven that he struggles to make in-game adjustments after finding success early.

When Payton was asked about the Broncos’ first half of offense coming out of halftime, he explained from the sideline that Nix couldn’t do it all by himself and that he needed some help. That help would never come, as the rookie QB was forced to singlehandedly lead a seven-play, 54-yard drive that resulted in his first NFL touchdown on the ground.

Seventh-round rookie wideout Devaughn Vele would finish as Nix’s leading receiver in receptions, with eight catches for 39 yards(!), while Josh Reynolds led the team in 45 yards and a long of 25 yards. Nix’s fellow team captain Courtland Sutton was limited to just four catches for 38 yards, while the Broncos’ tight ends were largely ineffective through the air, with Greg Dulcich only logging two catches for a measly 12 yards.

When Denver’s receivers would catch a pass from Nix, they would immediately be smothered by Seahawks defenders, resulting in negative yards or hardly any yards after contact, although the rookie signal-caller did miss several key throws in this game.

Instead of capitalizing on Williams and Estime’s productive rushing early in the first few possessions, the diminutive McLaughlin was asked to be the bell cow and was continually bullied at the line of scrimmage. Payton’s offensive mismanagement of his playmaking resources spelled disaster for Nix for most of the game. 

None of this even mentions that Denver’s offense will likely be ice skating uphill following the injury of starting left tackle Garett Bolles, who exited the game with a lower leg injury that is presumed to be an ankle. 

If the Broncos offense hopes to improve in moving the chains and scoring points this season, Payton will need to remove his playmakers from the milk cartons and get to work quickly. 

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Denver Brunchfest was the perfect blend of breakfast and lunch, offering a leisurely, delicious start to the day. It’s late enough to forgive your friends for dragging you out of bed, yet early enough to still enjoy the day after plunging head-first into sweet and savory delights. For many of us, brunch is the new “late-night coffee,” offering a chance to relax and recharge in a bustling world. 

Returning for its 8th year, Denver Brunchfest took over Tivoli Quad on Saturday, August 24 herding crowds of egg-and-bacon lovers in the four-acre lot. With over 2,200 in attendance, there was plenty of buzz as foodies mingled and indulged in the city’s finest brunch offerings.

“The goal of Brunchfest is bringing together the best of Denver’s brunch scene and offering a place where folks can come a try a huge variety of different dishes and find their new go-to favorite brunch spot,” stated Lacy Bruce, organizer and representative of Denver Brunchfest before the event took place.

While every restaurant served up something special, some dishes stood out among the rest. Here’s a look at this year’s Denver Brunchfest winners:

Best Savory

1st: STK Steakhouse

Where: 1550 Market St., Denver

The Entry: Oysters: Bourbon glazed bacon, maple vinegar

The Lowdown: A decadent combination, the oyster’s briny richness is perfectly balanced by the smoky, sweet bourbon-glazed bacon, with a hint of tang from the maple vinegar, creating a savory bite that’s both luxurious and comforting.

2nd: Sushi Kuro 

3rd: Now Pho

Best Sweet 

1st: Edge Steakhouse

Where: 1111 14th St., Denver

The Entry: Peach Perfect French Toast: Yogurt mousse, orange gastrique, roasted peaches, almond, honey granola, orange milk crumble (contains gluten, dairy and nuts; options available upon request)

The Lowdown: This dish offers a delightful contrast between the creamy yogurt mousse and the tart orange gastrique, with roasted peaches adding warmth and depth. Almonds and honey granola provide a satisfying crunch, while the orange milk crumble ties it all together with a hint of citrusy sweetness.

2nd: Mimosas

3rd: Taste Local Café

Best Bite 

1st: Grande Station 

Where: 2299 Main St., Littleton

The Entry: Grilled Peach and Burrata Crostini: Toasted French bread, stracciatella, grilled Colorado peach, blistered tomato, crispy prosciutto, saba, basil (gf, veg options available upon request)

The Lowdown: This dish brings together the creamy richness of burrata with the natural sweetness of grilled Colorado peaches. The crispy prosciutto adds a savory crunch, while the toasted French bread provides a perfect base, complemented by the tangy saba and fresh basil. A harmonious blend of flavors and textures that epitomizes summer.

2nd: STK Steakhouse 

3rd: Sushi Kuro 

People’s Choice

1st: My Neighbor Felix 

Where: 1801 Central St., Denver; 7209 S. Clinton St., Centennial

The Entry: Birria Mini Tamales

The Lowdown: These mini tamales are a crowd-pleaser, packed with rich, savory birria that’s slow-cooked to perfection. The tender masa and bold, flavorful filling make for a bite that’s both traditional and innovative.

2nd: Uptown and Humboldt 

3rd: Chez Maggy

Favorite Sip

1st: First Watch

Where: 7830 W. Alameda Ave. #101 and #102, Lakewood; 7450B W. 52nd Ave. #200, Arvada; 2406 S. Parker Rd. #A, Aurora; 5866 S. Wadsworth Blvd. #3700, Littleton; 6890 S. University Blvd. #20, Centennial; 6818 S. Yosemite St., Centennial; 12325 W. 64th Ave., Arvada

The Entry: Purple Haze (juice): Lemon, cane sugar, butterfly pea flower tea and a hint of lavender. Morning Meditation (juice): Orange, lemon, turmeric, organic ginger, agave nectar and beet

The Lowdown: First Watch’s juices are a refreshing burst of flavor—the Purple Haze offers a delicate blend of tartness and floral notes, while the Morning Meditation brings an earthy, invigorating mix of citrus and spice.

2nd: Molly Brown Spirits 

3rd: Dirty Dill Co

Favorite Sweet Treat 

1st: Ever Bowl Craft Superfood 

Where: 2656 W. 32nd Ave., Denver; 4950 S. Yosemite #1, Greenwood Village; 7220 W. 56th Ave.; 8181 E. Arapahoe Rd., Greenwood Village

The Entry: Everbowl: Acai, granola, banana, strawberry, blueberry. Blue Lagoon: Pitaya, Blue Majik, Coco Love, chia pudding, strawberry, pineapple, coconut shavings. Full Moon: Vanilla, Cacao Wow, granola, banana, strawberry, pb (optional), cacao nibs. Pitayum: Acai, Coco Love, pitaya, granola, banana, pineapple, kiwi, coconut shavings. Mango Tajin: Mango, pitaya, chia pudding, watermelon, pineapple, chamoy, Tajin (optional).

The Lowdown: Ever Bowl’s offerings are a vibrant explosion of color and flavor. Each bowl is layered with fresh, nutritious ingredients that not only satisfy the sweet tooth but also provide a healthy, energizing boost to start the day right.

2nd: Edge Steakhouse

3rd: Taste Local Café

As the sun set on another successful Denver BrunchFest, food enthusiasts left with full bellies and new favorites to add to their weekend rotation. The event once again showcased the best of Denver’s brunch scene, bringing together a diverse range of flavors and culinary creations. Whether it was the savory delights, sweet indulgences, or refreshing sips, each bite was a testament to the city’s vibrant brunch culture. The memories of these delicious dishes will linger, reminding us all why brunch is the ultimate weekend indulgence.

Denver Brunchfest takes place on TIvoli Quad located at 1000 Larimer St, Denver. Follow its Instagram for updates about upcoming events.

All photos by Ryan Cox Photography.

Welcome back, Denver Broncos football!

The Broncos will kick off their 2024 schedule with a road game against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 1.

Denver will play eight home games at Empower Field at Mile High Stadium this year and nine games on the road. Because the league has an unbalanced 17-game schedule, the NFC and AFC rotate between having an extra home game. This year, the NFC gets a ninth home game.

The Broncos’ schedule is highlighted by a home game against quarterback Russell Wilson and the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 2, and a road contest against the New Orleans Saints, coach Sean Payton’s former team, on Thursday Night Football in Week 7. View the Broncos’ complete schedule below.

Denver Broncos 2024 Schedule

The Broncos have not returned to the playoffs since their Super Bowl-winning season in 2015. Now entering his second season on the job, Payton will aim to snap the club’s eight-year playoff drought this fall.