Seattle, WA
4 Reasons Broncos Fans Shouldn’t Jump to Conclusions After Seattle
Week 1 is in the books, with the Denver Broncos falling short in a 26-20 loss to the Seattle Seahawks. The Broncos got great field position several times but the offense didn’t capitalize, while the defense kept them in the game in the first half but had issues in the second.
Many fans were no doubt hoping the Broncos could prove critics wrong from the start, but rookie quarterback Bo Nix showed he has a long way to go with his play and establishing a rapport with his receivers. Also, the Broncos may have lost a key offensive player for at least a few games, with left tackle Garett Bolles exiting the game early with a lower-leg injury.
The Broncos defense did some good things early on but could not keep the pace up in the second half. Denver’s special teams did its job well throughout.
But Week 1 is not the indicator of how things will go for a team the entire season. It’s why football analyst Aaron Schatz calls Week 1 the ‘National Jump to Conclusions Week.’ The single-game sample isn’t enough to reliably judge a team.
We saw this to some degree last season when the Broncos stumbled out of the gates in Week 1 in a close loss to the Las Vegas Raiders. Denver then got humiliated by the Miami Dolphins in a historic Week 3 loss. But fortunes turned for the Broncos later on, and they finished 8-9 despite many flaws on the team.
There are going to be growing pains with this team, but that doesn’t mean everything that happened in Seattle will predict what the season will be like. There may be one or two things that are cause for concern, but the key is to see how the Broncos improve throughout the season and continue to do well in the areas in which they did execute.
Here are four things to consider about the Broncos’ Week 1 loss and whether fans should be so quick to jump to conclusions.
What happens next on the Broncos beat? Don’t miss out on any news and analysis! Take a second, sign up for our free newsletter, and get breaking Broncos news delivered to your inbox daily!
There’s no way to sugarcoat it: Nix had a bad regular-season debut. He stared down receivers, his mechanics were a mess, and he tried to force plays.
It’s easy to think after one game that all the pundits who predicted Nix would be a bust are correct. It’s easy to believe that a rookie QB needs to look like CJ Stroud right off the bat to have a future in this league.
However, that’s not always the case. Nix struggled but he did make a few good throws. He has shown he can escape the pocket and either extend the play or gain yards on the ground.
What Nix needs to learn is how to go through his reads at a quicker pace. That will only come with time on task. The question is whether he will figure that out. If he does, he can become a good starting QB, but if not, he won’t have a future with the Broncos.
With that said, it’s just one game. What matters is how Nix grows and learns from this game.
Verdict: Don’t jump to conclusions yet.
The Broncos defense got off to a hot start, pressuring Geno Smith early and forcing an early interception after D.J. Jones hit him as he threw. The Broncos also notched two safeties, one after a pressure led to a holding call in the end zone and another after defensive end Zach Allen tackled Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III in the end zone.
However, the Broncos offense wasn’t able to convert the interception into a touchdown. Neither did the offense score six after a muffed Seahawks punt that the Broncos recovered. That made it a closer game at halftime.
And in the second half, the Seahawks made adjustments on offense and got the ball moving more often. The Seahawks capitalized on Broncos’ defensive mistakes and got two big plays that resulted in touchdowns.
It’s easy to blame the defense here, but while the Broncos had their issues, we knew going in that it’s not a defense that can carry the team. The Broncos defense has the potential to be good, but it won’t be an elite unit.
The Broncos defense will face some better offenses later in the season but that doesn’t mean all is lost. The talent is there for a defense that can keep the Broncos in games. Getting the offense to capitalize when the defense gift-wraps an opportunity will help.
Verdict: Don’t jump to conclusions yet.
For years, it seemed like the Broncos couldn’t get things together on special teams. But the Week 1 game saw plenty of things to like about the unit.
The Broncos were able to recover a muffed punt, and they downed a punt just inches from the goal line. The Seahawks didn’t get a big return on most plays.
Marvin Mims Jr. didn’t get much done in the return game, but he was good in making decisions about when to return the kickoff under the new rules. Perhaps the Pro Bowler can break off a longer return at some point.
While special teams may not be the unit that often decides a game, the battle of field position is important and the third phase plays a big factor. I’m optimistic that we’ll continue to get quality special teams play this season, especially based on the vast improvements the Broncos achieved in this area last year.
Verdict: There is reason for optimism.
The Broncos entered the Week 1 with nobody on the injury report. But during the game, they lost Bolles to an ankle injury.
The Broncos were fortunate last year to not have too many injuries on the offensive line and keep continuity throughout the season. Unfortunately, it took just one game before Denver seems to have lost a key player.
Matt Peart stepped in to relieve Bolles and was okay but he’s not as good as the starter. Losing a key starter up front is a definite cause for concern, especially if Bolles misses a lot of time.
For now, let’s hope that Bolles’ injury isn’t too serious. He has played through minor injuries before, but if this one is more significant and costs him a lot of games, he’ll be difficult to replace.
Verdict: There is cause for concern.
Follow Mile High Huddle on X and Facebook and subscribe on YouTube for daily Broncos live-stream podcasts!
Seattle, WA
Seattle ends six-game slide with 4-3 shootout win over Vegas at Climate Pledge Arena
SEATTLE — Berkly Catton scored in the third period and added a game-winner in the shootout as the Seattle Kraken ended a six-game losing streak with a 4-3 victory over the Vegas Golden Knights on Thursday night.
It was just the second win for the Kraken (33-34-11) in the last 12 games.
The Golden Knights (36-26-17) had their four-game win streak snapped under new head coach John Tortorella.
Vegas Golden Knights right wing Mark Stone (61) celebrates his goal with defenseman Rasmus Andersson (4) as Seattle Kraken center Berkly Catton (27) looks on during the first period of an NHL hockey game Thursday, April 9, 2026, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Mark Stone gave Vegas a 1-0 lead with 10:04 left in the first period and he added his 26th goal of the season on the power play 55 seconds into the second.
Vegas went ahead 3-1 just 1:11 into the third when Brett Howden scored off the rush.
The Kraken got on the board late in the second on a power-play goal by Jared McCann, his 20th of the season. It was Seattle’s first power-play goal since March 21 to end a 0-for-17 skid. It also marked the fifth straight season McCann has scored 20 goals, all with the Kraken.
Catton cut it to 3-2 early in the third and Bobby McMann netted his 28th of the year to tie the game for the Kraken.
Joey Daccord stopped 31 shots for Seattle. The Kraken recalled goalie Nikke Kokko from the Coachella Valley Firebirds on an emergency basis ahead of the game. Goalie Matt Murray was away from the team for a family matter.
Seattle and president of hockey operations Ron Francis mutually parted ways Wednesday, which Kraken CEO Tod Leiweke discussed ahead of Thursday’s game.
Up next
Golden Knights: At Colorado on Saturday.
Kraken: Host Calgary on Saturday night.
Seattle, WA
April’s West Seattle Art Walk and much more for your Thursday
(In case you weren’t awake early today, photographer Theresa Arbow-O’Connor was)
Here are highlights for today/tonight, from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar (where you’ll find even more – thanks again to everyone who sends events for us to share!):
PASSOVER … concludes today.
FREE PLAYSPACE: West Seattle Church of the Nazarene is hosting playspace today until noon. (42nd SW & SW Juneau)
SOUTH SEATTLE COLLEGE GARDEN CENTER: Whether you’re planting or planning – the center is open Thursdays-Saturdays 10 am-3 pm – north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus.
TODDLER STORY TIME IN WESTWOOD: 10:30 am at Southwest Library (9010 35th SW).
PRESCHOOL STORY TIME IN ADMIRAL: 10:30 am at West Seattle Library (2306 42nd SW).
WEST SEATTLE UKULELE PLAYERS: From newbie to pro, all levels welcome at this weekly 1 pm gathering. Email westseattleukuleleplayerswsup@gmail.com to see where they’re playing today. (Even if you just want to know so you can go listen!) Probably C & P Coffee, we’re told (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor)
HIGH-SCHOOL SPORTS: Boys’ soccer with West Seattle HS vs. Rainier Beach at 4 pm at Walt Hundley Playfield (34th/Myrtle); softball with Chief Sealth IHS vs. Franklin at Nino Cantu SW Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle).
DROP-IN CHESS: High Point Library‘s weekly event is on today, 4-5:30 pm for players under 18. (3411 SW Raymond)
WEST SEATTLE ART WALK! Second Thursday means a celebration of art all around the peninsula, with most receptions running 5-8 pm. Here’s the venue list:
For highlights including which artists you’ll find showing their work tonight, at venues from Alki in the north to Gatewood in the south, browse this update!
HPCS FOOD-TRUCK VISIT: First of two Thursday night events at HPCS this week – every Thursday, 4-8 pm, Highland Park Corner Store (7789 Highland Park Way SW) gets a food-truck visit. Tonight it’s Pizza Maniac.”
WINE TASTING WITH CLARK: Another regular Thursday event at HPCS, 5-7:30 pm – info here.
HELP HARVEST FOOD: Puget Ridge Edible Park (18th/Brandon) needs volunteers to help harvest fresh food that will be donated to food banks (and you can take some home too). Just be there 5-7 pm!
WEST SEATTLE TOOL LIBRARY: Open 5-8 pm for your tool-borrowing needs. (4408 Delridge Way SW, northeast side of Youngstown Cultural Arts Center)
VISCON CELLARS: This West Seattle winery’s friendly tasting room/wine bar is open Thursdays, 5-9 pm (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor), for wine by the glass or bottle! Tonight, it’s also a stop on the West Seattle Art Walk, as with every second Thursday.
POKEMON LEAGUE: 6 pm Thursdays at Fourth Emerald Games (4517 California SW, upstairs) – bring your own console.
WESTIES RUN CLUB: 6 pm, starting from Good Society (California SW and SW Lander), you’re welcome to join the Westies Run Club‘s Thursday night community run!
WALKING FOR WELL-BEING: If walking is more your speed, meet at 6 pm at 47th/Fontanelle for tonight’s group walk – details in our calendar listing.
WORDS, WRITERS, SOUTHWEST STORIES: 6 pm online – find out the history behind names, with historian Feliks Banel. Here’s how to get the link.
‘SOUND OF MUSIC’: Another chance to see West Seattle High School‘s production of the classic musical, 7 pm. Ticket info is in our calendar listing.
LIVE AT THE SKYLARK: TIGERS EYE, Ladyfingers, Summer Schoo, 7 pm, 21+, $10 cover. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
’90s TRIVIA: 7 pm at Admiral Pub (2306 California SW).
LIVE AT TIM’S: 7 pm, Eric Blu & the Soul Revue, all ages, no cover. (16th SW and SW 98th, White Center)
TRIVIA NIGHT AT THE VOID: A relatively new West Seattle trivia night! 7:30 pm, with prizes, at The Void (5048 California SW).
‘WALDEN’ AT ARTSWEST: 7:30 pm opening performance of ArtsWest‘s new play. (4711 California SW)
DJ AT REVELRY ROOM: Spinning happens tonight at Revelry Room (4547 California SW), with DJ Supreme La Rock starting at 8 pm. 21+.
Are you planning an event that should be on our calendar and in our daily preview lists? Please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
Seattle, WA
Detectives Investigating Drive-By Shooting in South Seattle – SPD Blotter
Seattle police detectives in the Gun Violence Reduction Unit (GVRU) are investigating a drive-by shooting this afternoon that injured a young man in the Rainer Valley and shut down multiple intersections.
At about 4:40 p.m., patrol officers responded to reports of a shooting at Rainier Avenue South and South Othello Street. Officers found three related crime scenes, with the initial location being the intersection of Rainier and Othello. There, officers recovered dozens of shell casings and bullet damage to a nearby business.
Police recovered additional ballistic evidence at the second scene, near Holly Park Drive South and South Myrtle Place. Officers discovered the third crime scene directly in front of the South Precinct, where they stopped one of the involved cars, a Tesla, that sustained significant bullet damage.
The driver of this car, an 18-year-old man, did not have any injuries. The passenger, also 18, sustained a grazing gunshot wound to his head. Firefighters arrived to treat his injury, and medics took him to Harborview Medical Center (HMC) in stable condition.
Police determined that the suspects fired on the Tesla from another vehicle at Rainier and Othello. The victims sped away from the intersection and the suspect vehicle fled the area. Multiple cars drove away from the gunfire and pedestrians ran to safety. The Tesla sped off towards the precinct before being intercepted by officers.
Seattle police and King County deputies searched for the suspects but could not find them. Police did not make any arrests. GVRU detectives responded to the shooting. Police processed all three crime scenes and investigators conducted interviews at HMC. SPD’s Video Unit responded and recovered video footage from the area.
This is an open and active case assigned to GVRU. The circumstances leading up to the shooting are under investigation. Anyone with information is asked to call the Violent Crimes Tip Line at 206-233-5000. Anonymous tips are accepted.
Incident Number: 2026-96231
-
Atlanta, GA5 days ago1 teenage girl killed, another injured in shooting at Piedmont Park, police say
-
Education1 week agoVideo: We Put Dyson’s $600 Vacuum to the Test
-
Movie Reviews1 week agoVaazha 2 first half review: Hashir anchors a lively, chaos-filled teen tale
-
Georgia3 days agoGeorgia House Special Runoff Election 2026 Live Results
-
Pennsylvania3 days agoParents charged after toddler injured by wolf at Pennsylvania zoo
-
Education1 week agoVideo: YouTube’s C.E.O. on the Rise of Video and the Decline of Reading
-
Milwaukee, WI4 days agoPotawatomi Casino Hotel evacuated after fire breaks out in rooftop HVAC system
-
Entertainment1 week agoInside Ye’s first comeback show at SoFi Stadium
