Denver Broncos at Seattle Seahawks: Key Matchups That’ll Dictate the Winner

Kickoff to the 2022 common season is quickly approaching for the Denver Broncos. The Broncos are in the course of their preparations to tackle the Seattle Seahawks. That is being touted as a ‘revenge’ recreation for Russell Wilson. 

After Wilson was traded from the Seahawks to the Broncos, many in Seattle’s group took pictures on the nine-time Professional Bowler with public feedback. The connection between Wilson and the Seahawks was heating for some time and at last boiled over. 

Now Wilson will get to face his former staff to kick off the season of Monday Night time Soccer. The Seahawks have expertise on their roster and current an fascinating matchup for the Broncos. 

What are the important thing matchups that’ll determine this recreation? Let’s dive in. 

Wilson vs. Seahawks DC Clint Hurtt

The Seahawks tried to usher in Ed Donatell to assist with their protection with the purpose of utilizing extra two-high appears to be like, which Hurtt picked up working beneath Vic Fangio in Chicago. 

Why do the Seahawks need extra two-high security appears to be like? To higher disguise what Jamal Addams and Quandre Diggs are doing. However, after all, that performs into Wilson’s situation, as he has struggled in opposition to two-high security appears to be like. 

If Hurtt can disguise the safeties, it may complicate issues for Wilson. Nevertheless, there may be one drawback with that for Seattle: Adams. 

Adams is a giant field security that has at all times had points working in protection. The farther away from the road of scrimmage, the more severe he appears to be like. So now it is sensible to maneuver him again to disguise it, however doing so drops him farther again from what he does finest: defending the run and dashing the quarterback. 

This can solely work for Seattle if Adams can take a big enchancment in protection. 

Benefit: Barely Denver.

Broncos O-Line vs. Seahawks Cross Rushers

Wanting on the Seahawks’ line of defense first, they’re beginning Poona Ford, Al Woods, and former Bronco Shelby Harris. Seattle’s edges are Uchenna Nwosu and Darrell Taylor. 

There may be expertise among the many group, nevertheless it’s somewhat lackluster. Ford and Woods are competent run defenders, however Harris, Taylor, and Nwosu are extra regarding.

Their play as move rushers is much more regarding, with Ford being the highest-graded among the many group, which was solely the fiftieth best-grade of 121 move rushers through Professional Soccer Focus. The chief of the remainder of the group was Nwosu (the 63rd-highest grade), adopted by Taylor, Woods, and Harris, all of whom ranked eighty fifth, 86th, and 87th, respectively. 

As for the Broncos’ offensive line, they had been the ninth-best pass-blocking unit by PFF however the nineteenth in run-blocking. Seattle’s protection within the trenches has the benefit in opposition to the run, however Denver does within the passing recreation. 

Benefit: Denver. 

Broncos Dashing Sport vs. Seahawks Run Protection

Out of 221 defensive linemen and edge rushers with at the very least 300 snaps in opposition to the run, the Seahawks’ beginning group was individually graded by PFF as:

1. Ford was the Thirty seventh-highest. 
2. Woods was the ninth-highest. 
3. Harris was the Eightieth-highest.
4. Taylor was the 174th-highest. 
5. Nwosu was the A hundred and twentieth-highest. 

The Seahawks did add some assist, with the addition of Boye Mafe as a rookie, however these two edges had been tough. Harris has additionally been a difficulty as a run defender for many of his profession. Nevertheless, Woods and Ford performed nice in opposition to the run, which noticed the Seahawks’ protection be graded because the third-best unit. 

Nevertheless, dropping Bobby Wagner and Carlos Dunlap will damage. So Seattle’s play in opposition to the run will seemingly drop some. 

As for the Broncos’ O-line, they’ve their issues in opposition to the run, plus they’re putting in a brand new scheme for 2 of the 5 starters in C Lloyd Cushenberry III and RG Quinn Meinerz. LT Garett Bolles and LG Dalton Risner have expertise, nevertheless it has been two seasons since they final performed in it. 

The Broncos had been the 14th-worst run-blocking unit, in keeping with PFF. Nevertheless, Melvin Gordon and Javonte Williams have proven to be a dynamic duo, and the brand new scheme ought to see enhancements. 

Benefit: Barely Denver. 

Broncos RBs & TEs vs. Seahawks LBs & DBs

The Seahawks misplaced Wagner and are turning to Cody Barton to exchange him. They’re additionally betting on Jordyn Brooks to take a step ahead along with his improvement. As for the security place, Diggs is a proficient cowl man, however he’s getting back from damage, and Adams has his points in protection. 

Denver has a priority about their tight-end room. Albert Okwuegbunam is a succesful mismatch receiving tight finish and may very well be a difference-maker on this recreation. However sadly, the Seahawks do not have a perfect reply for the mix of athleticism, pace, and measurement that Okwuegbunam brings to the desk. 

The sting right here is clear in issues about constant tackling and the way good Williams and Gordon might be at making defenders miss or breaking tackles. 

Benefit: Denver. 

What occurs subsequent on the Broncos? Do not miss out on any information and evaluation! Please take a second, signal up for our free e-newsletter, and get breaking Broncos information delivered to your inbox each day!

Broncos WRs vs. Seahawks Secondary

Seattle had important issues about their cornerbacks that they drafted two comparatively early. Tariq Woolen is proficient and has come alongside, however he’s nonetheless studying as a rookie. Coby Bryant is one other rookie that’s proficient however nonetheless coming alongside. Michael Jackson and Sidney Jones are tremendous, however they’re extra geared in direction of being backup corners. 

The Seahawks look to have a strong room, however they’re missing expertise for probably the most half. Then with Adams’ points in protection and Diggs working again from damage, it drags down the secondary as a unit. 

Even with the lack of Tim Patrick, the Broncos nonetheless have a proficient receiver room led by Courtland Sutton. Sutton is usually a drawback for any of the corners Seattle has to supply. Jerry Jeudy has had his vibrant moments and might be arduous to stay with due to his route working capacity, and Hamler has good pace, although he’s working again from a extreme damage. 

Benefit: Barely Denver. 

Broncos DC Ejiro Evero vs. Seahawks QB Geno Smith

Evero is new to the defensive coordinator place however was the passing recreation coordinator. So he has a wonderful thought of what Pete Carrol will throw Denver’s approach within the passing recreation. Plus, Evero noticed Smith firsthand within the recreation Wilson left with an damage. 

Smith went 10-of-17 for 131 yards and a landing and interception. He is not excellent, and the Seahawks had one of many worst quarterback rooms this season. 

Benefit: Denver. 

Broncos Cross Rushers vs. Seahawks O-Line

Each rooms are stuffed with potential. Bradley Chubb and Rangy Gregory are coming back from accidents and have struggled to remain on the sphere. Baron Browning is present process a place change. There may be a variety of potential for the Broncos right here, however there may be for Seattle, too. 

The Seahawks have rookie tackles in Charles Cross and Abraham Lucas. As well as, Seattle has a brand new heart in Austin Blythe, who has been common at finest throughout his profession. The Seahawks’ guards are Gabe Jackson, who was as soon as one of many higher guards within the NFL, and Damien Lewis. 

Of 63 qualifying guards, Jackson was the 18th-worst move blocker, whereas Lewis was the seventh-worst, in keeping with PFF. Nevertheless, they improved barely as run blockers, with Jackson Twenty eighth-worst and Lewis Sixteenth-worst. 

The query for the Seahawks unit is how a lot enchancment can the unit see with Cross, Blythe, and Lucas added? Will Jackson and Lewis proceed to be a legal responsibility? 

Denver added to its run protection by signing D.J. Jones, who had a few of his finest video games in opposition to the Seahawks. Dre’Mont Jones ought to be extra harmful as effectively. If Chubb and Gregory can keep on the sphere and present what the Broncos suppose they’ve in them, it is going to be arduous on Seattle’s offensive line. 

Benefit: Barely Denver. 

Broncos Run Protection vs. Seahawks Working Sport

The Broncos’ run protection struggled final 12 months, and it was a precedence to enhance by GM George Paton. That led to the staff bringing in D.J. Jones. Including Jones ought to assist out the others round him. Additionally serving to the Broncos run protection is having extra succesful linebackers than that they had for a number of video games final season. 

With two rookie tackles, two guards who struggled as run-blockers, and a brand new heart who is not an excellent run blocker, Denver ought to have the ability to management the trenches in opposition to the run. 

Benefit: Denver.

Broncos LBs & DBs vs. Seahawks RBs & TEs

Josey Jewell is one starter, however his availability is now in query, and issues wish to have Jonas Griffith begin. That might be essential as it’s a important drop-off to Alex Singleton. 

Justin Simmons is likely one of the finest safeties within the NFL, with Kareem Jackson nonetheless succesful and Caden Sterns growing. Total, the Broncos’ linebackers and safeties are fairly promising. 

TE Noah Fant is usually a drawback along with his athletic capacity as a receiver. Nevertheless, he can create some mismatches that Seattle can reap the benefits of. Will Dissly can also be a strong tight finish. 

RB Rashaad Penny has acquired a variety of hype for some large video games to shut out final season, however they got here in opposition to a few of the worst run defenses. He has additionally had a restricted impression as a receiver. 

We’ll see whether or not Kenneth Walker performs within the recreation, who was a pleasant addition and may very well be extra of a menace than Penny. Nevertheless, Walker had hernia surgical procedure in August and is unlikely to play within the season opener.

With out Walker, Seattle will flip to Travis Homer and DeeJay Dallas to again up Penny. 

Benefit: Seattle. 

Broncos Secondary vs. Seahawks WRs

Tyler Lockett and DK Metcalf are two nice receivers. Patrick Surtain II and Ronald Darby may have their work lower out for them. It will likely be a substantial take a look at early on. However, it will not simply take a look at these two however the secondary as a complete. 

You’ll be able to’t have miscommunications in opposition to these two receivers. For those who do, you are giving up a giant play.

Dee Eskridge and Marquise Goodwin add extra massive play potential to check Denver’s depth at cornerback. However sadly, that depth is a big concern. So quite a bit will trip on the power of Darby and Surtain to close down Metcalf and Lockett. 

Benefit: Denver. 

Nathaniel Hackett vs. Pete Carroll

Carrol is okay as a head coach, however he’s very cussed in his methods. However, Hackett is recent to being a head coach; he brings youth and, hopefully, creativity to the offense he constructed along with his new quarterback. 

Benefit: Barely Seattle. 

Backside Line

The Broncos are the higher staff on paper and have extra favorable matchups than the Seahawks. There may be a lot placed on the quarterback place, and Denver clearly has the higher quarterback. As well as, the Broncos have the best items to assault the place Seattle has their points. 

Nevertheless, with Denver nonetheless placing issues collectively, this recreation may very well be nearer than some count on. Seattle has a number of edges in important areas to maintain it shut. Then there may be the actual fact something can occur on recreation day. 

The Broncos may not have the ability to capitalize on these benefits, or Seattle could also be higher ready. Lots can occur when the clock begins. 

Proper now, on paper, the benefit is closely in Denver’s favor and will result in at the very least a two-score victory. 

Observe Erick on Twitter @ErickTrickel.

Observe Mile Excessive Huddle on Twitter and Fb.

Subscribe to Mile Excessive Huddle on YouTube for each day Broncos live-stream podcasts!