NFL
By: Keith Richards
We made it, everyone! Finally, through the doldrums of the offseason, the absurd time to get in draft picks, free agency, and preseason, the NFL season is HERE! In Week 1, the new look Denver Broncos take on the Seattle Seahawks. So, Russell Wilson will face his former team right off the bat. So, what are we waiting for?! Let’s dive into the keys to victory for the offense and defense.
Offensive Keys to Victory
The first key for the offense in this game is calm. This Broncos team comes into Week 1 this season with high expectations. Russell Wilson’s emotions will undoubtedly run high as he faces the only professional team he’s played for. That being said, the Broncos should win this game because of their offensive firepower.
Last season, the Seahawks defense allowed 21.5 points per game, 265.5 yards in the air, and 113.6 yards on the ground. Russell takes over a talented group of skill position players with Denver and knows a little about that Seattle defense. In their last campaign, the Broncos averaged 19.7 points, 211.4 passing yards, and 119.1 rushing yards per game. Expect to see significant increases in all areas.
This game’s second key for the offense is to get Jerry Jeudy off to a good start. Coming into his third season, Jeudy needs to start to reach his potential. Indeed, bad quarterback play is partially to blame for his lack of growth. But, in Week 1, an elite quarterback will be under center. So, there are no more excuses for Jerry.
I see no reason why Jerry Jeudy could not have an 80+ reception, 1,000+ yard season. Courtland Sutton will get his. Tim Patrick is out for the season. So, Jeudy should see more targets starting in Week 1. It would be an excellent start for him if he could get seven or more receptions for 80 or more yards.
Now, let’s look at the defensive keys for Week 1.
Defensive Keys to Victory
The first key to victory for the defense in Week 1 is turnovers. This team needs to get more turnovers if they have Super Bowl ambitions. Last season, Denver ranked 21st in the NFL in turnovers with just 19 and a difference of only plus one. Unfortunately, that’s not good enough. With an offense as capable of explosive plays as the Broncos’ will be, the defense needs to provide opportunities for those plays to occur.
In addition to explosive plays, turnovers produce shorter fields for the offense. While the defense didn’t completely fail in that manner last season, they will need to continue, if not improve, in that respect this season. One way to increase turnovers is a monster pass rush, which is the second key to victory for the defense in Week 1.
In the 2021 season, Denver was 18th in the league with 36 sacks. But, like with the turnover output, that’s not good enough. George Paton has done a lot to remedy that, though. The Broncos signed Randy Gregory to a big deal and poached D.J. Jones for the 49ers. Also, Josey Jewell and Bradley Chubb return from injury, which will boost a defense that was already good last season.
More pressure on the opposing quarterback can increase the number of sacks and the mistakes made. More mistakes equal more turnovers. With Geno Smith starting for Seattle, the defensive unit should be hungry and be able to manage at least two turnovers in Week 1, which would be a solid start to the season.
The Prediction
There will be nerves for the entire team in Week 1, but I expect the Broncos to win this one without much fuss. I predict the Broncos beat the Seahawks 34-14 in Week 1. Wilson will have around 300 yards passing, and Williams and Gordon will combine for about 140 yards rushing. Also, Jeudy should have about seven receptions for 85 yards and a touchdown.
As Russell Wilson says, LET’S RIDE! If you haven’t already, get some fresh gear and represent your squad. Also, check out the rest of the NFL coverage with Nuts and Bolts Sports! See you next week!
