For the second time in three seasons, the Seahawks will host the Broncos in their season opener, but a lot has changed for both franchises since that memorable Seahawks victory two years ago. The Seahawks, of course made a coaching change this offseason, bringing in Mike Macdonald to replace Pete Carroll, who had a memorable 14-year run leading the team. Denver, meanwhile, made a coaching change last year, hiring Sean Payton, then this offseason they moved on from Russell Wilson less than two years after making a blockbuster trade with Seattle to acquire him. Instead of Wilson, the Denver offense will be led by rookie quarterback Bo Nix.
So with the opener approaching, we reached out to DenverBroncos.com lead writer Aric DiLalla with five questions about Seattle's Week 1 opponent.
So… A lot has transpired for the Broncos since they came to Seattle for their season opener two years ago. After a coaching change, a lot of roster turnover and a three-game improvement from 2022 to 2023, how would you assess the state of the Broncos heading into 2024?
DiLalla: I think folks are encouraged by what they saw during training camp, and head coach Sean Payton has mentioned on several occasions that he saw an increased level of competition during the offseason. That said, he also said he's eager to see how the Broncos stack up once the regular season arrives. In particular, the Broncos' rookie class has provided reason for encouragement. Bo Nix garnered the majority of the headlines, but there are a handful of players — OLB Jonah Elliss, RB Audric Estime, etc. — that could be key players for this franchise moving forward.
What did first-round pick Bo Nix show in camp/preseason to earn the starting QB job, and what are realistic expectations for him coming out of the gate?
DiLalla: Well, he earned it with the overall body of work. He wasn't handed the role, which Payton said was important for the locker room to see. In the preseason, he completed more than 76 percent of his passes and led scoring drives on six of his seven possessions while guiding the offense. He was not sacked and did not throw an interception in 60 snaps of preseason action. I've been just as impressed by his ability to bounce back from mistakes in practice, and the coaching staff has lauded his ability to learn the offense. Nix also just became the Broncos' first rookie season-long captain since 1967, so he's checked a lot of boxes. I'm not sure if I can offer a win-loss record or statistical profile, but Payton said at the start of the quarterback competition that he'd pick the player that offered the best chance to win in Week 1. The Broncos believe that's Nix, who is the most experienced quarterback in FBS history.
Speaking of Nix, how are he and Sean Payton preparing for what looks to be anything but a soft landing with a road game in one of the NFL's loudest stadiums and facing the architect of the NFL's best defense in 2023?
DiLalla: There's definitely a healthy respect there. Payton and Nix have both discussed the challenge of preparing for Mike Macdonald's system, particularly in a new setting. In regards to the noise, both men have pointed to Nix's collegiate experience in loud environments — both in the SEC and Pac-12 — while acknowledging the challenge of playing at Lumen Field. On Wednesday, Nix said he understands the importance of communication and acknowledged it's going to be "a hostile environment" and "a great atmosphere."
Other than the obvious big names (Bo Nix, Courtland Sutton, Pat Surtain II, etc.) what player or players could you see being difference makers/X-factors in this game?
DiLalla: I'll be watching how running back Javonte Williams looks another year removed from his 2022 knee injury. He's dropped some weight and has looked impressive in camp. If he can turn in a performance like he did during his rookie year, it would definitely take the pressure off Nix and help the Denver offense. That obviously won't be easy against a Macdonald-led defense, given what he orchestrated in Baltimore.
Besides DK Metcalf vs. Pat Surtain II (because we all know that'll be must-see TV), what matchup or matchups are you most looking forward to seeing play out on Sunday?
DiLalla: Agreed, the Surtain-Metcalf matchup should be fun to watch, especially after Surtain's new contract extension on Wednesday. A little bit of a different answer here, but I'm excited to see the coaching matchup between Payton and Macdonald. Both are obviously considered among the best in their respective areas, and it should be fun to watch the chess match when Denver's offense and Seattle's defense are on the field.
The Seahawks and Broncos face off for the season opener on Sunday, September 8th at Lumen Field. Kickoff is set for 1:05p.m. PT. Take a look back through history at the Seahawks' matchups against the Broncos.
Jim Kiick (33) of the Denver Broncos is brought down by Terry Beeson (58) and Dave Brown (22) of the Seattle Seahawks in the second quarter in Seattle, Wash., Oct. 3, 1977. Denver won 24-13. (AP Photo)
Seattle Seahawks receiver Steve Largent (80) between Denver Broncos linebackers Bob Swenson, Joe Rizzo and Randy Gradishar during first half action in Denver, Oct. 1, 1978. (AP Photo)
Seattle Seahawk running back Curt Warner leaps over a pile of players as he gains yardage against the Denver Broncos in the Kingdome at Seattle, 1983. Warner gained 99 yards on 23 carries as the Seahawks beat the Broncos 31-7. (AP Photo/Jeff Larson)
Denver's Sammy Winder (23) eludes Seattle defenders Michael Jackson (55) and Kenny Easley (45) as Winder picks up first down yardage during their game in Seattle, Dec. 15, 1984. Denver won 31-14. (AP Photo/Dave Ekren)
Denver Broncos defensive end Rulon Jones (75) tries to beat a block by Seattle Seahawks tackle Ron Essink (64) during an NFL game at Mile High Stadium in Denver, Colo., Oct. 20, 1985. The Broncos defeated the Seahawks 13-10 in overtime. (AP Photo/Eric Lars Bakke)
The Denver Broncos defense tries to block a field goal attempt by the Seattle Seahawks during an NFL game in Denver, Colo., Oct. 26, 1986. The Broncos defeated the Seahawks 20-13. (AP Photo/Eric Lars Bakke)
Seattle Seahawks cornerback Terry Taylor (20) defends a pass intended for Denver Broncos wide receiver Sam Graddy (83) during an NFL game, Dec. 13, 1987. The Seahawks defeated the Broncos 28-21 in the Kingdome. (AP Photo/Erik Lars Bakke)
Quarterback John Elway (7) of the Denver Broncos in unable to hold the ball as he is tackled by Rufus Porter of the Seattle Seahawks during the fourth quarter of their NFL game, Sunday, Dec. 12, 1988, Seattle, Wash. Porter also recovered the fumble on the play. Seattle beat Denver 42-14. (AP Photo/Barry Sweet)
Seattle's Louis Clark (84) brings in a pass for a seven yard gain in the fourth quarter of Sunday, Oct. 23, 1989 game against Denver in Seattle. Defending for the Broncos is Steve Atwater. Denver won in overtime 24-21. (AP Photo/Barry Sweet)
Derrick Fenner (44) of the Seattle Seahawks is pulled down after a short gain by Steve Atwater (27) of the Denver Broncos during the first quarter of their NFL game in Seattle, Dec. 23, 1990. (AP Photo/Gary Stewart)
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Brian Blades (89) runs upfield during an NFL game against the Denver Broncos, Sept. 15, 1991. The Broncos defeated the Seahawks 16-10 at Mile High Stadium in Denver. (AP Photo/NFL Photos)
Kicker John Kasay (4) of the Seattle Seahawks celebrates with teammate and holder Rick Tuten (14) after Kasay's overtime game-winning field goal in Seattle, Dec. 1, 1992. The Seahaeks won against the Denver Broncos 16-13. (AP Photo/Bill Chan)
Seattle Seahawks running back Jon Vaughn (22) returns a kick during an NFL game against the Denver Broncos, Oct. 31, 1993. The Broncos defeated the Seahawks 28-17 at Mile High Stadium. (AP Photo/Eric Lars Bakke)
Denver Broncos Shannon Sharpe (84) comes down with a John Elway pass after being hit by Seattle Seahawks' Carlton Gray (26) in the first quarter of the game in Seattle on Oct. 1, 1995. The pass was complete for a seven-yard gain. (AP Photo/Barry Sweet)
Denver Broncos running back Terrell Davis, right, is pulled down from the side by Seattle Seahawks Darryl Williams in the second quarter of the Broncos' 34-7 victory in Denver's Mile High Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 1, 1996. (AP Photo/Bryan Kelsen)
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Derrick Mayes (87) pulls in a pass in front of Denver Broncos linebacker Al Wilson (56) in the first quarter in Denver's Mile High Stadium, Sunday, Dec. 19, 1999. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Seattle Seahawks safety Jay Bellamy (20) during the first quarter at Mile High Stadium in Denver on Sunday, Dec. 10, 2000. (AP Photo/Kevin Higley)
Seattle Seahawks' Shaun Alexander (37) heads past Denver Broncos' Lee Woodall for a second-quarter touchdown run Sunday, Oct. 14, 2001, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
Denver Broncos' Mike Anderson escapes Seattle Seahawks' Ken Lucas to score the first touchdown of the game during the third quarter in Seattle Sunday Nov. 17, 2002. (AP Photo/John Froschauer)
Seattle Seahawks running back Shaun Alexander, right, is chased down after a short gain by Denver Broncos defensive end Ebenezer Ekuban in the first quarter of an NFL football game in Denver on Sunday, Dec. 3, 2006. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Ben Obomanu (87) eyes the end zone after pulling in a 12-yard pass on a touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos Sunday, Sept. 19, 2010, in Denver. Denver's Champ Bailey (24) and Mario Haggan defend on the play. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
Seattle Seahawks outside linebacker Malcolm Smith (53) reacts as he returns an interception for a touchdown against the Denver Broncos during the first half of the NFL Super Bowl XLVIII football game, Sunday, Feb. 2, 2014, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)
Seattle Seahawks owner Paul Allen lifts the Vince Lombardi Trophy in celebration as head coach Pete Carroll and general manager John Schneider look on following Super Bowl XLVIII against the Denver Broncos at MetLife Stadium on February 2, 2014 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Seahawks won 43-8. (AP Photo/Todd Rosenberg)
Seattle Seahawks' Ricardo Lockette (83) catches a touchdown pass in the end zone as Denver Broncos' Aqib Talib defends during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2014, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
