The Denver Broncos were expected to make easy work of the Seattle Seahawks. Instead, they struggled mightily on the first Monday Night Football game of the 2022 season.
By acquiring quarterback Russell Wilson, the Denver Broncos were expected to finally live up to their expectations and make their first trip to the playoffs since their Super Bowl 50 victory. They had the chance to make an example of the Seattle Seahawks, Wilson’s former team, in the season premiere of Monday Night Football.
Instead, the Broncos struggled to live up to the hype. From multiple penalties and turnovers, they actually trailed the Seahawks 17-10 entering the fourth quarter.
The Broncos had three timeouts available on their final drive in the fourth quarter. Head coach Nathaniel Hackett used none of them, let the clock tick down to less than 30 seconds, and on fourth-and-five, decided to let Brandon McManus attempt a 64-yard field goal. McManus missed, and clinched the 17-16 victory for the Seahawks.
Twitter reacts to Broncos’ poor showing vs. Seahawks
To say that Twitter was unforgiving against them is an understatement.
DENVER RBS ARE YOU OKAY
— Chris Deeley (@ThatChris1209) September 13, 2022
Broncos just beating themselves at this point
— Jordan Lopez (@JordanTLopez) September 13, 2022
These quarterbacks make $40M a year. They can learn to take a snap and fall forward into the end zone. This is insanity.
— Matt Brown (@MattBrownM2) September 13, 2022
The Broncos every time they get to the goal line:pic.twitter.com/CK37fi4Mah
— Fleish (@Fleish_) September 13, 2022
BRONCOS COUNTY, LETS HIDE pic.twitter.com/3X1Js65x9T
— SteelUpdates (@steel_updates) September 13, 2022
It is almost like the @Broncos didn't play their starters in the pre-season.........wait.........
— Joel Klatt (@joelklatt) September 13, 2022
Broncos at the goal line: pic.twitter.com/qD5BLWbO9X
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) September 13, 2022
https://twitter.com/NFL_Memes/status/1569510914587774976?s=20&t=W1Qmgw3rfve74Pi05Xbldg
So I guess the 2022 Broncos offense is:
— John Hansen (@Fantasy_Guru) September 13, 2022
- Russ Wilson running around making a few rando big plays, aka the usual
- Ridiculous RB rotation that ensures neither back gets into a rhythm with a declining vet limiting the impact of their best offensive player.
Got it!
Every #Broncos player in coverage tonight. pic.twitter.com/oHWmvPC4YU
— Brett Kane (@BrettKaneRadio) September 13, 2022
The Broncos had the opportunity to get ahead on the scoreboard multiple times during the game. In fact, Denver was in the red zone twice in the third quarter.
On fourth and goal, Russell Wilson handed the ball off to Melvin Gordon, who fumbled the ball. The very next drive after forcing a fumble on Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf, the Broncos were back in the red zone once again. Once again on Seattle’s one-yard line, Denver’s second year running back Javonte Williams attempted to run into the end zone. Instead, he fumbled the ball into the end zone, which was recovered by Seattle cornerback Mike Jackson Sr.
According to CBS Sports, the Broncos are the first team since 1987 to lose two fumbles on the one-yard line in the same game.
https://twitter.com/CBSSports/status/1569519203249696770
Two chances to put points on the board, Denver ended up with none. In fact, they were 0-for-4 in the red zone on the night.
Meanwhile, Geno Smith had himself a game, as he completed 23-of-28 of his pass attempts for 195 yards and two touchdowns.
Wilson completed 29-of-42 pass attempts for 340 yards,and one touchdown.
It was a great win by the Seahawks, but a horrific loss by the Broncos.