The Broncos’ report card from their 17-16 loss to the Seattle Seahawks on Monday night:
Offense — F
The Broncos rolled up 433 yards and were eight of 15 on third down, but anytime an offense fails to score a single point after twice reaching the opponent’s 1-yard line, they deserve an F. Inexcusable red zone execution (or lack thereof) by the Broncos, who went field goal, fumble, fumble and field goal in four chances inside the 20-yard line. Quarterback Russell Wilson made some terrific plays, including lofting a pass that Jerry Jeudy collected for a 67-yard touchdown. But should running back Javonte Williams lead the team with 11 catches? No, he shouldn’t and Broncos receivers had only eight of the team’s 29 catches.
Defense — C
The Broncos allowed Geno Smith touchdown passes of 38 and 25 yards and neither were to receivers D.K. Metcalf or Tyler Lockett. Smith had only five incompletions among his 28 attempts and the Broncos hurt themselves with seven penalties. Outside linebacker Bradley Chubb had two sacks (a positive for him off his multiple 2021 ankle surgeries) and Randy Gregory forced a fumble. But it was tough sledding for cornerback Pat Surtain II, who allowed multiple completions and had no pass break-ups.
Special teams — D
Kicker Brandon McManus made field goal attempts of 30, 40 and 26 yards, but his 64-yard attempt in the final minute would have been his career long by three yards and he wasn’t kicking with the benefit of his hometown altitude. But the big concern for the Broncos’ special teams was rookie returner Montrell Washington. He averaged only 17 yards on three kickoff returns (long of 21) and made a poor decision on his first return, taking a kick out from three yards deep in the end zone and semi-hugged against the sideline. He gained only 14 yards to the Broncos’ 11. Washington’s decision-making must be more on-point.
Coaching — F
Twelve penalties, more than in any game last year. A total of 121 yards in penalties, more than in any game last year. And a 0-for-4 night in the red zone, almost worse than in any game last year (1 for 5 in the loss to Philadelphia). It was a team not ready to play … probably because they hadn’t played. But coach Nathaniel Hackett has to own the ‘L’ and the ‘F’ for his regular-season debut. The offensive operation was off for most of the game and they committed two delay-of-game penalties on the same drive (the offense had two all of last year). But in the final minute, Hackett led the clock run from 1:00 to :20 before calling a timeout and choosing to send McManus out for a 64-yard field goal instead of trusting Wilson to convert a fourth-and-5. Bad football.
