The Denver Broncos will kick off the 2022-23 season against their newly acquired quarterback Russell Wilson's ex-team, the Seattle Seahawks. The last time these two teams played was August 21, 2021. Then, Denver destroyed the Seahawks 30-3. Both teams have dramatically changed, with new faces at the quarterback position. However, while Denver became a loaded powerhouse with elite young players, the Seahawks have lost any chance of making the playoffs this season.
Seattle received TE Noah Fant, DE Shelby Harris, and QB Drew Lock in the trade, sending Russell Wilson to the Broncos. Excellent additions to a team left in the rut, Fant is ideal for the quick passing game when he gets his hand on the ball with his run-after-catch ability.
Shelby Harris was a force to be reckoned with on the Broncos with his rush/run-stopping abilities.
But, according to Bradley Chubb, he was the life of the locker room in Mile High. Harris will benefit from playing in a similar 3-4 defense.
The QB Competition
Last week, the Seahawks declared that Geno Smith won the competition over ex-Broncos quarterback Drew Lock.
Surprisingly Lock, who Denver drafted with the 42nd overall pick in the 2019 NFL draft, will start another season on the bench. Veteran QB Geno Smith outperformed Lock in the preseason, Who missed significant time from training camp and only played in two preseason games due to COVID-19 symptoms.
Preseason finale VS. the Cowboys
Lock completed 13-24 for 171 yards, 1 TD, and 3 INTs.
It is all about availability in the NFL, even in the preseason. Drew Lock has a 9-15 record in his career. It's been a rollercoaster ride in his three years in the league.
Head Coach Pete Carroll on the QB competition.
"Geno's going to start the opener," Carroll said. "He's earned it. Drew just ran out of time in making his bid for it."
The Denver Broncos were reluctant to play their star quarterback Russell Wilson during the preseason. Still, they ultimately won two out of three games behind backup quarterback Brett Rypien and Josh Johnson, who signed on to join the Broncos practice squad.
"It was a very hard decision for all of us, our entire staff," Hackett said. "So much respect for Josh and 'Ryp.' I think that just from a consistency standpoint, 'Ryp' edged him out just a little bit.
"But it doesn't say that we wouldn't be absolutely ecstatic to have Josh go in for a game if we needed to. So, it was definitely a very close competition."
Russell Wilson is expected to start week one vs. the Seattle Seahawks. As expected, all eyes will be on the returning star quarterback, who has played ten seasons with the Seattle Seahawks.
Who will win the offensive battle?
So far, Denver's offense has been revamped since last season, especially with star wide receiver Tim Patrick going down with a season-ending ACL injury.
Now by reinstalling a healthy KJ Hamler back into the offense and signing Rookie stand-out Jalen Virgil. In addition, the Broncos have given Russell Wilson plenty of options to throw the ball to.
Developing chemistry will be their primary area of concern, but that will change as they find their rhythm. The Broncos have a strong running game with two dual-threat running backs in the backfield. Expect Melvin Gordon and Javonte Williams to split carries, but Gordon has been vocal about Williams becoming their leading rusher.
"I think they have a plan on what they want heading in, but as far as the rotation goes, I really don't know," Gordon said Wednesday, via NFL.com. "I think they want 'Vonte' to be the guy, but we do rotate. He'll take the first series and then the second series with the [No. 1 offense], I'll take. Sometimes we switch, but you know, kind of how it is.
Denver's offense looks the best since the days of Peyton Manning. But, for the Seahawks, the trade of Russell Wilson put them in a bin.
The star QB was unhappy for some time, and inside executives believed the franchise knew it was only a matter of time until he demanded a trade. A trade well within his rights, Wilson set more than two-dozen franchise records and brought Seattle their only Super Bowl Championship.
Now the Seahawks head into week one with Geno Smith at the helm. Smith has grown into a legit quarterback in his ten years in the NFL. However, he hasn't started an entire season since 2013.
Head Coach Pete Carroll on Geno Smith.
"I believe he gives us the best chance to win weekly games."
The Seahawks missed out on the playoffs last year for the first time since 2017, and this year may not be any different, according to a New York Times simulation that found the Seahawks' playoff odds at just 4%.
Geno Smith has the arsenal to get the job done. He already has chemistry with Pro Bowl wide receiver Tyler Lockett, Who is a severe deep threat, and WR DK Metcalf, who can impose his will on other defenders, but it remains to be seen how effective he can be for an entire season.
Broncos CB Patrick Surtain II on the Seahawks receiving core,
"We're ready for the challenge."
According to ESPN's Football Power Index. The Denver Broncos have a 57.3% chance of defeating the Seattle Seahawks.