The first half was honest-to-god-awful, and when Fant went down the bad memories of the season opener vs the Rams were hard to suppress. The OL looked terrible, and Geno was not getting the ball out fast enough or accurately enough to compensate. So… I say that Grubb and Company are HOT HOT HOT because of the adjustment made at halftime. If you just look at the 2nd half stats, you would not believe it was the same team as the one that played the first half. However they changed the blocking/plays/schemes to compensate, it just worked.
I will continue to be a Geno skeptic though unless and until I see entire GAMES played like the second half, on a consistent basis.
But man oh man the DEFENSE—that was a fantastic start. The best EDGE is clearly Boye now. The guy was flying! The secondary was great considering this was the first full game. I was expecting to see more communication issues but it was a pretty solid and the tackling is the way it should be but hasn’t been for years.
I have always gotten the impression Geno is trying to be Russell Wilson after studying his play style from the bench for so long. Then I watched the Steelers game this morning, Fields played the entire game and he, too, seemed to be trying to replicate Wilson! The difference is Fields succeeded in his effort and they won the game on FGs only 🤣🤣. Granted the era Fields was replicating was the Bronco years.
If you are going to be successful in the college game, like both MM and Grubb were, you have to be great at making adjustments. It looks like we FINALLY have competent coaching on both sides of the ball!
There was just a feeling a couple of minutes into the second half that Seattle's defense was something new and extraordinary. That was really cool. I just loved the idea that the Hawks once more had an intimidating defense. Dodson wearing zero. I'm in.
The defense is a breath of fresh air, they kept the seahawks in the game especially in the first half through great run defense, good coverage, rallying to the ball, and (oh my god!) GOOD TACKLING!!! Love that Macdonald is already doing some of the various blitz threats and disguises, as the season goes on and he gets a better idea of what works with our players I expect the defense to get even better.
Also, can we all just appreciate being able to watch K9 basically suplex a defender while getting tackled for loss?
The most underrated part of the defense, in my opinion, was the LB corps. I was really worried Dodson and Baker were going to be a huge weakness, and while they aren't Queen/Smith level, they were certainly solid, making lots of great tackles and flying all over the field. They had a couple of mistakes, but overall I thought they were a plus to the defense as opposed to the huge double minus I was worried they could be. Kudos to Mac and to them for playing well and doing their jobs.
The last post I wrote I made a case to keep Lockett at a lesser cost. That slower older guy was our top receiver. Any questions,
I think we have seen the last of Bradford as a starter, he was atrocious. They have to give the rookie a shot. How could he be any worse?
It's a win, but it's always hard to judge from one game. Were we good or the Broncos bad? The new
D looked good and the great half time adjustments gave me hope for the future with the new coaching staff. If the Oline doesn't improve some trades must be made. Some changes in the passing scheme may help.
SSJay was correct that Sutton would not do well. Big deal, he caught a couple of balls and instantly fell down! It’s his own fault for trying to share a birthday with her good friend.
Did Baker get playing time? I think I may have only heard his name once! EDIT: Reading other comments, it appears SSJay was correct here, too, and Baker did quite well.
I think you’re not quite right with your QB analysis. Geno was horrible the entire first half. He got better in the second half, but most of our success was from K9. Geno’s TD run was not that special. The ground opened up like the parting of the Red Sea. Geno and all of his disciples could have walked that in. So, overall, I would say he was less than medium. If that was medium, we’re in trouble for the rest of the season. I’m sure he will be much better than he was today.
As far as Nix goes (you seem to be very anti-Nix), I agree he wasn’t great, but I didn’t think he was quite as bad as you’re making out given it was his first NFL game. You’ve gotta give him some leeway. There was at least 3 drops by receivers that should have been caught. And he ran for 35 yards with 5 carries and a TD - a better running TD than Geno’s. So I didn’t think he did too bad with his legs. He often lengthened plays too. Unfortunately for him, our D was just too good and he had no easy options. I’m sure he’ll learn to read the state of play better and throw less dangerous throws as time progresses. As I said, he wasn’t great, but he showed some good signs and I’m confident he will improve. Time will tell.
By mid-season Nix may be much better than who we saw today. I agree he didn’t get much help from his receivers. I just wonder if he really has the zip to get the ball into tight windows.
I wondered if Nix was intimidated having his first game at Lumen. The 12s have a reputation, you know, and the ghosts of Wilson and Carroll still haunt the Broncos. I'm also not sold on their coach. Not because I know anything about coaching football, but he has been very outspoken in a negative way about players in the past, and that doesn't speak well for his character to me.
I just think your first game would be intimidation enough. But you’re right, the 12’s add another level to that.
I just think, what if that was my kid in his first game as an NFL QB? I think he did ok. Also, if I was a Bronco’s fan, I would think he showed some good signs. I’d expect the season will be a struggle, but expect improvement as the season goes on. As I said, I’m sure he will improve. He has talent. He almost led the Ducks to the National Championship.
As with every season, I hope for the best, but we need to fix the Oline weakness on the next couple years or it won’t matter how good the defense is or isn’t. Special teams will I hope get better with punt returns and kickoffs but every return is now must see TV. Geno is great with the normal amount of pressure but not with 50% of his throws being rushed. He needs a clean pocket
What QBs get a consistently clean pocket? That always confuses me when there are plenty of QBs who manage to get the ball out fast, accurate and get 1st downs regularly even when they are being rushed by the opposing defense. Geno plays too much like Wilson did - runs backward & loses more yards getting sacked anyway. He doesn't have the escape magic Russell had early in his career. Wilson aged on the field, but Geno aged on the bench and it shows. IMHO
Watching Detroit and LA right now. Neither Stafford nor Goff are getting a lot of time to throw—Stafford in particular given injuries to the Rams OL, but both have no problem getting the ball out quickly.
The one fact that can't be ignored is that Geno is an older player who may be in physical shape, but he hasn't had the mental workout in reading the defense or finding his options in a pinch. I watch his reactions when something works and he shifts his surprise into self-praise. It's so visible. He stands out as different.
Fant wasn’t good either. I thought Laken and Bradford were atrocious in the first half but maybe ? Got better in 2nd half. Liked Gruff’s adjustments at half.
After an atrocious first half, It was refreshing to see the coaching staff make some meaningful adjustments that actually worked! I’m imaging Grubb saying f-it, we’re going out there and running the damn ball!
The defense was really good in their premier, and I anticipate them getting better as they get more full speed reps. Nice to see guys flying around and multiple guys around the ball. I’ll forgive a few missed tackles week 1 but they need to clean it up.
The O line is a train wreck. They have to get better because I don’t know they can play much worse. I’ll cut Williams slack given that he’s only been here 3 weeks and is coming off a big injury. I agree Cross was good based solely on the fact he wasn’t mentioned or flagged. We’re in deep doo doo if Lucas doesn’t come back in week 5 and pick up where he left off.
All offseason I've been hoping that today we'd see something that gives hope for a breakout from the stagnation - especially on defense - of the last few seasons. I think I saw that! 😀
The O-line has major issues and could still be the main reason for a disappointing season. But the fact that they got something working after the debacle of the first half gives me hope. I don't expect it to be pretty, but maybe it won't be so ugly as to wreck everything else.🤞
Defense looked much better than last year, even if the Denver offense was bad. Better and faster tackling and an ability to get off the field more often than not...those are already improvements. Just feels like this unit could really develop into something formidable.👍
Crazy seeing any team give up two safeties in a half and still get a W. Only 80 yards of offense by the two teams *combined* in the first quarter was also a little nutty. Seemed to fit what I saw watching NFL Redzone in the early games - lots of buffoonery on offense league-wide. 🤦♂️
I love Spoon, but I he looked goofy jumping the wrong way on Nix's TD run. Not like K9, who looked superb flying through the air (like a bird of prey should!) on his. 🦅
All that said, it's a W - so I'm a happy camper! Go Hawks!😁
The games I watched week 1 showed everyone (except the Chiefs) pretty much trying to find their footing. It is the first full game for most of the starting players, isn't it.
The first half was honest-to-god-awful, and when Fant went down the bad memories of the season opener vs the Rams were hard to suppress. The OL looked terrible, and Geno was not getting the ball out fast enough or accurately enough to compensate. So… I say that Grubb and Company are HOT HOT HOT because of the adjustment made at halftime. If you just look at the 2nd half stats, you would not believe it was the same team as the one that played the first half. However they changed the blocking/plays/schemes to compensate, it just worked.
I will continue to be a Geno skeptic though unless and until I see entire GAMES played like the second half, on a consistent basis.
But man oh man the DEFENSE—that was a fantastic start. The best EDGE is clearly Boye now. The guy was flying! The secondary was great considering this was the first full game. I was expecting to see more communication issues but it was a pretty solid and the tackling is the way it should be but hasn’t been for years.
I have always gotten the impression Geno is trying to be Russell Wilson after studying his play style from the bench for so long. Then I watched the Steelers game this morning, Fields played the entire game and he, too, seemed to be trying to replicate Wilson! The difference is Fields succeeded in his effort and they won the game on FGs only 🤣🤣. Granted the era Fields was replicating was the Bronco years.
I didn't know 2nd half adjustments were a thing. The Seahawks are allowed to do that? Is this a new rule?
If you are going to be successful in the college game, like both MM and Grubb were, you have to be great at making adjustments. It looks like we FINALLY have competent coaching on both sides of the ball!
“Bo Nix reminded me of Justin Fields without the legs” 🙌😆
There was just a feeling a couple of minutes into the second half that Seattle's defense was something new and extraordinary. That was really cool. I just loved the idea that the Hawks once more had an intimidating defense. Dodson wearing zero. I'm in.
The defense is a breath of fresh air, they kept the seahawks in the game especially in the first half through great run defense, good coverage, rallying to the ball, and (oh my god!) GOOD TACKLING!!! Love that Macdonald is already doing some of the various blitz threats and disguises, as the season goes on and he gets a better idea of what works with our players I expect the defense to get even better.
Also, can we all just appreciate being able to watch K9 basically suplex a defender while getting tackled for loss?
The most underrated part of the defense, in my opinion, was the LB corps. I was really worried Dodson and Baker were going to be a huge weakness, and while they aren't Queen/Smith level, they were certainly solid, making lots of great tackles and flying all over the field. They had a couple of mistakes, but overall I thought they were a plus to the defense as opposed to the huge double minus I was worried they could be. Kudos to Mac and to them for playing well and doing their jobs.
Dodson was outstanding, I thought.
The last post I wrote I made a case to keep Lockett at a lesser cost. That slower older guy was our top receiver. Any questions,
I think we have seen the last of Bradford as a starter, he was atrocious. They have to give the rookie a shot. How could he be any worse?
It's a win, but it's always hard to judge from one game. Were we good or the Broncos bad? The new
D looked good and the great half time adjustments gave me hope for the future with the new coaching staff. If the Oline doesn't improve some trades must be made. Some changes in the passing scheme may help.
SSJay was correct that Sutton would not do well. Big deal, he caught a couple of balls and instantly fell down! It’s his own fault for trying to share a birthday with her good friend.
Did Baker get playing time? I think I may have only heard his name once! EDIT: Reading other comments, it appears SSJay was correct here, too, and Baker did quite well.
Her visions were solid! 😁😁
I think you’re not quite right with your QB analysis. Geno was horrible the entire first half. He got better in the second half, but most of our success was from K9. Geno’s TD run was not that special. The ground opened up like the parting of the Red Sea. Geno and all of his disciples could have walked that in. So, overall, I would say he was less than medium. If that was medium, we’re in trouble for the rest of the season. I’m sure he will be much better than he was today.
As far as Nix goes (you seem to be very anti-Nix), I agree he wasn’t great, but I didn’t think he was quite as bad as you’re making out given it was his first NFL game. You’ve gotta give him some leeway. There was at least 3 drops by receivers that should have been caught. And he ran for 35 yards with 5 carries and a TD - a better running TD than Geno’s. So I didn’t think he did too bad with his legs. He often lengthened plays too. Unfortunately for him, our D was just too good and he had no easy options. I’m sure he’ll learn to read the state of play better and throw less dangerous throws as time progresses. As I said, he wasn’t great, but he showed some good signs and I’m confident he will improve. Time will tell.
By mid-season Nix may be much better than who we saw today. I agree he didn’t get much help from his receivers. I just wonder if he really has the zip to get the ball into tight windows.
He definitely has. I’ve seen him do it with the Ducks.
I wondered if Nix was intimidated having his first game at Lumen. The 12s have a reputation, you know, and the ghosts of Wilson and Carroll still haunt the Broncos. I'm also not sold on their coach. Not because I know anything about coaching football, but he has been very outspoken in a negative way about players in the past, and that doesn't speak well for his character to me.
I just think your first game would be intimidation enough. But you’re right, the 12’s add another level to that.
I just think, what if that was my kid in his first game as an NFL QB? I think he did ok. Also, if I was a Bronco’s fan, I would think he showed some good signs. I’d expect the season will be a struggle, but expect improvement as the season goes on. As I said, I’m sure he will improve. He has talent. He almost led the Ducks to the National Championship.
Not to mention the Ducks vs Huskies is a major rivalry, as well as the Broncos vs Seahawks. :)
Geno's TD was was actually quite good. He put a move on a DB and had him on skates.
It was about as good of a move as Raygun’s best in the olympics.
As with every season, I hope for the best, but we need to fix the Oline weakness on the next couple years or it won’t matter how good the defense is or isn’t. Special teams will I hope get better with punt returns and kickoffs but every return is now must see TV. Geno is great with the normal amount of pressure but not with 50% of his throws being rushed. He needs a clean pocket
What QBs get a consistently clean pocket? That always confuses me when there are plenty of QBs who manage to get the ball out fast, accurate and get 1st downs regularly even when they are being rushed by the opposing defense. Geno plays too much like Wilson did - runs backward & loses more yards getting sacked anyway. He doesn't have the escape magic Russell had early in his career. Wilson aged on the field, but Geno aged on the bench and it shows. IMHO
Watching Detroit and LA right now. Neither Stafford nor Goff are getting a lot of time to throw—Stafford in particular given injuries to the Rams OL, but both have no problem getting the ball out quickly.
Me, too, that pass Stafford just made was incredible!!
Yes, the excuses start to get tiresome after a while.
The one fact that can't be ignored is that Geno is an older player who may be in physical shape, but he hasn't had the mental workout in reading the defense or finding his options in a pinch. I watch his reactions when something works and he shifts his surprise into self-praise. It's so visible. He stands out as different.
Stone is not the answer. I would kick the tires on Baktiari at the very least
Fant wasn’t good either. I thought Laken and Bradford were atrocious in the first half but maybe ? Got better in 2nd half. Liked Gruff’s adjustments at half.
George and Noah
After an atrocious first half, It was refreshing to see the coaching staff make some meaningful adjustments that actually worked! I’m imaging Grubb saying f-it, we’re going out there and running the damn ball!
The defense was really good in their premier, and I anticipate them getting better as they get more full speed reps. Nice to see guys flying around and multiple guys around the ball. I’ll forgive a few missed tackles week 1 but they need to clean it up.
The O line is a train wreck. They have to get better because I don’t know they can play much worse. I’ll cut Williams slack given that he’s only been here 3 weeks and is coming off a big injury. I agree Cross was good based solely on the fact he wasn’t mentioned or flagged. We’re in deep doo doo if Lucas doesn’t come back in week 5 and pick up where he left off.
All offseason I've been hoping that today we'd see something that gives hope for a breakout from the stagnation - especially on defense - of the last few seasons. I think I saw that! 😀
The O-line has major issues and could still be the main reason for a disappointing season. But the fact that they got something working after the debacle of the first half gives me hope. I don't expect it to be pretty, but maybe it won't be so ugly as to wreck everything else.🤞
Defense looked much better than last year, even if the Denver offense was bad. Better and faster tackling and an ability to get off the field more often than not...those are already improvements. Just feels like this unit could really develop into something formidable.👍
Crazy seeing any team give up two safeties in a half and still get a W. Only 80 yards of offense by the two teams *combined* in the first quarter was also a little nutty. Seemed to fit what I saw watching NFL Redzone in the early games - lots of buffoonery on offense league-wide. 🤦♂️
I love Spoon, but I he looked goofy jumping the wrong way on Nix's TD run. Not like K9, who looked superb flying through the air (like a bird of prey should!) on his. 🦅
All that said, it's a W - so I'm a happy camper! Go Hawks!😁
The games I watched week 1 showed everyone (except the Chiefs) pretty much trying to find their footing. It is the first full game for most of the starting players, isn't it.
Cardinals lose to Bills: check
Seahawks win: check
Rams lose: check (and man that OT drive, the Lions steamrolled the Donaldless Rams)
If the Jets can find a way to beat the Niners this will be a perfect weekend!
6 straight "three and outs" at one point by the defense. I'll take that any day of the week.
That’s impressive no matter who the opponent is.