The Seattle Seahawks are set to host the Denver Broncos for the second time in three years to kick off their season. A lot has changed for both teams since the Seahawks’ 2022 win, most notably with new head coaches for both squads and a different quarterback leading the Broncos. With new faces and schemes on each side, there are several key factors to watch for when these teams clash at Lumen Field on Sunday.
Lumen Field, known for its intense crowd noise, will pose a significant challenge to the Broncos, particularly for their rookie quarterback, Bo Nix. This will be Nix’s first NFL start, and he’ll not only have to contend with the raucous environment but also with Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald’s complex defensive schemes. Macdonald’s defense, which was highly successful during his time with the Ravens, is designed to confuse opposing quarterbacks with a variety of looks and pressure tactics, which could be especially troublesome for a rookie.
The atmosphere for the Seahawks’ home opener is always electric, and the excitement surrounding Macdonald’s first game at the helm adds to the anticipation. Macdonald is eager for the intense environment, stating, “It’s going to be loud. I hope that my ears are ringing, I hope that we have trouble communicating.” The noise and defensive complexity are key weapons for Seattle as they look to disrupt Nix’s rhythm and put pressure on the Broncos’ offense.
While Nix has experience playing in noisy college stadiums, particularly during his time at Oregon and Auburn, he faces a new level of challenge in the NFL. Broncos defensive coordinator Joe Lombardi acknowledged the difficulty Nix will face, explaining that Macdonald’s defense uses a blend of blitzes and disguised coverages to keep offenses off balance. Lombardi emphasized that it’s difficult to plan against such an unpredictable defense, and Nix will need to stay composed and adapt as the game unfolds.
With so much newness on both sides, both teams will have to adjust quickly. For Nix and the Broncos, success will depend on their ability to stay calm amidst the chaos and make effective in-game adjustments.
