Stat line: 26-of-42 passing, 138 yards, 2 INTs and a rushing touchdown.
Highlight: There were few pretty moments. But in the closing seconds of the second quarter, Nix completed a 25-yard pass near the sideline to wide receiver Josh Reynolds. In what was Nix’s best throw of the afternoon, helping set up a 45-yard field goal by kicker Wil Lutz. Nix showcased his legs in the fourth quarter when he scrambled to the right, pump-faked and spun into the end zone for a 4-yard touchdown with 2:09 left in regulation.
Lowlight: The Broncos faced a third-and-9 early in the second quarter when Nix tried to force the ball to wide receiver Courtland Sutton in the end zone and was picked off by Seattle safety Julian Love. It was a poor decision to throw the ball, as Sutton had two defenders around him. Nix almost had his second interception when he threw into the chest of Tyrel Dodson but the Seahawks linebacker failed to secure the pick.
Analysis: Nix looked spooked. Even head coach Sean Payton’s conservative play calling wasn’t enough to settle him down. His mechanics were off. He was late on multiple throws. And he had nervous feet. In the second quarter, Nix looked desperate to make a play and ended up putting the ball in harm’s way. He had the interception and then attempted a throw to Sutton in double coverage, forcing the Broncos to settle for a field goal. There were also times when Nix struggled to decide whether to throw or keep the ball and run. And short passes to Jaleel McLaughlin did not produce much yardage. The Broncos spent the offseason praising Nix’s college experience and maturity. On Sunday, he looked like a deer in the highlights.
Unsung Hero
RB Kenneth Walker: Walker was hard to slow down on Sunday. The Seahawks starting running back rushed for 103 yards and a touchdown on 19 carries while averaging 5.2 yards per attempt. He created momentum for the Seahawks in the third quarter, running 23 yards down the sideline before leaping across the goal line for a score. Walker exited the game in the fourth quarter due to abdominal pain.
Goat of the game
Vance Joseph: Denver’s defensive coordinator had his unit humming in the first half before they fell apart down the stretch. The Broncos held Seattle to 56 rushing yards while recording an interception and two safeties in the first two quarters. However, the run defense faltered to start the second half and allowed 90 rushing yards and 202 total yards in the final two quarters.
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