The Denver Broncos’ season got off to a rough start with a 20-26 loss to the Seattle Seahawks. Pro Football Focus has released their grades for the game, and as expected, the offense didn’t receive favorable numbers.
Not a single offensive player managed to even reach a 70.0. The offensive line received the best scores of the day, as right tackle Mike McGlinchey was the highest-graded offensive player with a 67.6. He was followed by left tackle Matt Peart (65.7), though he only played in 18 snaps after Garret Bolles was injured.
Bo Nix’s rookie debut was underwhelming, reminiscent of Peyton Manning’s first game. He threw two interceptions and no touchdowns, earning a disappointing 44.6 overall grade. However, his rushing touchdown gave him a 71.6 rushing grade, showing some playmaking potential.
It was not a big game for the wide receiving core, as no one gained more than 45 receiving yards. Devaughn Vele and Josh Reynolds received the best scores amongst wide receivers, both with a 65.3, though Reynolds played 21 more snaps. Courtland Sutton came in behind them with a 55.4.
Denver’s running game, excluding Nix’s 35 yards on the ground, only managed a total of 64 yards. Javonte Williams (55.1) and Jaleel McLaughlin (55.0) received almost identical grades. They combined for 50 yards, averaging a measly 2.8 yards per carry. Audric Estime, who had the lowest score of anyone on offense, only earned a 29.4. This score was likely due to his costly fumble, despite having only two carries.
There was more to celebrate from the defense, which almost did enough on their own to lead Denver to a victory.
Outside linebacker Jonathon Cooper received the highest grade of any defensive player on the Broncos with a 79.2. Against Seattle, he had two sacks and six tackles, two of which were for a loss.
Cooper was followed by safety P.J. Locke, who fell just short of 70.0 with a 69.8. Taking the bronze was outside linebacker Baron Browning, with a 66.5
Despite catching an interception on the opening drive, middle linebacker Alex Singleton earned a 55.5, likely because of the four tackles he missed.
Surprisingly, PFF gave defensive lineman Zach Allen the lowest defensive grade at 42.2. Allen had four tackles, three hurries, one quarterback hit, and one tackle in the end zone for a safety. His run defense grade of 29.6 and his tackling grade of 27.0 certainly brought him down.
Though abysmal on offense, Estime slightly redeemed himself on special teams with a 74.7 grade. Despite making all three field goal attempts, kicker Will Lutz only earned a 66.8 kicking grade. Punter Riley Dixon averaged 46.3 net yards per punt with a long of 65 yards, receiving a 60.2 punting grade.
The Broncos will face the Pittsburgh Steelers this week, hoping to bounce back from their Week 1 loss. With plenty of areas to improve, especially on offense, the team will aim for a better result, which would certainly result in better individual grades.
