An Insider’s Look At The Seahawks Week 1 Opponent, The Denver Broncos

DiLalla: There’s a ton of returning talent in players like Justin Simmons, Pat Surtain II and Bradley Chubb, and the Broncos added a big-name free-agent in Randy Gregory. The biggest questions to me are how new defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero is able to adjust as a first-time play-caller and if the Broncos can force more turnovers. The Broncos posted the third-ranked scoring defense last year, but there were times when they struggled to get off the field and generate takeaways. If Evero can help his team find more quick stops and create more turnovers, this defense could be better than a year ago. Of course, playing with a lead helps, too.

DiLalla: I’ll give you a couple. On offense and special teams, I’ll look to rookie Montrell Washington, who was the surprise of training camp and gave the Broncos a spark in the return game. I think it’s possible he could flip the field at some point on Monday, and he also could have a decent role on offense. Defensively, I’ll be watching D.J. Jones. The Broncos’ top inside linebacker, Josey Jewell, did not practice Friday with a calf injury, and if he misses the game, the Broncos may need a strong effort out of the defensive line to slow down Seattle’s potent running attack. Jones is a big body that was added to stop the run, and he’ll be a key player on Monday.

DiLalla: Pat Surtain II vs. DK Metcalf. The Broncos’ second-year cornerback was the top performer in training camp, and he’s right in the running to be the Broncos’ best player on the roster. He has elite athleticism and a great mind for the game, and he’ll face a big test in Metcalf. I’ll be interested, first, to see if the Broncos travel Surtain or if they keep him on one side. Then, when he is matched up against Metcalf, I’m really curious about how he matches up with one of the league’s top receivers. Both Surtain and Metcalf are physical players, and a 50-50 ball will be incredibly entertaining to watch.