The Broncos’ 17-14 win over the Seahawks had a clear theme: Denver’s defense was the engine, and just about every stock that moved upward came from that side of the ball.
Kris Abrams-Draine was one of the biggest winners. The backup cornerback delivered the kind of late-game moment that can swing a night, jumping a lazy route for a huge interception that should have wrapped up the win in regulation. Denver’s offense didn’t do its part afterward - it couldn’t even earn a first down to help close it out - but Abrams-Draine still made the play that was there to be made.
Ja’Quan McMillian also earned a strong nod. He was a straight-up playmaker against Seattle, and the kind of details that stand out with him go beyond the obvious splash plays. His tackling on Seahawks receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba was described as first-rate and important, and that fits the broader picture of what McMillian brought on Thursday night.
Jahdae Barron was listed by Sam Jane of the Denver Post, but there was a different read there. He had some solid moments and was in position, but the performance still didn’t look close to what you expect from a first-round pick. There were plays he could have made and didn’t.
The bigger story, though, was the sheer volume of pressure Denver brought. The Broncos hit Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold 17 times, enough to wear him down and force him into happy feet and late-game interceptions. Defensive tackle Zach Allen and linebacker Nik Bonitto led the way, but the pass rush had support all night from a long list of contributors.
That pressure came back to a familiar face on the sideline: defensive coordinator Vance Joseph. He had more weapons than most coordinators get, and he used them aggressively, mixing things up enough to keep Seattle guessing about who was coming, when they were coming and where the pressure was going to come from. It was the kind of game that only adds fuel to the argument that Joseph deserved more head-coaching interviews this offseason.
If there was a broader takeaway beyond the stat sheet, it was this: when Denver is at home, there’s a winning mindset that still gives the Broncos a real case for being alright despite the rough edges.
In Other News...
Broncos Face A Jonathon Cooper Decision With Big Fallout Ahead
Jonathon Cooper has been around the Broncos throughout his time on the NFL commissioners exempt list, even if he has not been on the field. Sean Payton said Cooper completed the steps required by the league after his domestic violence-related arrests, and the veteran defender is now being cleared to rejoin Denver as it prepares for Arizona.
The next phase still carries real consequences, though. Coopers trial is set for March, and the time he spent on the exempt list will count toward any future NFL suspension, leaving the Broncos to balance his return with the uncertainty that remains hanging over the situation. [Read more 🡒]
Broncos Have A Backfield Problem They May Need To Solve Aggressively
The Broncos backfield has become one of the more obvious pressure points on a roster trying to push deeper into a championship window. Denvers running backs have struggled to give the offense much lift, and with the team still looking for ways to raise its ceiling, the idea of upgrading that spot has moved from a luxury to a real conversation.
One name that naturally comes up is Jonathan Taylor, especially if Indianapolis decides to start making major moves. A trade for a player of his caliber would not be cheap, and Denver would have to weigh the draft compensation against the kind of immediate impact he could bring. The bigger question may be whether the Broncos are willing to be aggressive enough to address the problem before it becomes a season-long limitation. [Read more 🡒]
Sean Payton May Finally Shake Up Key Broncos Roles In Week 7
Week 7 could bring a few subtle but meaningful tweaks for the Broncos as Sean Payton weighs his options against the Cardinals. The backfield is one area worth watching, with RJ Harvey and Jonah Coleman both in position to see more of the load as Denver looks for a spark on the ground. There is also a chance for the coaching staff to keep adjusting on defense as it sorts through recent performances and injury-related uncertainty.
Another wrinkle comes on the edge, where Jonathon Coopers status has been a key part of the conversation as the Broncos prepare for Arizona. At cornerback, the ripple effects could be just as important, with Jahdae Barron in the mix as Denver continues to evaluate its best alignment behind Pat Surtain II. None of these decisions is set yet, but they reflect a team still searching for the right combination as the schedule tightens. [Read more 🡒]