hawknation2018
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One key principal of the ancient Chinese military treatise “The Art of War” is to know your enemy and yourself. Since most posts on this board are dedicated to knowing the Seahawks, we could use a thread devoted to knowing the enemy.
This week that is the Denver Broncos.
Off-season acquisitions: QB Case Keenum, DE Bradley Chubb, OT Jared Veldheer, WR Courtland Sutton, RB Royce Freeman, CB Tramaine Brock, LB/S Su'a Cravens, DL Clinton McDonald, P Marquette King
Greatest strengths:
1. Von Miller and Bradley Chubb rushing the passer from the edges. Chubb was the #1 edge rusher in the 2018 draft. Miller is one the NFL’s premier rushers. Miller’s dynamic pass rushing poses massive challenges for RT Germain Ifedi, who has struggled with speed rushers and suffered an ankle injury in the preseason. George Fant, who is new to the RT position and still fairly new to football in general, is the backup. Either way, Brian Schottenheimer and Mike Solari will need to find a way to scheme around Miller’s disruptions. TEs Nick Vannett and Will Dissly may see a lot of time lining up on the right side of the line to match up on Miller. Russell Wilson may be tasked with rolling to his left more often.
2. Case Keenum had a breakout year last season with the Minnesota Vikings (67.6% completion rate, 22 touchdowns against only seven interceptions). Pete Carroll’s defensive scheme is somewhat vulnerable to the dink and dunk style of a QB like Keenum. Then factor in that the Seahawks will have a rookie starting at WLB in Shaquem Griffin. Clean play by the LBs, particularly Shaquem and new SLB Barkevious Mingo, will be key to stop the bleeding. The Broncos are very excited about big rookie wideout Courtland Sutton paired with another big receiver in Demaryius Thomas. Aggressive play would help the Seahawks’ secondary prevent the chains from moving.
3. The Broncos defense was rated #3 against the run a season ago, and they appear to be even more stout now. This is a huge first test for RB Chris Carson and Solari’s offensive line. On the other hand, the Broncos have shown to be vulnerable to screen passes, which Schottenheimer’s offense specializes in.
4. GM John Elway continues to spend a lot of resources in the trenches. Their offensive line looks particularly strong in run blocking after the addition of Jared Veldheer and with a year of maturation for last year’s first round pick, Garrett Bolles. Rookie RB Royce Freeman had a tremendous offseason and was just named their starter.
5. Broncos corners Chris Harris and Bradley Roby are aggressive in coverage.
This week that is the Denver Broncos.
Off-season acquisitions: QB Case Keenum, DE Bradley Chubb, OT Jared Veldheer, WR Courtland Sutton, RB Royce Freeman, CB Tramaine Brock, LB/S Su'a Cravens, DL Clinton McDonald, P Marquette King
Greatest strengths:
1. Von Miller and Bradley Chubb rushing the passer from the edges. Chubb was the #1 edge rusher in the 2018 draft. Miller is one the NFL’s premier rushers. Miller’s dynamic pass rushing poses massive challenges for RT Germain Ifedi, who has struggled with speed rushers and suffered an ankle injury in the preseason. George Fant, who is new to the RT position and still fairly new to football in general, is the backup. Either way, Brian Schottenheimer and Mike Solari will need to find a way to scheme around Miller’s disruptions. TEs Nick Vannett and Will Dissly may see a lot of time lining up on the right side of the line to match up on Miller. Russell Wilson may be tasked with rolling to his left more often.
2. Case Keenum had a breakout year last season with the Minnesota Vikings (67.6% completion rate, 22 touchdowns against only seven interceptions). Pete Carroll’s defensive scheme is somewhat vulnerable to the dink and dunk style of a QB like Keenum. Then factor in that the Seahawks will have a rookie starting at WLB in Shaquem Griffin. Clean play by the LBs, particularly Shaquem and new SLB Barkevious Mingo, will be key to stop the bleeding. The Broncos are very excited about big rookie wideout Courtland Sutton paired with another big receiver in Demaryius Thomas. Aggressive play would help the Seahawks’ secondary prevent the chains from moving.
3. The Broncos defense was rated #3 against the run a season ago, and they appear to be even more stout now. This is a huge first test for RB Chris Carson and Solari’s offensive line. On the other hand, the Broncos have shown to be vulnerable to screen passes, which Schottenheimer’s offense specializes in.
4. GM John Elway continues to spend a lot of resources in the trenches. Their offensive line looks particularly strong in run blocking after the addition of Jared Veldheer and with a year of maturation for last year’s first round pick, Garrett Bolles. Rookie RB Royce Freeman had a tremendous offseason and was just named their starter.
5. Broncos corners Chris Harris and Bradley Roby are aggressive in coverage.