Seahawks vs. Broncos: Bo Nix Faces a Must-Win Test

Segment Spotlight: Quick Hits From Outspoken With Dan Sileo

Seahawks and Denver Face a Crucial Test With Turnovers in Focus

Both football teams enter tonight’s game at a crossroads. The Seahawks are at home after a difficult loss to the Forty-Niners, while Denver is dealing with a coaching change involving the coordinators. The game could help determine whether either team develops into a true contender by the end of the year.

Bo Nix has been inconsistent and must limit turnovers. He stressed the importance of avoiding hero ball, taking each play as it comes and making the simple decision when a bigger opportunity is unavailable. That could mean checking the ball down, running, throwing it away or accepting a punt rather than forcing a pass.

Cortland Sutton said the entire locker room supports Nix. He explained that offensive, defensive and special-teams players understand how important Nix is to the team’s success. Sutton also described their shared competitive temperament and the way they remind each other to let go of mistakes and move on to the next play.

Still, the extended explanations surrounding Nix raise concerns about what is happening within the team. At some point, the answer is simply to go out and play consistent football. Nix showed similar tendencies at Auburn and Oregon, and his 64.2 percentage was cited as another sign that there is an issue to address.

Seattle is also approaching the game with urgency. Sam Darnold said the team must improve its ball security, while he needs to remain decisive, work through his reads and trust what he sees. He acknowledged that turnovers cannot continue because teams that fail to protect the football will pay for it.

Cooper Cupp offered a direct assessment of Seattle’s offense. He said the team has shown moments of efficiency, explosiveness and strong football, but those stretches have been interrupted by mistakes, lost yardage and self-inflicted wounds. Seattle must eliminate those problems and keep moving the ball forward.

Despite the concerns, Seattle remains the preferred team tonight.