Predicting the Future: Broncos vs. Seahawks

Jabar Gaffney celebrates after scoring a touchdown last weekend. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)

Wow! Couldn’t have been more off last week, but who can predict two Ryan McBeans, one Correll Buckhalter and some interesting Winks. Not me, that’s for sure. I came up a little short on my 28-10 (Broncos) prediction last week, but there was at least one of you who got it correct in the comments section.

However, I was on point with my August prediction that Tim Tebow would play in the game against Jacksonville (three for three on my bold predictions). It’s growing pains with him, don’t think that Denver would have those same results in a year or two with the same play with Tebow. McDaniels just has to figure out which situation it works in.

Might I suggest letting Tebow play pure quarterback and then allowing a decision on running from that position, instead of just a pure run call?

(Predictions after the jump).

Ian’s Prediction:

The Seattle Seahawks surprised the heck out of the San Francisco 49ers last week; came in and just smacked the 49ers in the mouth. One thing Pete Carrol is good at is starting a season, he’s won every season opener that I can remember. There aren’t a whole lot of all stars on the roster though, but savvy veterans and talented younger players, along with a couple players where it’s difficult to call either way (Mike Williams).

Justin Forsett should have a decent day, but look for the Broncos secondary to keep Matt Hasselbeck humble. Think Denver can actually apply pressure today and they’ll have to.

Here’s the deal though and what’s on the line, since 1990 only 9 teams have started the season 0-2 and made the playoffs (I’m willing to bet the San Diego Chargers were at least six of those). This Broncos team and offense is too big to fail, the team’s best defense has to be its best offense. Points have to flow, the Broncos need Kyle Orton to stay as proficient as he has been with a large push for some kind of points on every drive.

That being said, the obvious glaring hole is the special teams; if Denver doesn’t fix it today, it’s only going to get worse. The special teams cannot back the defense into such a corner, Perrish Cox cannot be making the tackles on special teams and if you see him making the tackle that means the Seahawks are getting far too many yards on their returns.

The most interesting thing to me this game will be to see how the Broncos handle having so many options to throw to on offense. There are just too many good receivers in Denver with Demaryius Thomas getting healthy.

Broncos win: 27-17