The Mailbag is BACK! As always I appreciate you guys (and gals questions) send them in via email or twitter .
Week one was fairly difficult for Broncos fans. A lot of the optimism surrounding QB Bo Nix and the offense was dashed as the Broncos struggled mightily against the Seattle defense. While Denver's defense got off to a hot start with an interception on the opening series, the offense wasn't able to convert a first down and settled for a FG. The defense also forced not one but two first half safeties. But were unable to stop the Seahawks trap run game in the second half and watched as Seattle ground them down to a win.
The Broncos have their home opener against the Steelers this weekend, and while originally this looked like a Russell Wilson revenge game, it will be former Bears QB Justin Fields at QB for Pittsburgh. Fields lost to the Broncos last year as QB of the Bears.
Dave from Aurora writes: Ben, What do you think went wrong with Nix against Seattle?
Well Dave, I don't think it was all on Nix. The turf in Seattle was new and slick, and made the run game nearly impossible. I didn't particularly care for a game plan that played right into the hands of the Seahawks defense. Nix was late, behind and slow on the day, but there were problems all over the offense. I do think the preseason where the Broncos played starters against the Colts and Packers 3rd teams did the young QB a disservice in the sense that the hype had reached an nearly impossible crescendo. It will be interesting to watch how Nix and Payton bounce back at home.
Melissa in Highlands Ranch wonders: "Ben, why wasn't Marvin Mims more involved?"
Melissa thanks for writing in. Mims is a deep threat Z type WR for this offense and those guys just don't get a high volume of targets in this offense. Sean Payton's offense despite the historical numbers isn't really a "sling it all over the yard" offense. It's an old school West Coast throwback that peppers the X WR with slants and ins, the TE on stick and sail and HB choice routes. Mims will get targets. and he'll convert some of them. Devery Henderson, a prolific burner in Payton's time in New Orleans averaged a mere two catches per game.
Ryan in Parker asks: Ben, would you rather see Fields or Russ this weekend?
Well Ryan, I suppose I'd rather play against Fields as he is not the passer Russell Wilson is. I get the fans probably want to beat up Russ for the storyline, but I'm not a schadenfreude guy. I want the Broncos to win and the best opportunity for that likely comes against Fields. The Broncos beat Fields last year, though he had a pretty good statistical game.
I look forward to answering your questions on Monday after hopefully a Broncos win. GO BRONCOS!