Yards were hard to come by for the Broncos in their season opener against the Seahawks, as the run game sputtered to just 75 yards on 23 carries. In this Broncos stock report, we take a look at which players saw their stock rise or fall after the 26-20 loss at Lumen Field on Sunday afternoon. From standout performances to areas needing improvement, there's plenty to dissect as Denver looks to bounce back in Week 2.

RB Javonte Williams Shines in Debut

One bright spot in an otherwise lackluster performance from the Broncos' run game was the impressive debut of rookie running back Javonte Williams. The second-round pick out of North Carolina showcased his power, agility, and physical running style, finishing with 65 yards on 14 carries. Williams also displayed his ability to break tackles and gain tough yards after contact, a promising sign for Denver's rushing attack moving forward.

Williams' performance earned him increased playing time as the game progressed, as he showed the potential to be a dynamic weapon in the Broncos' backfield. His ability to generate yards on the ground was a silver lining in an otherwise tough loss, and his stock is on the rise as he looks to build on this promising start.

QB Teddy Bridgewater's Efficient Outing

Despite the struggles in the run game, Broncos quarterback Teddy Bridgewater had a solid outing against the Seahawks. Bridgewater completed 72.4% of his passes for 235 yards and two touchdowns, showing poise and accuracy in the pocket. He effectively distributed the ball to his playmakers and managed the offense efficiently throughout the game.

Bridgewater's performance was one of the bright spots for the Broncos, as he provided stability and leadership under center. His ability to move the ball through the air helped keep Denver in the game, and his steady play bodes well for the team's passing attack moving forward.

Defensive Standouts Lead the Way

While the Broncos' offense had its share of struggles, the defense showed its strength in containing Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith and limiting big plays downfield. Cornerback Tremon Smith and the secondary did an excellent job in coverage, holding the Seahawks' passing attack in check for most of the game. Tremon Smith's lockdown defense and timely pass breakups were instrumental in disrupting Seattle's aerial assault.

Additionally, cornerback Dee Williams made his presence felt with a solid performance in coverage and run support. Williams' ability to step up in key moments and make plays showcased the depth and talent of the Broncos' defensive backfield. Their efforts helped keep the game within reach despite the offensive challenges faced by Denver.

Struggles in Run Defense

On the flip side, the Broncos' defense had difficulties containing the Seahawks' rushing attack, as they allowed running back Chris Carson to rush for 91 yards and a touchdown on 16 carries. Seattle's success on the ground put added pressure on Denver's defense and made it difficult to get off the field on key possessions.

The Broncos will need to shore up their run defense moving forward, as stopping the ground game will be crucial in controlling the tempo of future matchups. Improvements in gap discipline and tackling will be key areas of focus for the defense as they look to bounce back in Week 2.

Special Teams Struggles

In a game of inches, special teams can often make a significant impact on the outcome. Unfortunately for the Broncos, special teams miscues proved costly in the season opener against the Seahawks. From missed field goals to ineffective return coverage, Denver's special teams unit had its share of struggles that ultimately hurt the team's chances of victory.

The Broncos will need to address the issues on special teams and make the necessary adjustments to ensure that these mistakes are corrected moving forward. Consistency and execution on special teams will be critical as the season progresses, and the coaching staff will look to rectify the errors that plagued Denver in Week 1.

Looking Ahead to Week 2

As the Broncos regroup and prepare for their Week 2 matchup against the Jaguars, there are areas of improvement to address on both sides of the ball. Building on the positive performances while addressing the shortcomings will be key for Denver as they aim to bounce back from their season-opening loss.

With critical evaluations and adjustments to be made, the Broncos will look to put their best foot forward in Week 2 and prove that they have the talent and resilience to compete at a high level in the NFL. Stay tuned for more Broncos news and updates as they continue their journey through the 2021 season.

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