The Denver Broncos (3-2) return home after a California road trip to face the defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks in a sensational throwback-themed, primetime Thursday Night Football
evening in Denver on Oct. 15. In preparation for the matchup, we went behind enemy lines and asked Kole Musgrove of Seahawks Wire five questions about Seattle's squad and Thursday's matchup. Check out our questions and Kole's answers below.1) How does Sam Darnold look after the injury suffered early in Week 1?
Sam's return has been shaky at best. It's odd, he looked rather fine in Week 3, which was essentially his first game since the Super Bowl (I'm not really counting the five plays he had in Week 1). Despite the two interceptions, Darnold did throw for 379 yards and four touchdown passes. In the two games since then, he has not cracked
200 yards, has only thrown for one touchdown each, and has thrown three more interceptions. He does not look comfortable in this offense for the last two weeks. He has shown a shocking lack of command and decisive action, which is concerningly showing itself in taking more sacks than usual. I still feel like these issues are correctable, but Denver is a tough draw to get back on track against.
2) What role did ex-Broncos QB Drew Lock play in the early going of the ‘26 season?
Drew Lock was exaclty what you want from a backup. He was solid, did not turn the ball over, and did more than enough to win the game. Seattle clearly trusts their primary backup, as he was not just a dink and dunker. They had enough faith to have him toss it deep plenty of times. Lock was already a "made man" when he upset the Eagles on MNF in 2023, but beating the Patriots on banner night this year minted him forever in the hearts of the 12th Man for the rest of time.
3) What is the biggest strength of the Seahawks right now? The biggest weakness?
Their defensive line is easily their biggest strength. This unit is an absolute joy to watch as a fan, and I imagine would be a nightmare to play against. Leonard Williams is the best defensive tackle in the league, but don't overlook his running mate Byron Murphy II who had two sacks of the previously sackless Brock Purdy. Weakness? The Seahawks can't run the ball. They have two rushing touchdowns from running backs all year, and are not consistently dominating on the ground. Part of the reason is they are without both Zach Charbonnet and Jadarian Price, who were/are the presumed starter/main backup. All respect to Emanuel Wilson, who is playing fine, he is a No. 3 not a No. 1. He is doing his best to hold down the fort, but outside of him they are getting little to no production from anyone else.
4) Name an underrated Seahawk that Broncos fans should know about going into Week 6?
I mentioned Byron Murphy, but someone I also feel gets lost in the shuffle of Seattle's stellar defense is starting linebacker Ernest Jones IV. He is a two time Super Bowl champ and he led the NFL with linebacker interceptions last year, yet I don't feel like he gets the love he deserves. It always seems like when there is a big play, he is often involved.
5) Who wins, final score and why?
I think Seattle gets back on track, at least when it comes to the win column. Sam Darnold is turning the ball over too much and this offense is too one dimensional. But Seattle's defense is picking up plenty of the slack, and I haven't been overly impressed by Bo Nix or this Broncos team. I feel like the Dark Side is going to force him into some unseemly turnovers as well. I'm picking Seattle to escape Denver with an ugly 16-14 road win.
Social: Follow Broncos Wire on Facebook and Twitter/X!
This article originally appeared on Broncos Wire: Broncos vs. Seahawks: 5 things Denver fans should know about Seattle
