Monday Night Football was a time for the Denver Broncos to shine.
They came into the game as favorites, having quarterback Russell Wilson on their side in Seattle.
However, the night turned into a total disaster in the second half.
Despite going against a Seattle Seahawks team no one thought could win, the Broncos lost the game.
While it was Nathaniel Hackett’s first game as a head coach, some were already questioning his play calling.
Should he already be on the hot seat after a debut loss in Seattle?
Critical Errors And Poor Decisions Late Have Many Angry At Hackett
While the Broncos and Wilson were good in the first half, the second half turned into a disaster.
Wilson got his team inside the ten twice in the third quarter, thanks to two pass interference calls.
Another Seahawks pass interference call puts the Broncos on the 4 yard line. Will Denver be able to punch it in this time around?
— Cody Roark (@CodyRoarkNFL) September 13, 2022
However, the Broncos failed to score on both goal-to-go drives thanks to costly fumbles.
#Broncos now have the ignominious distinction of being the first team to fumble on the 1-yard line twice in same game since 1987… Wow
— Mile High Huddle (@MileHighHuddle) September 13, 2022
The record-setting mistakes in the third quarter prevented the Broncos from taking the lead.
But a late fourth quarter call by Hackett is what’s enraging fans.
The rookie head coach took the ball away from Wilson and gave it to kicker Brandon McManus.
With the game on the line, Hackett put his trust in McManus to make a critical play, instead of Wilson.
The Two-Minutes Of Disaster For Hackett’s Debut
If people compare your first NFL coaching game worse than having Urban Meyer, you’re doing something wrong.
Nathaniel Hackett had the worst NFL debut since Urban Meyer
What a colossal embarrassment
Uninspiring to say the least
— Jason McIntyre (@jasonrmcintyre) September 13, 2022
While Jason McIntyre is hitting Hackett hard, it’s well deserved.
After his defense shut down the Seahawks offense, his bonehead management of the final two minutes cost the team.
Instead of using timeouts and plays to march the Broncos down the field, he saved them for a meaningless situation.
So, Nathaniel Hackett really decided to settle for the 64 yarder?? Don't worry he used his TOs when the Seahawks were taking a knee…brutal!
— Joel Klatt (@joelklatt) September 13, 2022
He let the clock run down before calling a timeout before a 64-yard field goal attempt.
After that, he used the last two timeouts when it was already too late.
However, the mistakes from last night’s game shouldn’t put him on the hot seat.
But it’s clearly raising the temperature of Broncos fans.
He Has A Chance To Redeem Himself
The pressure of playing in Seattle can get to teams.
It clearly got in the head of Hackett, as his play calling made no sense.
However, he can redeem himself, despite the anger of fans.
This can be his learning moment with the Broncos in 2022.
It’s better for him to learn from his mistakes now than commit these costly mistakes when a playoff spot is on the line.
But if he doesn’t, that seat in Denver might get hot.
The team can’t afford any more costly mistakes.
Besides the play calling, Hackett needs to work with his offense in protecting the ball.
The two fumbles on the one-yard line are disasters they can’t repeat.
It’s an easy way to blow games, which is exactly what happened in Seattle.
With Week 1 over, the Broncos need to examine the game footage and learn from their mistakes.
It’s not the time to panic or put Hackett on the hot seat after one poorly managed game.
