Broncos vs. Seahawks: Score and Twitter Reaction from 2015 Preseason

The Denver Broncos opened their preseason slate with a 22-20 victory over the Seattle Seahawks on Friday night at CenturyLink Field. 

Russell Wilson was available for two series in the loss, so his brief outing wasn't conducive to major statistical gains—especially after Denver sacked him twice during that short span. 

As NBC Sports' Ross Tucker noted, Seattle's offensive line is still working out some kinks in pass protection:

Wilson completed his only pass of evening for 12 yards and picked up another 12 yards on a scramble. His lone connection was with tight end Jimmy Graham, who made his Seahawks debut Friday night. 

As for the Broncos, Peyton Manning received the night off—just like wide receivers Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders—as Gary Kubiak and the Denver coaching staff opted to take an extended look at backup quarterback Brock Osweiler. 

The Arizona State product is entering the final year of his rookie contract, and this preseason is expected to serve as an extended audition as the Broncos ponder his future with the club. 

9News.com's Mike Klis provided an overview of the options at Denver's disposal when it comes to the second-stringer: 

"

Not to say this preseason is crucial to the Broncos' backup quarterback but when it ends one of four things can happen: He plays out the final year of his contract with plan to re-sign him after the season; let him play out contract with idea of letting him go after the season; sign him to a two- or three-year extension before the season; trade him – as New England did with Ryan Mallett last year – prior to the season in exchange for draft picks or immediate need.

"

Over the course of the first half, Osweiler looked composed as the Broncos worked quick-hitting and intermediary routes to work him into a groove. He departed Friday's exhibition after completing 15-of-20 passes for 151 yards and a touchdown. 

Osweiler's 17-yard touchdown strike up the seam to tight end Virgil Green capped off a rock-solid 30 minutes at the helm. 

The Denver Post's Troy Renck was impressed by Osweiler's ability to stand in the pocket and deliver accurate passes throughout the first quarter: 

"The footwork tied in with the progressions, I'm seeing a very good improvement," Broncos offensive coordinator Greg Knapp said on Aug. 10, according to the Denver Post's Nicki Jhabvala.

NFL Network's Albert Breer was struck by how Osweiler has transitioned from John Fox's offense to Kubiak's system: 

Osweiler will need to sustain Friday's production when the Broncos clash with the Houston Texans on Aug. 22, but his showing against a notoriously stingy Seattle defense served as a nice tone-setter moving forward. 

Friday night also gave Broncos fans a first look at Kubiak's zone-blocking running schemes. However, starter C.J. Anderson wasn't able to flash his chops much after he was forced from the game in the first quarter with an ankle injury, according to Broncos PR's Patrick Smyth.

Anderson was deemed questionable to return after racking up eight yards on three carries, but Denver took the cautious route and opted to let Montee Ball and Ronnie Hillman carry the load for the remainder of the first half. 

Following Anderson's departure, Rotoworld's Evan Silva updated fantasy owners with a live look at Denver's running back depth chart: 

Ball and Hillman finished with 26 and 66 yards, respectively, as each backup toted the rock eight times. Hillman ripped off a 23-yard gain that was the longest of the night for any rusher, and his burst to the edge was refreshing to see.   

ESPN's Louis Riddick offered his thoughts on the return of zone tactics to the Denver backfield as Hillman and Ball piled up the yards: 

Von Miller made his presence felt early with a strip-sack of Wilson, but the Broncos had to settle for a field goal after scooping up the ball in prime scoring position, as the NFL relayed on Twitter:  

But more impressive than Miller was Seahawks rookie return man Tyler Lockett.

After ripping off a 46-yard return in the first quarter, the third-round pick bolted 103 yards down the left sideline for a touchdown in the second stanza. 

NFL Network provided a look at the quick-strike score:  

"

*Every coach in the NFL* "If possible, do NOT kick to @TDLockett12." 103 yards. To. The. House. #DENvsSEA http://t.co/GPxUulPKnI

— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) August 15, 2015"

Former Seahawks return man Leon Washington chimed in with his thoughts on the youngster: 

Wilson also gushed over Lockett's performance during an in-game interview, per Silva: 

However, Seattle's special teams were one of the few bright spots for the defending NFC champions.

Not only did the team have no running game with Marshawn Lynch resting, but backup quarterback Tarvaris Jackson (ankle) and Super Bowl 49 standout Chris Matthews (shoulder) were forced to leave the game with injuries, according to the team's official Twitter account.  

Beyond staying healthy, Seattle's top priority when it clashes with the Kansas City Chiefs on Aug. 21 will be finding some more continuity on offense. That quest can begin with some improved play by the offensive line as Wilson seeks more time to work into a more comfortable rhythm under center.    

The Broncos, meanwhile, will seek to build on Osweiler's positive performance and continue to gain familiarity with Kubiak's system. With strong efforts on the ground and through the air in tow, the Broncos should have plenty of opportunities to strut their stuff against a less dynamic Houston defense.