Jeff Legwold, ESPN Senior Writer 10y

Rapid Reaction: Denver Broncos

SEATTLE -- A few thoughts from the Denver Broncos' 26-20 overtime loss to the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field.

What it means: Once again, the Broncos got a good enough day from the defense to defeat the rugged, opportunistic Seahawks, but the Broncos' stars simply never came out on offense. Quarterback Peyton Manning had just 141 yards passing by the end of the third quarter, Demaryius Thomas didn't have his first catch until just before the end of the third quarter, and while the Broncos scrapped their way to overtime, those lost possessions on offense earlier in the game were a little too much to overcome.

Stock watch: The Broncos needed some kind of balance from the offense, something to get the Seahawks' safeties to have to honor the line of scrimmage. But running back Montee Ball fumbled on his first carry of the game, and it never really got much better. Ball had 19 yards rushing on 10 carries in the first half and gave way to Ronnie Hillman on some drives in the second half. The Seahawks' defense controlled the line of scrimmage for much of the day, especially in the middle of the formation, as the Broncos' run game didn't pull its weight.

Deserved better: When they waded into the offseason with the intent to fix their defense, the Broncos wanted a nastier, more versatile unit that could both get to the passer and still hold opposing run games in check. The Broncos had it all going on that side of the ball Sunday, especially in the second half. When the Broncos tackled Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch in the end zone for a safety with just over 13 minutes left in the fourth quarter, then added a Chris Harris Jr. interception on the Seahawks' next possession, the Broncos still had a chance to win the game. By the time overtime arrived, the unit was too gassed to get the stop.

Game ball: Get out the paint and make a pile of them, but the Broncos' defense played the kind of game that can win a team a championship if it gets any kind of help. They had a couple of bobbles -- the Seahawks briefly found a little something with Lynch being used as a receiver -- but overall the group played quality situational football, kept Seahawks' wide receiver Percy Harvin in check and kept the Seahawks from using Lynch to set the tempo.

What's next: The Broncos get an early Week 4 bye and have to find a way to keep the mojo they showed on defense Sunday and rediscover their groove on offense. After fast starts in the first half of each of their two wins, the Broncos faltered on offense in the second half of those games, and the group really never found its rhythm against the Seahawks.

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