9-12-2022 (Seattle, WA)
“A complete team win.” That’s what Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith said after the Seahawks surprised many by knocking off former QB Russell Wilson and the Denver Broncos 17-16 at Lumen Field.
It was almost a picture-perfect start for Smith and the offense, as he led the Seahawks to a 38-yard touchdown pass to tight end Will Dissly.
Wilson would answer, leading the Broncos to a field goal on the first drive of the game for Denver field goal.
Smith continued to cook in the first half, hitting his check down passes and looked really good getting everyone involved in the passing game, as Seattle added a field goal in the 2nd quarter to increase the lead to 10-3.
The big play offensively for the Broncos came when Wilson hit former Alabama star receiver Jerry Juedy down the left sideline, who burned rookie corner Coby Bryant on a 67-yard TD pass to tie it up at 10-10.
Smith answered on the next Seahawks drive, throwing his second TD pass of the first half on a seam route to TE Colby Parkinson for the 17-10 lead. Again, the Broncos added a field goal to get within 4 at the half, trailing 17-13 at the break.
The story of the 2nd half was mistakes by both teams, as the Broncos fumbled twice inside in the Seattle 3-yard line, DK Metcalf fumbled as well, but it was the Seahawks who made the big plays when they needed to get the win.
Alex’s Takeaway
Any time you win your season opener, especially when every other team in your division loses you have to be happy. When you win your season opener on Monday Night Football against the QB making his return to the city where he starred for 10 years, you cannot understate how big of a win that was for the Seahawks.
It was not just that they won, it was how they did it. Forcing two Broncos fumbles, both recovered by Michael Jackson, how Geno looked for most of that game, and then the fact that Denver couldn’t do what Russell did so many times in his time in Seattle, score on a game winning drive in the final minutes. Also, the 12´s were has loud as ever, and the false start penalties on the Broncos showed that as well. The offensive line was also suprisingly good throughout the game as well.
Even though I am encouraged by the win, there are obvious concerns for this young team. Obviously, the secondary is talented, but they gave up some big plays, had some tough penalties and at times gave Wilson too much time to hit those underneath routes that he found success with throughout the game.
Also, as good as Geno Smith looked, there were a couple of things that were of concern, when pressure did come from the edges, instead of taking a couple of hitches and stepping up into the pocket, he stood there deep and at one point almost lost a fumble that could have completely turned the momentum.
I would also like to see if Geno can take a couple more shots downfield with Lockett and Metcalf as well.
But overall, you have to be really happy to get a win over Wilson and the Broncos in week 1 when the Rams, 49ers and Cardinals all lost. Next up is a road trip to San Fran where the Hawks take on a 49ers team who have their own issues.
If the rest of the season can be as fun as Monday Night, maybe the Seahawks can have surprisingly successful season after all.
