Seattle Seahawks (1-0) – Denver Broncos (0-1): 26-20
A listless first quarter (3-3) where the special teams spent more time on the field than the starters. Then a game that gradually found its rhythm. Despite Geno Smith's longest career touchdown run (34 yards), the Seahawks went into the locker room trailing (9-13). Coming back with better intentions, they finally took the lead in the third quarter and never let it go.
Seahawks on diesel
For Mike Macdonald's first time at the helm of the Seahawks, it took a half for the engine to warm up. Like Geno Smith (17/24, 162 yards, 1 touchdown, 1 INT, 2 carries, 32 yards, 1 touchdown), the offense found its feet as the drives went by. Initially very sluggish with an interception in the first minute of play, the quarterback managed the rest of the game better. He first ran for a touchdown in the second quarter, then acted as a true general for the entire second half. In his wake, Kenneth Walker III (20 carries, 103 yards, 1 touchdown, 2 receptions, 6 yards) and Tyler Lockett (6 receptions, 77 yards) shone.
The real satisfaction of the evening, however, was on the other side of the field. The defense was uncompromising with rookie Bo Nix, intercepting him twice and stopping 13 of the opponent's 18 attempts on 3rd down. As effective against the pass as against the run, it reduced the Broncos' hopes to nothing. The squad finished the game by allowing only one small touchdown to the Colorado men. Solid.
Denver gave an illusion for half time
If the Broncos were able to hang on until the break, they can also thank their defense. The band led by a good Jonathon Cooper (6 tackles, 2 sacks) did the job. First by sacking then intercepting Geno Smith on the first two plays of the game, then by only conceding 9 points over the entire half. Well supported by its special teams, the group even made two safeties in a single quarter. Unfortunately less visible in the second half, they were unable to prevent Seattle from taking off.
But if Denver was dependent on its defense, it's because its offense was disappointing. First-round pick in the last draft, Bo Nix (26/42, 138 yards, 2 INT, 5 carries, 35 yards, 1 touchdown) suffered in the hawks' nest. Tense, slow in his readings and imprecise on his passes, the quarterback never seemed in the right rhythm. In his defense, the rookie was not supported by his runners, whether in the hands of Javonte Williams (8 carries, 23 yards) or Jaleel McLaughlin (10 carries, 27 yards). He ended the game on a positive note with a nice rushing touchdown. Enough to give him some heart for the future.
