The Seattle Seahawks prevailed in Week 1 to start the season off on the right foot. Seattle took a 1-0 lead on the season with their 26-20 victory over the Denver Broncos and their rookie quarterback Bo Nix. A game that started off as sloppy as can be turned into a fairly convincing Seahawks victory. In every game there are those who stand out, for good or for ill. In the Seahawks’ case, and by nature of how this game played out, there was plenty of both.
Here are the biggest Studs and Duds from Sunday afternoon’s game.
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – SEPTEMBER 08: Kenneth Walker III #9 of the Seattle Seahawks hurdles Ja’Quan McMillian #29 of the Denver Broncos during the third quarter at Lumen Field on September 08, 2024 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Rio Giancarlo/Getty Images)
Historically speaking, when the Seahawks are at their best it is when they have a suffocating defense and an elite ground attack. On Sunday their defense played lights out, fulfilling the first requirement, and they nailed the second with Kenneth Walker. The first half adjustments became clear from the minute the Seahawks took the field in the third quarter: get the ball to Kenneth Walker III. The third-year running back rushed for 20 times for 103 yards and a touchdown. He would have had two if it weren’t for a meddling holding penalty. Walker proved this offense is truly a different animal when he is running effectively.
Sep 8, 2024; Seattle, Washington, USA; Denver Broncos defensive tackle D.J. Jones (93) celebrates a holding penalty against Seattle Seahawks guard Anthony Bradford (75) for a safety during the second quarter at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
Never in all my life of watching football have I seen a game with not one but TWO safeties, and I’m sure I’m not alone here. But this is the NFL, and I suppose you always have to expect the unexpected! The Seahawks literally gave away four free points on these two safeties thanks to horrendous play from right guard Anthony Bradford. The first time, Bradford was flagged for holding in the end zone. The second time allowed the Broncos defensive line to blast through to Charbonnet. The Seahawks trailed Denver by four points in the first half, and all four were giftwrapped by Bradford.
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – SEPTEMBER 08: Julian Love #20 of the Seattle Seahawks intercepts a pass intended for Courtland Sutton #14 of the Denver Broncos during the second quarter at Lumen Field on September 08, 2024 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Rio Giancarlo/Getty Images)
The Seahawks rewarded safety Julian Love with an extension this offseason. It was a sign they trust their Pro Bowl veteran to be a leader on this young defense. So far, their faith has been rewarded. Love was one of the best defenders on Seattle’s defense on Sunday, recording 12 tackles, a tackle for a loss, forcing a fumble, and intercepting rookie quarterback Bo Nix. Love’s 12 tackles led the team on Sunday. Love made his first career Pro Bowl last season. So far, he’s on an excellent start to make it back to Orlando this winter.
(Photo by Rio Giancarlo/Getty Images)
The Seahawks could not get out of their own way in the first half, and all of their troubles was within their own 10-yard line. After forcing Denver to punt after the first safety (man, the “first” safety… doesn’t even feel right to type) Dee Williams was back deep to field the punt, only to muff it. The Broncos immediately got the ball back at Seattle’s 10. Although the defense held Denver to a field goal, it was three more points simply given away freely to the Broncos. This cannot happen in the NFL, no matter who the opponent is
RENTON, WASHINGTON – JUNE 03: Offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb of the Seattle Seahawks speaks to the media after practice at Virginia Mason Athletic Center on June 03, 2024 in Renton, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
In the first half, the Seahawks offense looked about as lost as possible. Sloppy, clunky, and freely giving away points to an inferior opponent. At half, they trailed 13-9 when they should have been up at least 9-3. Offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb had his work cut out for him. Boy, did he ever show up. To start the second half, Seattle scored 17 points on their first three possessions to quickly turn a 13-9 hole into a 26-13 lead. Last season, Shane Waldron routinely struggled to make proper adjustments in second halves. It may only be one week, but 12’s have to be happy with how Grubb and his offense responded after a choppy start.c
