Two video games and two shut wins for the Seattle Seahawks over AFC opposition. You could possibly argue the Denver Broncos win wasn’t as shut because the rating indicated, however the victory over the New England Patriots was well-earned and it was back-and-forth all the way in which into time beyond regulation. I suppose the Seahawks and Patriots are simply destined to all the time play shut video games no matter circumstances, rosters, and training staffs.
Right here’s Enemy Response for Sunday’s thrilling time beyond regulation win, with recreation thread feedback courtesy of Pats Pulpit. Oh yeah… you didn’t suppose I’d simply ignore the San Francisco 49ers dropping to the Minnesota Vikings, did you? Our first Niners Nation meltdown has already arrived and it’s solely Week 2!
Ja’Lynn Polk scores his first NFL landing (7-0 NE)
DK Metcalf solutions on a 56-yard rating! (7-7)
Cross interference in finish zone results in Zach Charbonnet landing (14-10 SEA)
Zach Charbonnet stuffed on 4th and 1 to begin 2nd half (17-13 SEA)
Rhamondre Stevenson offers the Patriots the lead (20-17 NE)
Antonio Gibson breaks enormous 48-yard run (20-17 NE)
Julian Love blocks discipline objective to maintain it a three-point recreation (20-17 NE)
Seahawks skip out on 4th and 1, tie recreation up (20-20)
Zach Charbonnet makes large effort to get the primary down (20-20)
Jason Myers wins it for the Seahawks! (23-20 SEA FINAL)
Put up-Recreation: Late-game execution prices Patriots once more (Christopher Worth, Boston Globe)
Relating to their late-game shortcomings, it may be powerful to pinpoint specifics. Most of the woes in 2022 and 2023 could be traced to ineffective quarterback play. However Sunday, it was quite a lot of points. Sloppy play (notably alongside the offensive line), ill-timed penalties (the cross interference on Jones was questionable however brutal, given the circumstances), and training choices that left the Patriots with no margin for error.
When you think about the primary two video games, there’s been simple development throughout the board when stacked in opposition to final season. On the identical time, it’s clear the Patriots don’t fairly have that constant gear wanted to remain stride for stride with good groups down the stretch. Till they discover it, all of the discuss taking groups to the hill late in video games is simply empty bluster.
Put up-Recreation Video: “That they had the win they usually blew it” (98.5 The Sports activities Hub)
BONUS Enemy Response: San Francisco 49ers
Enemy Preaction: Miami Dolphins
Solely 4 NFC groups are 2-0, and the Seattle Seahawks are in that unique membership. Are the Denver Broncos and New England Patriots playoff caliber groups? No, and particularly not Denver with the way in which Bo Nix seems to be. However the Seahawks had the trickiness of a Week 1 matchup and a cross-country highway recreation in opposition to a succesful opponent with a great protection and gained each video games. You by no means know what can break your approach, and now the Seahawks’ dwelling recreation in opposition to the Miami Dolphins is a bit much less daunting with out Tua Tagovailoa, who’s sadly coping with one other concussion. Skylar Thompson…nicely he’s not good, so that they’ll must rely closely on their harmful working recreation, so the Seahawks must clear up their run protection and drive Miami to throw the ball.
It’s tantalizing to consider a 3-0 begin underneath a brand new teaching employees, however we nonetheless have to see it really occur earlier than believing one thing particular might quickly be brewing.
Thanks for studying and go ‘Hawks!
