In a lot of ways, the Seahawks’ opener was everything we thought it would be: on-the-job training for young defenders, a de facto preseason game for Earl Thomas, a stress test for the offensive line, a big game for Michael Dickson — and a close loss.
Among all of the negatives in the 27-24 loss in Denver — 329 yards and three TDs by Case Keenum, Shaquem Griffin and Tre Flowers over their heads in their NFL debuts, Von Miller tallying three sacks and two forced fumbles — the biggest was the disappointing play of Russell Wilson in a scheme that looked like it had not changed a bit.
Wilson, now in his seventh season, looked like a rookie throughout much of this game as he dropped to 1-4 in road season openers. He knew he was going against the NFL’s top pass rusher in Miller, and yet he continually held the ball for too long. He said he was responsible for three of Denver’s six sacks, but it was more than three — and he caused his offense trouble in other ways.
With Dontae Johnson now questionable or worse with a hip injury, it looks very possible that the Seahawks will end up starting two rookies in Denver — Tre Flowers joining Shaquem Griffin.
The season is upon us. And now we’ll find out who is right about the Seahawks.
Earl Thomas’ message has been sent and he is begrudgingly coming back for his final year in Seattle — unless a trade comes together at some point. And you can expect him to quietly play lights out.
Pete Carroll is ready for the season. But his roster isn’t quite.
John Schneider now knows what he needs to pay Russell Wilson — with Aaron Rodgers setting the bar at $33.5 million a year and $98 million fully guaranteed — and a deal for Seattle’s quarterback should be easy.
John Schneider went back to the 2015 draft with two big moves Wednesday and Green Bay’s quarterback deals impacted Seattle’s QB picture for this season and beyond.
CHAWK TALK: Everything being said about the Seahawks 