Seahawks win 17-16 as Broncos take ball out of Wilson’s hands
Sep 12, 2022, 8:22 PM | Updated: 9:55 pm
The battle between the Seahawks and Russell Wilson’s Broncos that was six months in the making came down to a 64-yard field goal attempt.
Not exactly what you were expecting, was it?
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Yes, the quarterback who seemingly left Seattle to go to an offense that would let him do his thing had the ball taken out of his hands in the final moments with his team trailing by a point, and kicker Brandon McManus’ attempt of a true prayer of a kick was just wide with 20 seconds to go, allowing the Seahawks and head coach Pete Carroll to escape with a hard-fought 17-16 victory.
This close.
📺: #DENvsSEA on ESPN/ABC
📱: Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/54o9fOPBKO pic.twitter.com/aFh1JlpasF— NFL (@NFL) September 13, 2022
Almost nothing from this game was like people had expected.
New Seahawks starting QB Geno Smith shined in the first half, nearly outplaying the player he backed up for the previous three seasons. The Seahawks’ defense forced fumbles by Wilson’s Broncos offense on back-to-back series near the goal line to preserve Seattle’s lead. And now with the game in the books, Seattle leads the NFC West as the only team in the division to win its Week 1 matchup.
ANOTHER goal line fumble forced by the @Seahawks!
📺: #DENvsSEA on ESPN/ABC
📱: Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/54o9fOPBKO pic.twitter.com/mQeRxMeKIt— NFL (@NFL) September 13, 2022
Wilson played well in his first game in a uniform other than Seattle’s. He completed 29 of 42 passes for 340 yards, a touchdown and no interceptions. His offense struggled to break through against the typical Seahawks bend-don’t-break defense, though, as Seattle prevented the Broncos from scoring a touchdown on all four of their red zone trips.
Smith, meanwhile, immediately turned himself into a folk hero in front of the 12s at Lumen Field. While Wilson was booed early and often by the Seahawks fans, chants of “Geno, Geno” happened several times as he did just enough to lead Seattle to victory over the former QB that was traded away last March.
"Geno! Geno!"@GenoSmith3 is putting it all on the line and the 12s appreciate it. @Seahawks
📺: #DENvsSEA on ESPN/ABC
📱: Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/54o9fOPBKO pic.twitter.com/sOINmgsZn5— NFL (@NFL) September 13, 2022
Smith completed 23 of 28 passes for 195 yards, two touchdowns and no picks. His rating of 119.5 was just a little better than Wilson’s 101.3, and there’s no doubt Carroll will be happy with the efficiency his new quarterback displayed.
Smith also rushed six times for 14 yards.
17-of-18
164 yards
2 TDs@GenoSmith3 is showing exactly why he won the Seahawks QB competition. 🔥📺: #DENvsSEA on ESPN/ABC
📱: Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/54o9fOPBKO pic.twitter.com/hDvTKMtSzZ— NFL (@NFL) September 13, 2022
There was much to write home about with the Seahawks’ defense, as well, most notably free agency pickup Uchenna Nwosu. The 25-year-old former Chargers linebacker was all over the field for Seattle, making seven tackles, a sack, a tackle for loss, a pass defensed and two QB hits.
There were growing pains for a young Seahawks squad, however.
Rookie cornerback Coby Bryant was picked on by Wilson on Denver’s lone TD, a 67-yard pass to Jerry Jeudy.
BIG PLAY, @JERRYJEUDY!
📺: #DENvsSEA on ESPN/ABC
📱: Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/54o9fOPBKO pic.twitter.com/wnuZFwmZSF— NFL (@NFL) September 13, 2022
Seattle’s other rookie corner, Tariq Woolen, had multiple pass interference penalties. And rookie tackle Abe Lucas was flagged for holding, which called back what would have been a first down run by Rashaad Penny.
Tight ends Colby Parkinson and Will Dissly caught Smith’s two TD passes for 25 and 38 yards, respectively.
What a START! @GenoSmith3 improvises to @Will_Diss. Place is electric!
📺: #DENvsSEA on ESPN/ABC
📱: Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/54o9fOPBKO pic.twitter.com/kKRPdF44Nl— NFL (@NFL) September 13, 2022
Penny led all rushers with 60 yards, while Parkinson and Dissly each had 43 yards receiving to lead the Seahawks. DK Metcalf had a team-high seven catches for 36 yards, while Tyler Lockett had a quiet night with three receptions for 28 yards.
Geno is absolutely DEALING. @Seahawks break the tie! @GenoSmith3
📺: #DENvsSEA on ESPN/ABC
📱: Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/54o9fOPBKO pic.twitter.com/NViQ85aJrY— NFL (@NFL) September 13, 2022
Seahawks linebacker Cody Barton added a sack of Wilson, while cornerback Mike Jackson recovered two Denver fumbles near the goal line.
Injuries
Strong safety Jamal Adams was carted off the sideline with a left knee injury he suffered on a QB hit of Wilson in the first quarter. He was quickly ruled out for the rest of the game, causing immediate concern that once again his season will be cut short due to an injury.
A three-time Pro Bowler, Adams played just 12 games in each of his first two seasons with Seattle after the Seahawks made a blockbuster trade to get him from the Jets.
More: Seahawks’ Jamal Adams leaves vs. Broncos with knee injury
Woolen came out of the game in the fourth quarter with a right shoulder injury after delivering a hard hit but returned late in the game.
Up next for the Seahawks
Seattle will go from an emotional battle with Wilson and the Broncos straight into division play against the rival San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium. The Niners lost 19-10 to the Chicago Bears in Week 1. The game is set for a 1:05 p.m. Sunday kickoff, with coverage on Seattle Sports 710 AM and KIRO Newsradio 97.3 FM beginning with the pregame show at 10 a.m.
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