Why Daniel Jeremiah expects Seahawks to handle Patriots again

Seven months after they met in the Super Bowl, the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots will square off in a season-opening rematch Wednesday night at Lumen Field.

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Some things have changed since Seattle’s dominant 29-13 triumph over New England back in February.

The Seahawks have a first-time offensive coordinator in Brian Fleury, who takes over the play-calling duties following Klint Kubiak’s departure. They also have a new lead running back in rookie first-round pick Jadarian Price, who was drafted to help replace Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III.

Meanwhile, the Patriots bolstered their offense with the additions of three-time Pro Bowl wide receiver A.J. Brown, wideout Romeo Doubs and left guard Alijah Vera-Tucker.

But even when factoring in those differences, NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah told Seattle Sports’ Brock and Salk that he expects to see a similar outcome in Wednesday night’s rematch.

Jeremiah pointed to Seattle’s deep and talented defensive front, which manhandled New England in the Super Bowl. Byron Murphy II, Leonard Williams, Derick Hall, DeMarcus Lawrence, Uchenna Nwosu, Rylie Mills and Jarran Reed combined for five sacks and 23 pressures in February’s matchup, which set the tone as the Seahawks shut out the Patriots for the first three quarters.

“I think we’re going to see the same physicality and edge from their defense,” Jeremiah said. “I’m a little bit more curious on the offensive side just to see how it all comes together (for Seattle). You’ve got a new coordinator, new running back – there’s some newness there. But defensively, I think they come out and kind of remind everybody of just how fast and physical and violent they are.

“The matchup up front is still slanted heavy toward Seattle, and I think that front has a chance to kind of make a statement, so I think Seattle wins the game,” he added. “I think it’s a better New England team. Their offense, I think, will be better than it was in the Super Bowl. But I just go back to the trenches and I’m like, I don’t see it.”

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