QUARTERBACK PLAY
Yes, let’s just get this low-hanging fruit. We will start with the Denver Broncos.
How will the crowd reaction affect Russell Wilson early on? Good or bad you have to figure it will take time for Wilson to get used to being a visitor in a house he lived in for 10 years.
Another question is how long will it take Wilson and the Broncos to click. Wilson did not see a single snap with the offense during the offseason. While the Bronco’s offensive unit is not strangers to each other and practiced together during the preseason, real game reps are completely different.
Will Geno Smith continue his record of being undefeated in season openers? Yea who would have thought? Smith is 2-0 in season openers dating back to his days with the New York Jets. If Smith is to go 3-0 in season openers, he will need to make a good decision with the ball. Don’t hurry or force passes and throw the ball out of bounds and or take a sack when under pressure.
HOW DIFFERENT IS THE DEFENSE UNDER CLINT HURTT
Gone is Ken Norton Jr and in steps Hurtt the team’s former defensive line coach and a player favorite. If the Seahawks are to improve on their 28th defensive ranking they will need outstanding performances from Poona Ford, Darrell Taylor, and Al Woods. Shelby Harris a pickup from the Wilson trade will be counted on to be a difference maker. Uchenna Nwosu another off-season acquisition from San Diego had a career year last season with 39 tackles( 24 solo) and 17 quarterback hits.
Solid and improved performances are a must for Jordy Brooks, Jamal Adams, and Quandre Diggs. The corner position is another story. Tariq Woolen, Coby Bryant, and veteran Sidney Jones are going to be tested early and often on Monday night. How they respond from early jitters could be the key to a Seahawks victory.
IS THE SEAHAWKS OLINE READY FOR PRIME TIME?
The Seahawks picked up Austin Blythe and he stepped into the starting center slot. Blythe is a veteran the team is hoping can instill leadership and knowledge to rookie tackles Charles Cross on the left and Abraham Lucas on the right. Guards Gabe Jackson and Damien Lewis each missed a practice this week but should be fine for the opener.
Both will need to play have good games to take the pressure of the two rookies. Jake Curhan will see plenty of time due to his versatility at the guard and tackle positions. If the line is able to open holes for Rashaad Penny, Dee Jay Dallas, and Ken Walker if he plays, the pressure will be off Geno Smith to play above his talent level.
- Mariners lean heavily on Bryan Woo in historical 3-1 win vs. Angels
- Sounders FC road show continues in Houston
- Mariners back at full strength heading into first road trip of 2026
- George Kirby sees dominant start vs. Yankees come undone in 6th
- Mariners experience 2 positives and 1 negative on a busy Tuesday
GAME NOTES
The Seahawks begin their 47th season opening at home for only the eighth time in the last 23 seasons, this with a matchup against the Denver Broncos, who make their first appearance at Lumen Field since 2014.
Kick-off is set for 5:15 p.m. (PT) on Monday Night Football. Seattle’s first Monday night season opener occurred vs. Cleveland on September 3, 1984, a 330 victory in the Kingdome.
The Seahawks are 1927 all-time in kick-off Weekend games and Pete Carroll is 106 as a head coach, with a 75 kick-off Weekend record with Seattle.
Seattle is a league best 2812 all-time on Monday nights and 225 at home in primetime games dating back to 2010.
* With a win on Monday, it would mark Seattle’s 18th win in its last 20 home openers since 2003, with losses coming in 2008 and 2021.
* Seattle has played Denver the most times in franchise history. This will be the 55th meeting, with Denver leading the series, 3519.
* The Seahawks begin their 47th season opening at home for only the eighth time in the last 23 seasons.
* Seattle’s 33121 (.728) primetime record since 2010 is the best in the NFL.
