Seahawks Rally in Second Half to Defeat Broncos 26-20 in Season Opener

SEATTLE, Wash. — After a rocky first half where safeties nearly matched their offensive points, the Seattle Seahawks roared back with a dominant second-half performance to secure a 26-20 victory over the Denver Broncos. The win marked a triumphant start for head coach Mike Macdonald’s tenure.

Quarterback Geno Smith, who struggled early with an interception on his second play, recovered to deliver a solid game. Smith completed nearly 75% of his passes for 162 yards, including a 30-yard touchdown pass to running back Zach Charbonnet, and also ran for a 34-yard score. Ken Walker III led the rushing attack with 103 yards and a crucial 23-yard touchdown that gave the Seahawks a lead they would hold for the remainder of the game.

On defense, safety Julian Love made a key interception in the second quarter, while safety K’Von Wallace forced a fumble in the third quarter, recovered by linebacker Jerome Baker. Defensive ends Boye Mafe and Derick Hall contributed with sacks and three combined tackles for loss.

Here are five key takeaways from Seattle’s Week 1 comeback win at Lumen Field:

1. Offensive Line Adjustments Lead to Improved Performance

The Seahawks’ offensive line struggled early, allowing two sacks and several pressures on Smith in the first half. This poor performance was compounded by penalties and missed blocks, leading to safeties. However, after halftime, Seattle’s line improved significantly. Despite the absence of right tackle George Fant due to a knee injury, the line kept Smith upright and allowed him to complete 75% of his passes in the second half without being sacked. This protection enabled Smith to execute a crucial touchdown pass to Charbonnet and manage the game effectively.

2. Run Game Awakens and Opens the Playbook

In the first half, Seattle’s run game was ineffective, with the team averaging just over two yards per carry and Walker gaining only 19 yards. Adjustments made at halftime paid off. Offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb shifted to gap-oriented run schemes, and Walker responded with a dominant second half, rushing 84 yards and scoring a key touchdown. His performance not only revitalized the run game but also unlocked the full playbook for the offense.

3. Mafe and Hall Shine in Nwosu’s Absence

With Uchenna Nwosu sidelined due to a knee sprain, Mafe and Hall stepped up. Mafe was a force on the edge, contributing a sack, two quarterback hits, and two tackles for loss. Hall made an even bigger impact with three quarterback hits and his first career NFL sack. Their disruptive play helped mitigate the loss of Nwosu and showcased their potential in Macdonald’s defensive scheme.

4. Defense Holds Strong in Crucial Moments

Despite some late-game concerns, Seattle’s defense was instrumental in keeping the team in the game during critical situations. They managed to prevent the Broncos from capitalizing on turnovers, limiting Denver to field goals after turnovers and holding them to just 13 points on four red zone trips. Their ability to stand tall under pressure kept the Seahawks within reach for their eventual comeback.

5. Special Teams Challenges Amid Rule Changes

Special teams coach Jay Harbaugh faces several areas for improvement, particularly with rookie Dee Williams’ punt return struggles. Williams’ decision-making led to a muffed punt and a critical safety. While kick returner Laviska Shenault had a decent 31-yard return, overall special teams play was inconsistent, highlighting areas for future improvement.

Overall, the Seahawks’ second-half turnaround demonstrated their resilience and adaptability, setting a positive tone for the rest of the season.