The Seattle Seahawks defeated the Atlanta Falcons by a score of 38-25 to start the 2020 NFL season 1-0. Here are five takeaways from the game.
Jamal Adams makes an immediate impact
Adams made several big plays in his first game as a Seahawk and played with fervent energy throughout the game. He used his speed to notch a third-down sack on Matt Ryan in the second quarter and made multiple difficult tackles all over the field. The hefty price of two first-round picks Seattle paid to acquire his services may be worth it. If this game is any indication, he will be a key piece of the defense moving forward.
Chris Carson and the rest of the offense set the tone early
Running back Chris Carson, who has entered a contract year, was a key offensive player throughout the game, catching two touchdown passes from Russell Wilson in the first quarter. The offense hummed on all cylinders on the first two offensive drives that engineered those two touchdowns. The offense struggled to keep its rhythm after accumulating a 14-3 lead, and Atlanta eventually closed the gap. However . . .
Gutsy fourth-down call turns the tide
Facing fourth & 5 and clinging to a 14-12 lead, the Seahawks dialed up a deep pass to wide receiver DK Metcalf who caught it for a 38-yard touchdown. This swung the momentum of the game as the offense continued to click, scoring a touchdown on their next possession and a field goal on the one after that. It was a play call uncharacteristic of Pete Carroll and Brian Schottenheimer, who have gained a reputation for “establishing the run” but this aggressive call certainly paid dividends. They should be commended.
Defense gives up abundant yardage but holds tight when necessary
In addition to the plays made by Adams, the defense made stops when they needed to despite giving up over 400 passing yards, some of which came in garbage time. They also held the high-flying Falcons offense to 25 points, seven of which came on a touchdown with 33 seconds left with the outcome of the game already decided. Containing an offense featuring Julio Jones (who is still a freak of nature) and Calvin Ridley is always difficult, but the Seahawks got the job done today.
Russell Wilson as efficient as ever
Wilson was extremely efficient in his first game of the 2020 season, completing 31 of his 35 passes for 322 passing yards, four touchdowns and no interceptions. His touchdown passes to DK Metcalf and Greg Olsen were right on the money, and one of his incompletions was an egregious drop by a wide-open Metcalf. He continues to strengthen his reputation as one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL and he has the weapons to help him turn in efficient performances like this.
[lawrence-related id=67113]