Game 2- New England Patriots
The Seattle Seahawks will return to Century Link field for their primetime matchup versus the new era of New England Patriots in week two. The Patriots recent addition of quarterback Cam Newton only adds to the highly anticipated home opener. It will be the first time since 2016 that the Patriots will not have Tom Brady starting under center. All eyes will be on the quarterback matchup between Russell Wilson and Newton. Wilson joined the Seahawks as a rookie in 2012, and since, the Hawks are 2-1 against the Patriots, the only loss coming in Super Bowl XLIX.
Wilson played out of his mind in his 2012 debut vs. New England and he is going to have to play an almost perfect game against the league’s reigning number one defense. Last season the Patriots only allowed 275 yards per game but will be without linebacker Dont’a Hightower and safety Patrick Chung after both players opted out of the 2020 season. The Patriots defense is still a force to be reckoned with as cornerback Stephon Gilmore and the rest of the New England secondary tallied up three interceptions last week against the Miami Dolphins.
The Seahawks defense will need to adjust to this new Patriot offense. Last week New England was committed to the run as they rushed for 217 yards on 42 carries and 3 touchdowns. Of those, Newton had 75 yards and 2 TDs while carrying the ball 15 times. The Seahawks defense fared well against the run last week against Atlanta, as they held the Falcons to 72 yards on the ground. The Seahawks defense will look for another big game out of safety Jamal Adams who had a team high 12 total tackles along with one sack.
The Seahawks offense last week had great success in the air as Wilson threw for 322 yards and 4 TDs. Chris Carson surprised all with six catches for 45 receiving yards and 2 receiving TDs. The Seahawks did not focus on the ground game as much as they have in years past having only one rushing touchdown coming from Carlos Hyde. Last week Seattle only had 84 rushing yards and with going against the intimidating Patriots secondary, the Hawks will need another strong showing out of Carson and Hyde in the backfield.
This is going to be a tight game and both defense’s will have their hands full. The Seahawks’ defense will need to focus on forcing Newton to throw to a struggling Patriot receiving core. The Seahawks offensive line will need to keep Wilson safe as well, as last week they allowed Wilson to be plummeted to the ground three times for a loss of 23 yards.
The Seahawks will be without their home crowd for their first three home games. The “twelfth man” fans have become notorious for being the loudest in the league and Seattle will have the challenge of creating their own momentum throughout the game. I see the Seahawks dedicating to the run and applying pressure on defense to a still fresh Patriot offense. I see Seattle wining and going into week three at 2-0.
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