Seattle Seahawks Dominate In Season Opener Against Green Bay Packers
The Seattle Seahawks dominated Thursday night’s game against the Green Bay Packers with a score of 36 to 16 in the NFL regular season opener. While the Packers are considered a popular pick to contend in the NFC, Seattle showed no mercy and proved it is still a favorite to repeat its Super Bowl win.
Marshawn Lynch put in a stellar performance by rushing 110 yards and Percy Harvin brought his game with 100 combined yards rushing and receiving.
Before the evening game, the Seahawks revealed the team’s first ever Super Bowl banner in a brief ceremony. They then began the process of trying to be the first team in 10 years to repeat.
After the game, Percy Harvin told Fox Sports, “We got a few more weapons on offense, a lot of guys are more experienced. The guys on defense, Kam [Chancellor] and Earl [Thomas], just have another year of experience.
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson was outstanding in the first half with a 33-yard touchdown pass to Ricardo Lockette. Harvin go touchdowns as a receiver, running back, and returner. Wilson finished the game with 19 of 28 passes completed and 191 yards passing.
Yahoo! Sports notes that the Seahawks stepped onto the field with a significant advantage against the Packers — intimidation. Along with owning the Super Bowl Championship title, Thursday night’s game was played at Century Link Field, giving the Hawks home-field advantage. That advantage helped them win 18 of their last 20 regular season home games.
It also appeared that the team had another advantage in Richard Sherman, who ended the game with no stats. Aaron Rodgers, a former NFL MVP and the NFL’s all-time leader in passer rating, never tested Sherman. Instead, Green Bay lined up Jarrett Boykin across from Sherman and Rodgers threw to the left all game.
Despite the maneuver, the Seahawks still defended well and kept the Packers from winning. The offense was in its own league as well. Pete Carroll stated earlier this week that Lynch was in the best shape of his career. Lynch proved it by averaging 5.5 yards per carry and topping 100 yards for the 20th time in the regular season since he joined the Seahawks in 2010.
In a post-game interview, Wilson credited Percy Harvin with helping the team significantly during the game. The Seahawks quarterback stated, ” ‘Lord have mercy, we have Percy,’ that’s what I always say. He is a great player, plays so hard, pushes the other receivers and players and they have a great relationship.”
Rodgers finished 23 of 33 for 189 yards. The Seattle Seahawks will play the San Diego Charges on Sunday, September 14.
[Image: King-5]
