The Seattle Seahawks claimed victory in Week 1 over the Denver Broncos. Head coach Mike Macdonald is thrilled to begin his era with a win, but the 26-20 scoreline over a rookie quarterback at Lumen Field was arguably closer than many anticipated. The Seahawks should be road favorites against the New England Patriots in Week 2.
Several of Seattle’s high-end talents were quiet in Sunday’s Week 1 victory. Other starters were below-average performers. We’ve identified three Seahawks players who must showcase improvement in Week 2.
DK Metcalf
No. 1 wide receiver DK Metcalf was limited to three receptions for 29 yards on four targets. Metcalf was only held under 30 receiving yards once in 2023, so this wasn’t the ideal start for Seattle’s dominant wideout in Ryan Grubb’s offense. Starting quarterback Geno Smith must make it a priority to get his big-time playmaker more involved this weekend.
Anthony Bradford
Sophomore right guard Anthony Bradford is the biggest question mark on an offensive line littered with them. The former LSU standout edged out rookie blocker Christian Haynes for the starting gig during training camp and the preseason.
Bradford struggled mightily against the Broncos. He was whistled for three penalties and allowed two pressures en route to a Pro Football Focus pass-blocking grade of 30.9. Similar results will eventually get him replaced in the lineup by Haynes.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba
It wasn’t just Metcalf that was barely involved in the passing game. Sophomore wideout Jaxon Smith-Njigba recorded just two receptions on two targets for 19 receiving yards. Grubb placed more emphasis on establishing the run game, and the receivers suffered as a result.
Smith-Njigba’s 19 yards would have been his fifth-lowest total during his rookie campaign, and his two targets would’ve tied his lowest rookie-season output. It was veteran Tyler Lockett that led the Seahawks in targets, catches, and yards. Smith-Njigba should be more involved versus the Patriots.
