Broncos edge Seahawks, 21-16, in preseason opener
It took nearly four hours, but the Denver Broncos finally left Sports Authority Field with a victory over the Seattle Seahawks, 21-16, on Thursday night to snap Seattle’s nine-game preseason winning-streak and avenge their Feb. 2 Super Bowl loss.
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Both teams’ preseason opener was delayed by lightening late in the first quarter but the teams resumed play and ended up finishing the contest in a game that was much more competitive than last year’s Super Bowl.
Terrelle Pryor led the way for the Seahawks, finishing with 137 passing yards and 28 rushing yards, both team highs. He also threw an interception.
Seattle’s leading receiver was rookie Paul Richardson, who showed explosiveness and finesse in his first pro game. The former Colorado standout snagged a team-high four receptions for 37 yards. Twelve Seahawks receivers caught at least one pass.
The Broncos were the first to reach the end zone, scoring the only points of the first quarter, a short touchdown run courtesy of Ronnie Hillman, but the Seahawks answered with 10 points in the second quarter to take a 10-7 lead at the half.
Christine Michael scored that touchdown and finished the game with 16 yards on seven carries.
While many Seahawks starters from last year stayed warm on the bench, Russell Wilson took a few snaps and finished a respectable 4-for-6 for 37 yards.
The Seahawks found themselves down 14-10 in the third quarter before Steven Hauschka kicked his second field goal of the game to make it a 14-13 affair.
In the fourth quarter, Hauschka’s third field goal gave the Seahawks the 16-14 lead before the Broncos quickly scored another touchdown, a 34-yard strike from Brock Osweiler to Jordan Norwood.
The Seahawks finished the contest with 298 total yards, 204 of which came through the air.
Their defense was led by Earl Thomas‘ six tackles, though rookies Brock Coyle (five tackles) and Cassius Marsh (four tackles and sack) were both effective as well.
Seattle won the possession game 31:19 – 28:41, but they were a miserable 3-for-11 on third downs, while Denver was 8-for-12.
The Seahawks will try to get the ball rolling again on Friday, Aug. 15, against the San Diego Chargers at CenturyLink Field for their second preseason game of the young season.