3 takeaways from Seattle Seahawks impressive season opener
By Jake Luppino
The Seattle Seahawks opened up the 2021 regular season in fashion. Once again on the east coast early in the season, Seattle unleashed their offensive weaponry. But, this was more impressive over last year’s opener in Atlanta as the Colts have one of the better defenses in the league and the Falcons were awful.
After an offseason full of unexpected twists and turns — starting with the rumors surrounding Russell Wilson to the contract disputes with key players — the Seattle Seahawks came out focused and determined to send a message.
While there was much to digest after an impressive all-around victory, here are the three biggest takeaways from the season opener.
A new dimension to the offense for the Seahawks
Of course, the major storyline after this game was the great game new offensive coordinator, Shane Waldron, called. From the opening drive to the last, the Seahawks offense was very efficient. There was a nice mixture of play calls — runs, motions, play-action fakes. Against a very solid Colts defense, the Seahawks were pretty much able to do whatever they wanted.
Outside of Lockett’s monstrous game, my biggest takeaway from the offense was the tight end play. All camp long, we heard how Wilson and newly acquired tight end, Gerald Everett, were building a good report. Well, it was certainly on display in Week 1. Especially on the Everett touchdown. His patience and chemistry with Wilson were on display as he slowly worked his way across the middle of the field into the end zone. But, it wasn’t only Gerald Everett. He and Will Dissly were both utilized.
Despite the fact that neither posted big numbers, they showed flashes of how they will be used in this new offensive system. Waldron — coming over from the Rams — was very effective in getting the tight ends involved. In fact, it was mainly Gerald Everett who was running crossing routes in the play-action game.
Yesterday, one of my favorite offensive play calls was the screen to Everett. Simple plays like that will allow Seattle to move the chains and avoid long down and distances. We of course can’t forget about Dissly’s mean stiff arm. Dissly has dealt with numerous injuries throughout his young career. But, he is always with Wilson in San Diego during the offseason working on his craft. If he can stay healthy, he and Everett are poised to have big years in this system. Not so much in numbers, but in overall impact.