The NFL schedule is out and the league wasted no time in pushing the 12s buttons. It’s the Seahawks vs Russell Wilson to close out week one on Monday Night Football!
I can’t say I agree with everything the NFL does. The taunting rule is just one example of the No Fun League in action. But you know what is fun, 12s? Seeing our beloved Seahawks go up against the Broncos and Russell Wilson in week one. Why make us wait for the game we all want to see?
I will admit, there are some drawbacks to the Hawks facing their former quarterback this early in the season. I expect Wilson will acclimate to his new team in Denver a bit faster than the myriad new players on Seattle’s defense will adjust to theirs.
After all, he’s a 10-year veteran. The Hawks will debut a new defense under the direction of first-year DC Clint Hurtt. Every player will have to adjust to new schemes, and perhaps new roles.
Russell Wilson will definitely test the Seahawks new defense
The Seahawks will probably field five new starters on defense this year. I’m counting Cody Barton in that group, so I suppose that’s not quite fair. Justin Coleman and Quinton Jefferson aren’t exactly new faces in Seattle either, but it’s been a minute since they wore the navy and gray. The legit new faces include Shelby Harris and Uchenna Nwosu. Harris came to the Seahawks as part of the package for Wilson, of course.
The Hawks have several more new players that will undoubtedly be squaring off against Wilson that Monday night. Rookie cornerback Coby Bryant will certainly see time on the field. I’d be shocked if we don’t see rookie Boye Mafe for at least a dozen plays as well. Even Tariq Woolen and Tyreke Smith, as raw as they are, could have an impact on this game.
Just what that impact will be is anyone’s guess. All 12s know just how good Wilson is, whether we still want to admit it or not. As Bob Condotta wrote, this will be a very early referendum on who won The Trade. I’d much rather have seen this game later in the season, once the rookies have their Sealegs – Sealegs, get it? – but I’m excited to see Pete Carroll school Russ regardless. As Bob Condotta wrote, this will be a very early referendum on who won The Trade.