The Seahawks center has been a key player so far. Unfortunately, he's been a key player for the Bills. Seattle finally got the offense going, but Connor Williams obliterated both drives.
It's not like the Seahawks needed any help to stifle drives in the first half. The Bills put their swarming defense to work early. Seattle only managed six yards of offense in the first quarter. I wish that was a typo, but sadly, it is not.
The Hawks got things rolling in the second quarter, though. Geno Smith was on target, and Kenneth Walker started to rip off big runs. Seattle got all the way to the Buffalo two-yard line, and looked primed to knot the game at seven-all. The Bills stuffed Kenneth Walker on first down for a one-yard loss. And then, disaster struck.
The Seattle Seahawks self-destructed twice, thanks to Connor Williams
On second and goal from the three-yard line, Smith was in the shotgun. Williams snapped the ball perfectly - assuming he was trying out as the long snapper. The ball sailed over Smith's outstretched arms by at least three feet. Luckily, K9 was able to scoop the fumble up and got it up to the Seattle 22. The Hawks had to settle for a 38-yard Jason Myers field goal.
Fear not, 12s. The Seahawks wasted no time getting back into the game. Minutes later, Josh Jobe picked off Josh Allen and took the ball all the way to the Buffalo seven-yard line. The Bills defense stiffened and forced the Hawks to gamble and go for the touchdown on fourth and goal at the one.
Connor Williams knew it was time to strike again. He proved he could kill a drive with his quarterback under center, too. The moment after he snapped the ball, he took a deep step back and tripped Geno Smith as he dropped back. That wound up as a six-yard loss, and Buffalo's ball.
The Hawks offense looked good for much of the second quarter. Now if they can just eliminate these awful mistakes, they may have a chance to get back into the game.