The Seahawks' defense has played well in the first half. Now if they can just stop the tight end, they'll pitch a shutout the rest of the way. Thankfully, the Hawks have just the man to do it.
The Seahawks staked a 17-13 lead in the first half versus the Patriots. Seattle opened with short-yardage plays on their first two series, only to strike with a 56-yard bomb to DK Metcalf on their second series. They kept up the assault, with Geno Smith leading the charge on 16=19 passing.
Surprisingly, the defense fell behind early, allowing the Pats to score on their second drive. The Hawks defense surrendered two more scores, but both were field goals. They gave up too many yards overall, 165. But the real problem was really due to one Pats player.
The Seattle Seahawks have to cover Hunter Henry to shut the Pats down
Of those 165 yards the Pats gained in the first half, tight end Hunter Henry picked up 98. Patriots quarterback Jacoby Brissett completed 11 of his 19 passes for 117 yards. So without Henry's seven catches, New England completed 4 of 9 passes for 19 yards. That isn't going to win too many ball games, now is it?
So the Hawks will finally shut down Henry, the rest of this game should be a cakewalk. The Patriots haven't been able to run the ball very effectively, either. So clearly the key for the Hawks is to stop the tight end from running wild. Wow, does that ever sound familiar?
Happily, the Seahawks have the players who can get this done. I'd key on one player in particular to stop Henry. That would be Devon Witherspoon. On the Pats' last drive of the first half, Henry lined up in the slot. Not surprisingly, Witherspoon was in coverage on him. He was on the Pats tight end like relish on a hot dog, like a Snuggli on a soccer mom, like - well, you get the idea.
We need more of that in the second half. The Patriots haven't shown anything on offense other than their tight end. Spoon can shut that down. If the Seahawks make that adjustment, this game will be much easier.