Seahawks defense matches their vintage jerseys in the first half

The Seahawks had to lean on their newly minted defense in the first half as the offense stuttered. Did I say stuttered? They were actually horrific due to their awful offensive line play.

The Hawks couldn't get rolling on offense on their first three series. The offensive line looked no better than they had in the past two seasons, as Geno Smith had virtually no time to throw. Thankfully, Mike Macdonald's defense held up as the Broncos failed to pick up a first down of their own. Mike Macdonald's defense has been as good as advertised.

Smith threw a pick on the first series, setting Denver up at the Seattle 20-yard line. The Hawks gave up virtually nothing, forcing the Broncos to settle for a field goal. On the offensive side of the ball, Seattle didn't pick up their first down until the fourth series of the game. The Hawks were finally able to move the ball, but had to settle for a 50-yard Jason Myers field goal to net the score at 3-3.

The Seattle Seahawks defense had to come up big in the first half again and again

The Hawks defense didn't allow the Broncos to pick up a first down until there was less than one minute left in the first quarter. The Broncos moved the ball a little more consistently in the second quarter, but Seattle's new-look defense still kept the Broncos out of the end zone. The defense's biggest play came early in the second quarter as Julian Love picked off Bo Nix at Seattle's one-yard line to snuff their only serious threat of the half.

Seattle allowed the Broncos offense to score three field goals on 121 total yards. You'd think that would mean Denver put up nine points, but they went into the half up13-9. Yes, 12s, that's four more points, and yes those points came on two safeties against the Hawks. The O-line has been so awful, it's shocking that Seahawks were able to put any points on the board at all. Ryan Grubb's offense needs to remember they're not still on the practice field.

If it wasn't for Geno Smith's terrific 34-yard scramble for six in the second half, Seattle would be stuck at three point on Jason Myers 50-yard kick in the first quarter. Smith has been sacked twice and hit five more times in the first half. The offense has to get back on track for the Hawks to win this game. If they can finally stop sabotaging themselves, they can do it.

Happily the defense is keeping them well in striking distance. Is it their secret weapon, or not so secret? The offense has to chip in at some point, though. Seattle's defense has been on the field for over 18 minutes. As good as they've been - again, they've allowed just 121 yards and three field goals - they can't be expected to continue to play at this high level in the second half without the offense doing their part.