Studs and duds from Seahawks' Week 1 win against the Broncos

DUD - Seahawks special teams

As the Seattle Seahawks usher in a new era under head coach Mike Macdonald, the excitement and anticipation around the team’s potential are palpable. After parting ways with Pete Carroll, who had led the team for over a decade, Seattle is navigating uncharted waters with Macdonald at the helm.

While the fresh start brings hope and optimism, there are also inevitable growing pains that come with any significant transition. One area that has emerged as a glaring issue at the start of the 2024 season is the Seahawks' special teams.

In the season opener against the Denver Broncos, the Seahawks managed to secure a hard-fought victory, but the special teams unit left much to be desired. Special teams, often overlooked, play a crucial role in dictating field position and momentum, and it’s an area that Macdonald and his staff will need to address urgently. Whether it’s the adjustment to the NFL’s new kick return rule or simply the growing pains of implementing a new system, the Seahawks' special teams performance fell short of expectations, nearly costing them the game.

One of the most alarming moments came when punt returner Dee Williams mishandled a crucial punt. In a moment of miscommunication and poor awareness, Williams allowed the ball to hit his helmet, resulting in a fumble that was recovered by the Broncos deep in Seattle territory. This blunder handed Denver excellent field position, putting the Seahawks' defense in a difficult spot. Fortunately, the defense managed to limit the damage, but such mistakes can be costly in tighter games.

Another special teams miscue occurred later in the game when Williams opted to let a Broncos punt bounce, only to see it roll all the way to Seattle’s one-yard line. This decision pinned the Seahawks' offense deep in their own end zone, forcing them to operate under immense pressure. While the offense managed to avoid disaster, it highlighted the importance of sound special teams play in helping the team control the game’s tempo and field position.

As Macdonald looks to solidify his team’s identity and build on their promising start, addressing these special teams' issues will be paramount. The Seahawks offense, led by veteran quarterback Geno Smith, needs every advantage it can get, and better field position will be crucial in tight contests. While the season is still young, it’s clear that the special teams unit must improve to avoid putting unnecessary pressure on the offense and defense.