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

STUD - Seahawks defense

Optimism has been brewing in Seattle ever since the Seahawks named Mike Macdonald as their new head coach. Known for his defensive prowess during his time with the Baltimore Ravens, Macdonald was brought in to reshape and revitalize the Seahawks' defense, a unit that had seen its dominance wane in recent years. After Week 1 of the 2024 NFL season, it’s clear that Macdonald's impact is already being felt. The Seahawks' defense looks formidable, setting a strong foundation for the season ahead.

In their opening game against the Denver Broncos, the Seahawks' defense put on a clinic, suffocating the Broncos' offense and making life difficult for rookie quarterback Bo Nix. While Nix showed flashes of his potential, the Seahawks' defense kept him under constant pressure, preventing Denver from gaining any sustained momentum.

Even more impressive was Seattle's ability to weather the storm despite their offense allowing multiple safeties, a situation that could have easily swung the game in Denver’s favor. Yet, the Seahawks' defense stood tall, refusing to let the Broncos run away with the game.

Julian Love wasted no time making his presence known. Love snagged a crucial interception early in the game, setting the tone for a defense that would be opportunistic all night. Across the field, Riq Woolen continued his ascent as one of the league’s premier cornerbacks, adding an interception of his own to halt a promising Broncos drive. Woolen’s athleticism and instincts were on full display, reminding everyone why he’s such a valuable piece of this revamped Seahawks defense.

The defensive heroics didn’t stop there. Linebacker Jerome Baker, another standout, came up with a critical fumble recovery, further stifling Denver’s attempts to generate offense. Baker's knack for being in the right place at the right time underscores the discipline and awareness that Macdonald has instilled in this unit. Together, Love, Woolen, and Baker spearheaded a defensive effort that gave the Seahawks a much-needed edge in a closely contested game.

While it’s only Week 1, the signs are promising for Seattle’s defense. Under Macdonald’s leadership, this unit has the potential to become a dominant force in the NFC. The blend of veteran savvy and youthful energy on defense could be the key to the Seahawks making a deep playoff run. And with playmakers like Love, Woolen, and Baker leading the charge, the future looks bright for the Seahawks' defense.