Watched the quadrennial Broncos/Seahawks game with my Broncos buddy today.
Frustrating, if only because of missed opportunities, poor turnovers, and the bend but don't break defense bending too much at inopportune times.
Hasslebeck. Bleh. Marched the team down first drive very well. Two penalites, one his fault, pushed them back to 2nd and goal at the 15. Then throws up a patented rainbow I'm all too accustomed to seeing, and they end with zero points and a shot to the confidence.
After next series, a muffed punt sets up an easy 7 for Denver.
Another red zone turnover before half and Seattle is down at half. Denver dominated time of possession, thanks to the Seahawks defense giving up 3rd down after 3rd down, some through penalties, some through playing too zone of a defense.
Seattle starts 3rd quarter well with a TD, but Denver takes over the time of possession game again. With Denver pinned, takes a penalty to get them out of third and long, then on the same drive, three guys miss a tackle on Moreno for a loss, and he gains 50 yards.
Give credit to Denver, they played controlled and calmer at times, but SEA's defense for 2 out of 3 downs was great, and giving Denver 3rd and 5+ most every time...but then giving up 8 yards on third down time and again.
Halfway through the 4th before the garbage stats starting accumulating, Denver was 14 of 16 on 3rd down....last week Seattle held SF to 1-15 on third down. Amazing swing.
So considering the heat and the time the defense was on the field, not going to put the blame on them.
Offense was ok too, Hasslebeck did move the ball and everyone got involved and looked dynamic, something that couldn't be said previous years, and the running game looked to be at least useful in keeping Denver on its toes.
Golden Tate touched the ball 2 times. 67 yard punt return and 50 yard reception...not a bad NFL debut. But the carelessness of Hasslebeck's decisions, that have had me pulling my hair out for 4+ year, continues...that early drive would've calmed the game down. His other two turnovers too were at bad times...just as the team looked to be on a roll.
Credit to Denver, but Seattle very very easily could've had that game 10 points closer without those timely turnovers...don't get a couple third down penalties to extend Denver drives and maybe the momentum swung the other way as Seattle's defense could spend less time on the field, and Seattle's offense, a few more drives on the field.
SD for SEA next week. Hoping the Saints roll over SF tomorrow.
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