Seattle Seahawks vs. Arizona Cardinals: Seattle's Week 1 Awards

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The Seattle Seahawks could not complete a comeback on Sunday, as they had the game close in the fourth quarter but eventually fell.

The Arizona Cardinals exposed some of the Hawks weaknesses during the opener, but there were some players who kept the game close. The defense was exceptional throughout the game, even though they eventually surrendered the deciding touchdown.

Regardless, Seattle’s physical defense forced four three-and-outs in the second half. The only drive that went for more than nine yards was the 80-yard drive engineered by backup quarterback Kevin Kolb.

Still, the offense looked pedestrian for most of the game, as they only mustered one touchdown drive due to a short field. The Cardinals were able to apply pressure on rookie Russell Wilson and keep him uneasy in the pocket.

The game still went down to the wire, but some players proved themselves early on, whereas others left fans with more questions than answers.

Leon Washington

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Special teams moved the ball more effectively than the offense did for most of the game on Sunday.

That was mostly because of Washington.

He finished with 133 yards on kick returns, including an 83-yard return that led to a touchdown. He also had 56 yards on two punt returns.

Washington looked similar to his 2010 form where he had three return touchdowns. He played a crucial role for the Hawks on special teams, because the offense simply could not consistently move the ball.

With only 254 yards of total offense, Seattle had to rely on other playmakers in order to keep the game close. Washington showed up when it mattered, and it looks as if the Seahawks' special teams will make an impact this season.

Runner up: Seahawks’ secondary.

LVP: Seahawks' Offensive Line

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Marshawn Lynch did rack up 85 yards on the ground, but the offensive line was the weak link on Sunday.

As a group, they surrendered three sacks, but that figure could have been much higher if it wasn’t for Russell Wilson’s elusiveness. There were distinct times where Wilson escaped pressure in the backfield by scampering towards the sidelines.

Wilson still took seven hits during the game. A number too high for Hawks fans, who see Wilson as the future of the franchise.

To make matters worse, Seattle may be without tackle Russell Okung as he left the game with a knee injury.

The duo of Calais Campbell and Darnell Dockett gave the line fits Sunday as they were constantly wreaking havoc around the line of scrimmage. Wilson looked uncomfortable because he was under fire too often on Sunday.

Combined with the uninspiring blocking performance, the line also surrendered too many yards due to false start penalties. Okung had three of his own before he left the game.

The line must find a balance as they continue to rotate players throughout the depth chart.

Runner up: Seahawks' Wide Receivers

Top Rookie: Russell Wilson

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Wilson is obviously the most important rookie on the Seahawks' roster, and he impressed in his first career start.

He did not have the best pocket to operate in on Sunday, but he still finished with 153 yards and one touchdown and one interception. Those are not astounding numbers by any means, but he had the Seahawks in the game until the bitter end.

That is promising for Seattle fans that are counting on Wilson to lead the team back to the postseason.

He did have a tough time completing passes down the field because the receivers could not find open space against the Arizona secondary. Wilson was constantly scanning downfield, but the wideouts simply did not do enough to help the rookie quarterback.

Wilson protected the ball well, regardless of his one interception, and made good decisions considering it was his first start.

He tucked the ball when he had to, rather than forcing the ball into coverage and made some good throws.

Obviously there is still room for improvement but Wilson’s growth is exciting to watch. He commanded the offense well, and with more time to adjust Wilson will continue learning how to succeed as a starter.

Runner up: Bobby Wagner