The Seattle Seahawks defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 20-6 in Seattle on Sunday, in a game that matched Mike Holmgren against friend and former assistant Jon Gruden.Both teams looked good at times, but both showed obvious signs of rust in the first game of the regular season.
Tampa Bay had to settle for two early field goals after failing to put the ball in the end zone. Bucs QB Jeff Garcia looked strong in the first quarter, but wore down as the game went on and missed some time in the second half.
Carnell "Cadillac" Williams also looked good at times, but didn't return after suffering a rib injury late in the game.
On the plus side, the youthful Bucs defense played fast and aggressive. Led by perennial All-Pro Derrick Brooks, the Tampa D contained the Seahawks passing attack and held Deion Branch to zero catches.
As for the Seahawks, Holmgren and company didn’t get off to the smoothest start, but had to feel good about their overall effort.
QB Matt Hasselbeck was very efficient, completing 17 of 24 passes for 222 yards and a touchdown. Shaun Alexander looked like his old self, with over a hundred yards and a touchdown of his own.
The 'Hawks receiving corps, particularly Branch, needs to step up and catch more passes.
The 2007 Seattle defense may be the best unit the franchise has ever had. Julian Peterson and Patrick Kerney led the way for the pass rush, each recording two sacks. Safety Deon Grant was all over the field in his Seahawks debut, and Lofa Tatupu deserves credit for his eight tackles and two forced fumbles.
Tampa Bay has reason to worry after the injuries to Garcia and Williams. The Bucs face the New Orleans Saints next week, who are coming off of a big loss themselves.
The Seahawks are hoping that Sunday's win is the first stop on the road to the playoffs. Next week, the 'Hawks travel south to take on division rival Arizona.
2 comments Last one added about 1 year ago — Leave a Comment
Mike Bishop about 1 year ago
Could you please explain how Hasselbeck completing 70% of his passes for 222 yards and a 113.5 passer rating constitutes Tampa "containing the passing attack"? Deon Branch not having any catches is too bad. But seriously, the passing game was working for Seattle very well. Just ask Hackett, Engram, Burleson, Pollard and Morris.
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Richard Bowler about 1 year ago
Well for one Hackett only caught one pass. Only two passes all day were thrown down the field for any distance. Also 6 to 8 yard passes to you backs and tight ends are nice but if the Tampa offense could have put up some points than the passing attack would not have been able to bring them back. I guess my basic point is that short dump offs are nice but where were the 10 yard slants. Also it is a big deal when your number 1 receiver catches zero passes. The entire receiving corp caught around 7 passes and that will not cut against many teams. So maybe it was a bit overstated but the Bucs did a good job boxing Seattle in and taking away the middle of the field. I mean obviously Hasselbeck had a good but the majority of his yard came on the pass to Morris and an early pass to Engram that Engram made a great play on.
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