Halftime Observations: Seahawks Show Up Flat, Trail Broncos 14-3 on Thursday Night Football
Held to under 100 yards of total offense and just three points, the Seahawks couldn't handle the Broncos' relentless pressure and the defense laid an egg with an ugly first half in the Mile High City.
Unable to get much rolling on offense and uncharacteristically flat on defense, the Seattle Seahawks allowed two second quarter touchdowns to take a 14-3 deficit into halftime against the Denver Broncos on Thursday Night Football.
Here are three quick observations from a lethargic first half in the Mile High City:
1. Pass protection breakdowns hinder encouraging early possessions, leave Sam Darnold under fire.
Coming out with a clear game plan to get the ball out of Darnold's hands quickly, the Seahawks picked up multiple first downs on their opening series, including a third down conversion to Cooper Kupp to move the chains. But after advancing past midfield, Broncos defensive coordinator Vance Joseph reached into his bag of blitzing tricks and turned up the heat. Facing 2nd and 4 at the Denver 45-yard line, cornerback Ja'Quan McMillian shot into the backfield on a cornerback blitz and hauled down Darnold for a six-yard loss. On the ensuing snap, running back George Holani picked up a blitzing linebacker in the B gap, but right tackle Abraham Lucas slid inside as if he thought that was his defender to pick up. This left Que Robinson untouched off the end for an easy drive-ending sack that forced a punt.
On the next series, despite starting on the plus side of the 50-yard line, the Seahawks could only muster one first down, coming on a six-yard rush by Emanuel Wilson. After that point, defensive tackle D.J. Jones blasted Darnold on 2nd and 5 to coax an incompletion and the quarterback followed up leading Jaxon Smith-Njigba too far on a curl route with his internal clock sped up. Fortunately, that drive at least ended with points, as Jason Myers nailed a 55-yard field goal to salvage the possession. The Broncos finished with four quarterback hits on Darnold's first 11 drop backs, setting the tone with relentless pressure.
