Our defending Super Bowl Champion Seattle Seahawks are finally kicking off the regular season, hosting the New England Patriots, the very team we thumped 29-13 back in Super Bowl LX at Levi’s Stadium. Get ready, 12s, because this Sunday Night Football showdown is actually going down on Wednesday night, and it’s our first chance to see our champs start their title defense right here in the Emerald City!
Shuffled Up Front: Pats’ O-Line Gets a Makeover
We all remember the days when our Hawks had a “horrific offensive line” for what felt like a decade, rolling out one of the youngest, least experienced groups in the league year after year. Well, the Patriots are showing up with a revamped O-line from what we saw in the Super Bowl. Jared Wilson, who was at left guard, has transitioned back to his natural center spot, and they brought in Alijah Vera-Tucker in free agency to fill that left guard void. Wilson looks way more comfortable in the middle, and sophomore Will Campbell, our blindside guy’s counterpart, has apparently taken some serious strides. Remember he was playing on a sprained MCL in February? He’s healthier and improved now, which is big, but his communication with Vera-Tucker is gonna get tested immediately. And don’t forget Mike Onwenu and Morgan Moses holding down the right side. They’re reliable stalwarts, but apparently, both could do a better job against line games this time around.
New Deep Threats Landing in Seattle
But the O-line isn’t the only thing the Pats have shuffled. Say goodbye to Stefon Diggs and Kayshon Boutte; they’re rolling into Lumen Field with A.J. Brown and Romeo Doubs now. This means we should expect even *more* verticality in their passing game. Boutte was a deep threat, no doubt, but A.J. Brown? He’s on another level as the primary replacement. And Doubs, he’s a jump-ball monster, thriving in high-point situations, though his timing routes can be a little iffy. Their OC Josh McDaniels is already hyping up Brown and Doubs for their ability. Our secondary, with guys like defensive tackle Rylie Mills , who was right there reacting after plays in the Super Bowl , anchoring that D-line, is gonna have its hands full with these new deep threats!
This is no ordinary regular season opener, 12s. This is our Super Bowl champs laying down the gauntlet, right here at home. Can our defense shut down these new-look Pats? Can we start our title defense with a statement win? Wednesday night can’t come soon enough. Let’s get loud, Seattle!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Field Gulls.
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