SEATTLE -- A few thoughts on the Seattle Seahawks' 26-20 overtime victory over the Denver Broncos on Sunday at CenturyLink Field.
What it means: Now that was the game everyone thought the Super Bowl would be. After giving up a game-tying drive at the end of the fourth quarter, Seattle took the ball 80 yards at the start of the overtime period and won it on Marshawn Lynch's 6-yard run. The Seahawks (2-1) proved they’re still the best in the Super Bowl rematch and got the bad taste out of their mouths after the past weekend’s loss at San Diego.
Stock watch: After giving up 31 points one week ago at San Diego, the Seahawks defense was back to its physical and aggressive self and shut down Peyton Manning most of the game until a complete collapse on the final drive. Even so, the Seahawks defense was strong. It gave up 10 first downs on third down plays the past week. Denver is 6-of-16 on third downs. Manning and the Broncos have scored only three touchdowns on the Seahawks in eight quarters, and one Sunday came after an interception gave Denver the ball on the Seattle 19 in the fourth quarter.
Game ball: It goes to Seahawks strong safety Kam Chancellor, who saved the day with an interception when Denver had a third-and-11 at the Seattle 24 late in the fourth quarter. After a horrible game last week, when he was involved in all three touchdowns caught by San Diego tight end Antonio Gates, Chancellor had nine tackles (six solo) and two passes defended Sunday. He almost had another interception when the ball hit the turf just before he grabbed it.
Lockette saves day in two ways: Wide receiver Ricardo Lockette prevented a Denver score at the start of a drive and caught a touchdown pass to end the same drive in the second quarter. Lockette was well covered by Denver cornerback Aqib Talib on a short out route when Wilson’s throw was headed into the arms of Talib, who would have had clear sailing for a possible pick-six. But Lockette grabbed him before the ball arrived to prevent him from catching it, the best offensive interference decision you’ll ever see. Lockette then got by Talib for a 39-yard touchdown catch from Russell Wilson. Lockette also made a great one-armed tackle on a punt to stop Isaiah Burse in his tracks at the Denver 17 in the third quarter.
Boomer Jon: You can’t do much better punting than Jon Ryan did Sunday. Maybe the Canadian punter was fired up from the pregame, when O Canada was sung with Canadian Mounties and the Canadian flag on the field. Ryan had punts of 61 and 66 yards on his first two boots. He also pinned the Broncos deep twice, back at the 7-yard-line. After a safety in the fourth quarter, Ryan boomed the ball 79 yards to the Denver 1 before it was returned to the 23.
What’s next: The Seahawks enter their bye week before heading across the country to play the Washington Redskins on Monday Night Football on Oct. 6. It's the first time the Seahawks have played the Redskins since the playoff game two years ago, which Seattle won 24-14 at FedExField.
