Part of the reason why the NFL remains king in this country is its inherent unpredictability, which is on full display in Foxboro, MA this morning. The Seattle Seahawks are taking on the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium, and many opined this would be a defensive slugfest.
Well, neither team is having much difficulty against either defense. After both New England and Seattle punted on their opening possessions, the fireworks have commenced.
The Patriots took their second drive of the game 60 yards in eight plays to claim an early 7-0 lead, thanks to former UW receiver Ja’Lynn Polk.
.@JBrissett12 delivers a strike to rookie @jpolk_22 for his 1st career TD!
📺: #SEAvsNE on FOX
📱: https://t.co/waVpO909ge pic.twitter.com/AZc4jImGsO— NFL (@NFL) September 15, 2024
The Seahawks answered accordingly on the next drive, when Geno Smith found DK Metcalf for a wide open 56-yard touchdown.
DK Metcalf WIDE OPEN for a 56-yard TD!
📺: #SEAvsNE on FOX
📱: https://t.co/waVpO909ge pic.twitter.com/nLjzMeiUub— NFL (@NFL) September 15, 2024
New England regained the lead by marching 59 yards in 15 plays to kick a field goal for a 10-7 lead. However, it did not last long, as Smith similarly drove Seattle for their second touchdown drive of the morning. Getting the starting nod over the injured Kenneth Walker was Zach Charbonnet, who plunged into the end zone for his first touchdown of the season as well.
Zach Charbonnet puts Seattle ahead #Seahawks
📺: #SEAvsNE on FOX
📱: https://t.co/waVpO8ZBqG pic.twitter.com/TRGCyBQ6zC— NFL (@NFL) September 15, 2024
The Patriots did manage to answer somewhat, as they scored another field goal on their ensuing possession – their third straight scoring drive, aided by two needless penalties from cornerback Devon Witherspoon, to make it a 14-13 game. After forcing a punt just after the two-minute warning, New England had to punt back to Seattle with under a minute left in the first half.
Geno Smith took advantage of the final opportunity, and got the ball within Jason Myers’ range right before half, and Seattle’s Pro Bowl kicker connected from 44-yards to extend the Seahawks lead to 17-13 right before half. Interestingly, 17-13 was my final score prediction.
First half stats:
- Geno Smith: 16-of-19, 169 yards, 1 touchdown
- DK Metcalf: 4 receptions, 78 yards, 1 touchdown
- Total yardage: Seahawks lead Patriots 182-165
- Time of Possession: New England 17:53 to Seattle’s 12:07
Seahawks will get the ball to start the second half.
Be sure to follow @TheSeahawksWire and @KoleMusgrove23 on Twitter for live updates, analysis and highlights during the game!
