The Seahawks are set to begin their 2022 season tomorrow night at home against the Broncos.
On paper Denver is a superior team, with the latest odds showing the Broncos as 6.5-point favorites. In order to prove those odds wrong, Seattle will have to win several critical individual matchups. Here are four we will be keeping an eye on Monday night.
1
DC Clint Hurtt vs. QB Russell Wilson
The most-important matchup in this game won’t be a test of speed vs. speed or strength vs. strength, but rather a battle of wits between Seattle’s defensive coaching staff and their former franchise quarterback, Russell Wilson. Clint Hurtt has taken over as defensive coordinator and will be bringing a more aggressive philosophy. However, without an A-list pass rush threat he may need to find ways to manufacture pressure on Wilson. If he can do that while maintaining the two-safety sets that tend to give Wilson trouble, it might provide an opening for an upset.
2
LT Charles Cross vs. OLB Bradley Chubb
The Seahawks will be starting two rookies at offensive tackle and first-round pick Charles Cross will have his hands full with Denver’s top pass-rushing threat. Bradley Chubb has posted 20.5 sacks and 50 quarterback hits in 41 career NFL games. Cross blocked well during the preseason and will need to keep Chubb out of the backfield to give Geno Smith the time he needs to get through his progressions.
3
WR DK Metcalf vs. CB Pat Surtain
The skill positions provide a ton of interesting matchups, especially on the outside where both teams are loaded at receiver and defensive back. Seattle’s most-potent passing weapon is DK Metcalf, who totaled 12 touchdowns last season despite playing through a foot injury. The guy tasked with stopping him will be second-year corner Pat Surtain, who only allowed a 51% completion rate and a 61.3 passer rating as a rookie.
4
CB Tariq Woolen vs. WR Jerry Jeudy
The Broncos have their own studs at wide receiver Seattle’s defense will have to contend with. Jerry Jeudy has only scored three touchdowns in 26 games so far, but the arrival of Russell Wilson could unlock his speed. Rookie cornerback Tariq Woolen is the fastest player on the team and he’ll need to match strides with Jeudy to prevent any home-run balls from Wilson from finding No. 10.
