Carolina Review.

Welp, what a game that was. Needless to say, not quite how I expected the Hawks to play. A couple notes I got from the game:

1) Offensive Line Play: Carolina has a good defensive line, that much is true. But Marshawn Lynch couldn't find running room and Russell Wilson looked like he was scared for his life most of the game. It looked to me like the Seahawks were trying to run a more college style pistol than last year's power run scheme that was so successful. Hopefully they can figure it out soon, because this team won't win if it's only one dimensional.
2) Russell Wilson Sure Can Pass: After starting the game 1-5 for 1 yard, Wilson turned it on, finishing 25-33 for 320 yards, a career high. What mattered even more, is how he finished the game. In the 4th quarter, Russ went 7-8 for 114 yards and Seattle's only touchdown. He sure didn't show much of a sophomore slump in the first week.
3) The Seafense Is Pretty Darn Good: As if we didn't know before, our defense knows how to play ball. They limited a very potent Cam Newton to only 125 yards passing and 38 yards rushing. While they did allow DeAngelo Williams to rush for 86 yards, they did cause him to make a game-determining turnover in the 4th quarter. With Brandon Browner, Cliff Avril, and Chris Clemons all healing up, the sky's the limit for this squad.
4) Need To Capitalize On Opportunities: The Seahawks were inside the redzone three times. First time they got a holding penalty which brought them back far enough to force a field goal. Second time Wilson was sacked and fumbled for a turnover. Last time an intentional grounding penalty stalled a drive and forced a field goal. Can't let that happen to better opponents, period. After forcing a turnover on a botched punt return, the Hawks weren't able to get a first down and punted the ball back after 3 plays. I appreciate winning the field position battle, but this team needs to be better.
5) Traveling Still Sucks: The Seahawks were able to win a tough road game, on the east coast, at 10am PT. That alone is a huge accomplishment, without a doubt. But the team still started slowly and looked sloppy. Glad we could get the win, but home is definitely where the heart is.

Overall, it wasn't pretty. But nobody will remember how they played, they will only remember that the Hawks got the win. Don't stress too hard, the Panthers are a quality opponent. I wouldn't be surprised to find out they win 10-11 games this season. Sure would make this win look a little better, ya?