3. Special Teams – Yes, Walter Thurmond’s muffed punt was a major turning point in the game but on a whole, Seattle’s special teams were very special against the Broncos.
4. Colin Cole – I’m not a Colin Cole fan. I think he gets lost in the melee, can’t get off a block and never draws a double team. Because I’ve denigrated the big fellow in the past, I have to give him props because he has been a master in the middle so far this year. His game against Denver and shutting down the Bronco running game was easily the best game he’s had in a Seahawks uniform.
5. Run offense – A week after stinking badly against the 49ers, the Seahawk running game ran early, often, and well. Justin Forsett (8 carries for 44 yards) and Leon Washington (4 carries for 17 yards) had good games behind an offensive line that was as patchwork quilt as any in the league.
The Bad:
1. Third Down Defense – This was almost Ugly. A week after holding the 49ers to 1-for-15 on third down, Seattle allowed Denver to go 14-for-20. A lot of those came later in the game when the defense was getting tired and unable to get off the field, but that one stat tends to tell you a lot about who will win the game.
2. 4th and 2 – I’m not going to question whether they should have gone for it or not. That’s too much second guessing and I hate it when people bitch about it when you know they would be cheering if it would have worked. If I were in the coach’s seat, I might have gone for it too. The problem I have with it is, what the fuck were they seeing that made them want to go up top to Branch over Bailey again? You need two yards. On the other side of the line, tight end John Carlson was in one-on-one coverage since the running backs were all going out to the other side. On 4th and 2, you have to get the first down. If you aren’t going to run it then you have to go for a higher percentage option.
3. Announcers – I hate, hate, hate Kenny Albert and Daryl Johnston. Did I mention I hate them? Enough said.
4. Penalties - Another one that could go into the Ugly section. It wasn’t just that Seattle was flagged seven times for 64 yards. It was the timing of them. The first two were at the Denver goal line. Another was on a third down incompletion that extended a drive. These are the type of mistakes that cost more than a missed tackle at times.
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