The Seattle Seahawks defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers, improving to 1-1 on the season. The Seahawks bounced back after falling to the San Francisco 49ers in their season opener. Although it was only Week Two, it was a huge game, not only because Seattle couldn’t afford to fall to 0-2, but also because they were facing off against former Pro Bowl receiver DK Metcalf for the first time, who they traded to the Steelers in the offseason.

However, the Seahawks did have their hands full, as they were missing Pro Bowl cornerback Devon Witherspoon, who was out with a knee injury. In Witherspoon’s absence, Josh Jobe stepped up big time. Jobe had a solid game in Week One against San Francisco and even recorded an interception. Against the Steelers, he held Metcalf to only three catches for just 20 yards.

One of the biggest criticisms of the Seahawks after Week One was on the offence, and people were quick to throw Sam Darnold under the bus (even though I didn’t think he played badly at all). Against the Steelers, Darnold and the Seahawks played like they were supposed to, throwing for 295 yards and two touchdowns. Jaxon Smith-Njigba posted his second consecutive 100-yard game, totalling eight catches for 103 yards, including an amazing 43-yard catch against Jalen Ramsey. Cooper Kupp had seven catches for 90 yards. Also, Kenneth Walker silenced any doubters he may have had after his Week One performance, rushing for 105 yards and one touchdown.

This is what I expected to see from this Klint Kubiak offense, running the ball, quick short and intermediate passes to the slot, along with a good mix of play action.

We know what the Seahawks can do on the defensive side of the ball, but how did that look without Witherspoon? Like I mentioned, Josh Jobe stepped up big time, and so did sophomore defensive tackle Byron Murphy II. Murphy posted 1.5 sacks, one tackle for loss, and three quarterback hits. Seattle’s defensive line sacked Aaron Rodgers three times and made his life more uncomfortable than sleeping with a pillowcase full of rocks.

The biggest and most bizarre play of the game came on special teams. After Seattle had just taken a 17-14 lead early in the fourth quarter, on the ensuing kickoff, the ball bounced over Steelers rookie running back Kaleb Johnson, and George Holani recovered it in the end zone for a Seahawks touchdown—something we may not see again for a long time.

Seattle’s next game is this Sunday when they host the New Orleans Saints  at Lumen Field.