The Seattle Seahawks moved to 2-0 after a 23-20 overtime victory against the New England Patriots, thanks in large part to quarterback Geno Smith’s strong performance. The team relied more on the passing game since starting running back Kenneth Walker III was sidelined due to an oblique injury suffered in the season opener.
Walker missed practice again on Wednesday, and with a Friday return unlikely, backup Zach Charbonnet is expected to fill in for the Week 3 game against the Miami Dolphins. In the season opener, Walker had 103 rushing yards and a touchdown before being injured. Last Sunday, Charbonnet stepped in, rushing 14 times for 38 yards and a touchdown while adding 31 receiving yards.
Seattle leaned on Smith’s passing against the Patriots, where he threw for 327 yards and a touchdown without any turnovers. He was particularly effective against the blitz, going 10/12 for 171 yards and a score. Wide receivers DK Metcalf and Jaxon Smith-Njigba contributed 22 receptions, 246 yards, and a touchdown.
Head coach Mike Macdonald praised Smith’s accuracy despite five drops by his receivers. With Walker still out, the Seahawks might shift back to the run game for their upcoming matchup with the Dolphins. The Dolphins’ defense struggled against Buffalo’s James Cook in Week 2, and their offense could be affected by the loss of quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, who was placed on IR after a concussion.
