Denver Broncos vs Seahawks Match Player Stats: Wilson’s Return Game Analysis
When looking at the Denver Broncos vs Seahawks match player stats from their 2022 Week 1 showdown, we uncover a fascinating story of statistical dominance that didn’t translate to victory.
This highly anticipated September 12, 2022 matchup wasn’t just another game – it marked quarterback Russell Wilson’s dramatic return to Seattle after his offseason trade to Denver.
Let’s dig deep into the numbers that defined this riveting contest where the final score (Seahawks 17, Broncos 16) defied the statistical narrative.
Game Overview: Statistical Dominance vs Scoreboard Reality
The box score statistics reveal a striking contrast between yardage and points:
| Statistic | Denver Broncos | Seattle Seahawks |
|---|---|---|
| Total Yards | 433 | 253 |
| Time of Possession | 33:39 | 26:21 |
| First Downs | 19 | 14 |
| Passing Yards | 330 | 177 |
| Rushing Yards | 103 | 76 |
| Penalties | 12 for 106 yards | 5 for 77 yards |
| Red Zone Efficiency | 0/4 | 0/2 |
The Broncos outgained the Seahawks by 180 total yards but still came up short. This puzzling outcome demands a closer examination of individual performances and key situations.
Quarterback Duel: Wilson’s Volume vs Smith’s Efficiency
Russell Wilson’s Homecoming Performance
Wilson’s return to Lumen Field showed glimpses of his trademark deep passing:
- 29 completions on 42 attempts (69% completion rate)
- 340 passing yards (7.9 yards per attempt)
- 1 touchdown pass
- 0 interceptions
- 2 sacks taken (10 yards lost)
- 101.3 passer rating
Geno Smith’s Precision Counterattack
Geno Smith’s performance was the definition of quality over quantity:
- 23 completions on 28 attempts (82.1% completion rate)
- 195 passing yards (6.3 yards per attempt)
- 2 touchdown passes
- 0 interceptions
- 2 sacks taken (18 yards lost)
- 119.5 passer rating
Smith’s near-perfect first half (17/18 completions for 164 yards) set the foundation for Seattle’s victory, proving sometimes efficiency matters more than volume.
Receiving Corps Breakdown: Stars and Supporting Casts
Broncos’ Aerial Attack
Jerry Jeudy emerged as Wilson’s primary target:
- 4 receptions on 7 targets
- 102 yards
- 1 touchdown (explosive 67-yard scoring play)
- 25.5 yards per catch
Courtland Sutton provided a reliable second option:
- 4 receptions on 7 targets
- 72 yards
- 18.0 yards per catch
Javonte Williams became a surprising receiving weapon:
- 11 receptions on 12 targets
- 65 yards
- Short-area security option for Wilson
Seahawks’ Balanced Distribution
DK Metcalf led in volume but not impact:
- 7 receptions on 7 targets
- Just 36 yards
- 5.1 yards per catch
The real damage came from Seattle’s tight ends:
Will Dissly:
- 3 receptions
- 43 yards
- 1 touchdown (38-yard scoring play)
Colby Parkinson:
- 2 receptions
- 43 yards
- 1 touchdown (25-yard scoring play)
Both tight ends turned limited opportunities into massive impact plays, accounting for all of Seattle’s passing touchdowns.
Ground Game Comparison: Similar Production, Different Impacts
Broncos’ Rushing Attack
Melvin Gordon:
- 12 carries
- 58 yards
- 4.8 yards per carry
- Critical fumble at Seattle’s 1-yard line
Javonte Williams:
- 7 carries
- 43 yards
- 6.1 yards per carry
- Fumble at Seattle’s 1-yard line
These two costly fumbles at the goal line directly influenced the game’s outcome, turning potential 14 points into zero.
Seahawks’ Ground Game
Rashaad Penny:
- 12 carries
- 60 yards
- 5.0 yards per carry
Geno Smith:
- 6 carries
- 14 yards
- Added dimension to offense through designed runs and scrambles
Red Zone Efficiency: Where the Game Was Won and Lost
The game recap shows this critical area decided the contest:
- Broncos: 0-for-4 in red zone touchdown opportunities
- Seahawks: 0-for-2 in red zone touchdown opportunities
Denver’s inability to punch it in close was devastating:
- Two fumbles at the 1-yard line
- Failed 4th-down conversion
- Settled for field goals instead of touchdowns
This stark inefficiency near the goal line ultimately cost them the game despite their statistical advantage elsewhere.
Key Defensive Performances
Bradley Chubb (Broncos):
- 2 sacks
- Critical pressure on Geno Smith
Seahawks’ Goal Line Defense:
- Forced two fumbles at their own 1-yard line
- Made crucial stops when it mattered most
- Bent but didn’t break against Denver’s offensive attack
The Controversial Final Drive Decision
With just over a minute remaining, the Broncos faced a critical choice:
- Facing 4th-and-5 at Seattle’s 46-yard line
- All three timeouts remaining
- They let the clock run down to 20 seconds
- Attempted a 64-yard field goal rather than trying to gain 5 yards
- The kick missed wide left
This decision by head coach Nathaniel Hackett became one of the most scrutinized calls of the entire 2022 NFL season.
FAQs About Denver Broncos vs Seahawks Match Player Stats
Who had the highest completion percentage in the Broncos vs Seahawks game?
Geno Smith completed an impressive 82.1% of his passes (23/28), outperforming Russell Wilson’s still-solid 69% (29/42).
Which player recorded the longest play from scrimmage?
Jerry Jeudy’s 67-yard touchdown reception in the third quarter was the longest play of the game.
Why did the Broncos lose despite dominating in most statistical categories?
The Broncos’ red zone failures (0/4), two fumbles at the 1-yard line, 12 penalties, and the controversial decision to attempt a 64-yard field goal in the final seconds all contributed to the loss.
How did Russell Wilson perform in his first game against his former team?
Wilson threw for 340 yards and one touchdown with no interceptions, but struggled in the red zone and couldn’t lead a game-winning drive in the final minutes.
Which Seahawks players scored touchdowns in this game?
Tight ends Will Dissly and Colby Parkinson each caught touchdown passes from Geno Smith, accounting for all of Seattle’s touchdowns.
What was the biggest statistical difference between the teams?
The Broncos outgained the Seahawks 433 to 253 in total yards, yet scored one fewer point, highlighting the critical importance of red zone efficiency and situational football.
The Ultimate Lesson From Denver Broncos vs Seahawks Match Player Stats
The Denver Broncos vs Seahawks match player stats tell a compelling story about football’s true nature: dominance between the 20s doesn’t guarantee victory.
While Denver’s offensive stars Wilson, Jeudy, and Sutton accumulated impressive yardage stats, Seattle’s Smith and his tight end duo maximized their scoring opportunities.
This game stands as a perfect case study in efficiency versus volume—proving that in the NFL, it’s not how many yards you gain, but when and where you gain them that ultimately decides who wins and who loses.
As the game summary shows, sometimes the most important stats don’t show up in the box score: red zone execution, avoiding penalties at crucial moments, and making sound tactical decisions when the game is on the line.
