Seattle Seahawks stars Sam Darnold, Ernest Jones, Leonard Williams and Brady Russell will be expected to perform at a high level as captains of the team for their season opener against the New England Patriots.
The Super Bowl rematch from last season will present Seattle with a tough challenge against an improved New England team that now includes star wide receivers A.J. Brown and Romeo Doubs as well as a revamped offensive line.
Darnold provided exceptional play for Seattle last season, starting in all 17 games of the year. He completed 67.7 percent of his passes for 4,048 yards, 25 touchdowns and 14 interceptions while posting a 99.1 passer rating. Darnold will be needed to play efficiently against New England and get the ball down the field
to Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Giving Rashid Shaheed the targets he needs and setting him up for success will also be paramount.
Jones played well as a disruptor in the middle of Seattle’s defense last season, finishing the year with 126 tackles, five interceptions and a half-sack on his way to being named a second-team All-Pro. Stopping Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson from picking up too many yards once he breaks through the first line of defense, if at all, will be Jones’ responsibility, along with causing disruption in the intermediate.
Williams consistently pressured opposing offenses from the interior, starting all 17 games and recording 62 tackles and seven sacks. Bringing Patriots quarterback Drake Maye down with sacks in the matchup will service the Seahawks well, as well as generating pressures and making life difficult for him in the pocket.
Russell contributed primarily on special teams, appearing in every game and leading Seattle with 14 special-teams tackles. His consistency and willingness to handle the dirty work made him a valuable member of the team and will be needed against New England.
This article originally appeared on Seahawks Wire: What to expect from Seahawks captains in season opener vs. Patriots
