Here are three instant impressions from the Seahawks’ 23-20 overtime win in New England.

Seahawks offense steps up

Seattle’s offense was good in the second half of the season opener against Denver and that good play continued in the first half — and late in the game — against a Patriots defense that held a potent Cincinnati offense to 10 points in its season-opening win.

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith throws out a pass during the second quarter Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024 in Foxborough, MA. 227985

The Seahawks had 17 points in the first half and were primed to score again on their first drive of the third quarter until Zach Charbonnet was stuffed on third-and-1 from the New England 23.

That stop seemed to energize the Patriots defense, which held Seattle without a first down on its next two drives. But when the Seahawks had to score at the end of regulation, they went down the field for the field goal that sent the game to overtime.

Then they put together a game-winning drive in overtime.

The offensive line had trouble giving much room to run for Charbonnet, but gave quarterback Geno Smith room to throw for the most part. And that was key as Smith had an excellent game against a solid defense.

Seattle’s defense might not be as good as we thought

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New England’s offense was expected to be one of the worst in the league, but it moved the ball against the Seahawks defense.

What is particularly troubling is that the Patriots were able to run inside against the Seahawks defense. It was one run after another on the drive that gave New England a 20-17 lead in the fourth quarter.

The Seahawks defense did much better after, including stopping the Patriots in the final minute and then again on their drive in overtime, so that was good.

But Seattle is going to face a lot better offenses than it has in its first two games, and it’s not a given that the Seahawks will be up to the challenge based on what we saw against New England.

We still don’t know much

Seattle is 2-0 and that certainly deserves credit — particularly this road win over New England — but the wins have come against two teams that were expected to be among the worst in the NFL.

It’s hard to know based on these two wins how Seattle will fare against teams that are expected to be in the playoffs.

We will soon find out.