Seahawks Defeat Steelers 31-17 on Kickoff Error, Walker Scores

The Seattle Seahawks secured a 31-17 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers, capitalizing on a critical special teams blunder by rookie Steelers kick returner Kaleb Johnson. Johnson mistakenly turned his back on a kickoff by Jason Myers that bounced in the end zone, unaware it was a live ball under the NFL's new kickoff rules, allowing Seahawks special teamer George Holani to recover it for a touchdown and extend the lead to 24-14. Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III contributed significantly with 105 rushing yards and a key 19-yard touchdown run, reinforcing his role as the team's primary back. Despite two interceptions, quarterback Sam Darnold threw two touchdowns and managed a QB rating of 89.8, while receivers Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Cooper Kupp amassed over 190 combined receiving yards. The Seahawks improved their record to 1-1 after a strong second-half performance that overcame a sluggish start and Pittsburgh's sloppy play, including a disappointing home debut for Aaron Rodgers. Seattle's defense also showed promise with Byron Murphy recording 1.5 sacks and tight coverage limiting DK Metcalf to just 20 receiving yards.