The Seattle Seahawks lined up for a punt in their opening series against the Minnesota Vikings. While that might sound like a rather pedestrian play, the results were quite disastrous.
https://twitter.com/TheCauldron/status/686252622320287744
Okay, there are a few things to look at on this play.
One, despite a low snap, Jon Ryan had time to punt the ball. Vikings rusher Adam Thielen was close, but was also on his way to the ground and in no position to block the ball.
Two, Ryan nearly made a fantastic play. He got a little ambitious trying to jump over three people but if he was successful, a first down was probable.
Three, will Ryan be okay? So far, it looks that way.
Looks like trainers were holding the bridge of Ryan's nose. Might only be a flesh wound.
— Joe Person (@josephperson) January 10, 2016
If not, placekicker Steven Hauschka likely becomes the punter. Who would become the holder in Ryan’s absence is a different question.
Four, the Seahawks defense did hold strong, surrendering only a field goal, despite Minnesota’s short field. All points will matter in a game that will likely be below 0 degrees throughout, all points will matter, but a field goal is far easier to overcome than a touchdown would have been.
As it stands, the Vikings hold an early 3-0 lead at home over the Seahawks, thanks to this disastrous play.