Hasslebeck seems to be the more settled quarterback. Seattle seems to have a better offensive game plan. Seattle has controlled the ball for most of the half.
Roethlisberger has not executed his plays very well, but he has had some success with improvising on broken plays. The Pittsburgh defense has been successful in containing Shaun Alexander.
Seattle has suffered some bad luck with untimely penalties and a controversial touchdown. The Seattle punter has played terribly. Seattle also botched the last drive.
So far, the game has gone pretty much as I expected. I’m surprised that neither team has been able to break off a decent running play. That should change in the second half.
Seattle has established that they are here to play. Hasslebeck looks unflappable. But, Seattle had too many missed opportunities.
It’s hard to say who has the mental advantage right now. Neither team can be too happy with how they played.
Prediction: Pittsburgh will be much less tight in the second half, will establish a running game, and score some points. Seattle will have less bad luck, and will get more sustained drives. The team that finishes their drives with TD’s instead of FG’s will win.
Pittsburgh 20 Seattle 13
