The defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks defended their home field on NFL Thursday Night Football with an emphatic win.

The Legion of Boom defeated the Green Bay Packers 36-16 at Century Link Field.

The season still has a long way to go, but the opening day taught NFL fans five important lessons:

1. Seahawks Defense Here to Stay

Last season, the Seahawks defense led the league in almost every category. It was one of the best defenses we had ever seen before. But was it a fluke? Were they a one-hit wonder? They were put to the test against an elite quarterback in Aaron Rodgers, and they answered with a bang.

The Seahawks held Rodgers to just 189 yards, one touchdown and one interception. To allow 255 total yards against the Packers offense is extremely impressive. It looks like the Seahawks will have the best defense in the league yet again.

2. Earl Thomas Shouldn't be Returning Punts

Last season, the Seahawks relied on Golden Tate for their punt returns. Tate returned 51 of 52 punts last season for the Seahawks; but he's now with the Detroit Lions.

Head coach Pete Carroll gave Earl Thomas the start against the Packers, and it didn't go very well. Thomas nearly fumbled the first punt, and on the second punt, he dropped the ball causing a turnover. As good a safety as Thomas is, it's better to keep him on defense, not special teams.

3. B.J. Raji Might be Too Big a Loss to Recover From

Raji doesn't put up huge numbers, and he doesn't get paid like elite defensive players do. But he just may be the most valuable player on the Packers defense. He stops the run and forces opposing offenses to pass.

In Thursday's game, Marshawn Lynch ran for 110 yards on 20 carries. As a team, the Seahawks ran for 207 yards on a 5.7 yards per carry average. If the Packers can't stop the run, it's going to be a long season.

4. Percy Harvin Healthy and Ready to Go

Harvin has always been a great player, but his injuries usually restrict his long-term performance. Harvin has shown he can beat teams through the air, on special teams and on the ground. Against the Packers, Harvin had a team-high seven receptions for 59 yards. He also had four carries for 41 yards.

Even when Harvin didn't get the ball, he was constantly scaring the Packers defense. The Packers' defensive players double-teamed Harvin every time Russell Wilson motioned him. If he can stay healthy, the Seahawks will be unbeatable.

5. Packers Offensive Line Will Protect Rodgers

Although Rodgers didn't have a good game, he can rest easy knowing that it came against the best defense and his offensive line is great. The Seahawks did sack Rodgers three times, but those sacks were because Rodgers couldn't find an open receiver, not because of the Seahawks' defensive line.

Coverage sacks are still impressive in this league, so the Seahawks will always find a way to get to the quarterback. The Packers on the other hand, should be able to still win the NFC North, largely in part to their strong front five.

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