Through hook, crook, and nook the Seahawks found a way. Another emotionally draining mind-blowing game between the Seattle Seahawks and San Francisco 49ers saw the Seahawks secure one of their biggest victories in memories. The Hawk’s 30 -23 win over the 49ers snapped a three-game losing streak and quieted the ridiculous shouts of fire Pete Carroll and trade Russell Wilson. Here are some quick takes on the Seahawk’s win.
EMOTIONAL DEFENSIVE STAND
The defensive stand to end the game will be remembered for a long, long, long time to come by the players and fans. Most importantly the four-down goal line stance by the Seahawks defense snapped a three-game losing and took the monkey off the Seahawks back. With the playoffs out of their hands, the Seahawks are concentrating on what they can control. On Sunday it was good solid fundamental football.
In addition to the goal-line stand, the Seahawk’s defense caused three turnovers. A much-needed trend for a team that was plus three for a ranking of 11th in the league going into the game. Unfortunately, the three turnovers by the offense will leave the Seahawks right where they started going into the game statistically. But this game was not about statics. This game was about the Seahawk’s defense and offense staying committed to getting a win.
SPECIAL TEAMS WAS SPECIAL
The 73-yard fake punt by Travis Homer set the tone early and showed that the Seahawks would throw caution to the wind. A Nick Bellore forced fumble saw the Seahawks get the ball to start the second half. Although the Seahawks offense wasted the opportunity the sequence allowed the offense to run more plays something Carroll has mentioned was lacking in the team being able to find a rhythm. DeeJay Dallas had a nice 33-yard kickoff return. The only negative for the special teams was a missed 56-yard field goal by Michael Dickson.
SEAHAWKS OFFENSE A MIXED BAG
Give credit to offensive coordinator Shane Waldron for doing a masterful job of playing to all three running backs skill set and having it contribute to the team’s best offensive showing since the Halloween night win over Jacksonville. That was the last time the Seahawks offense scored at least 30 points in a victory.
Homer, Rashaad Penny, and Adrian Peterson all carried the ball. When the offense needed yards outside of the guards and tackles, Penny’s number walled to the tune of 10 carries for 35 yards, when it was time for up the gut straight forward runs Peterson’s number was called. Peterson responded with 11 carries for 16 yards and one touchdown. Showing that he still has a little bit of gas left in the tank. Homer finished the game with three rushes for 80 yards and the fake punt touchdown. The Seahawks finished with 146 rushing yards and as a result, were 5 of 15 on third down.
WHAT DOES IT ALL MEAN?
The Seahawks got the much-needed win, and it was over an NFC West rival. The win marks the fourth consecutive victory for Seattle over the 49ers. The win takes some weight off the Seahawk’s offense’s shoulder and gives them some belief that yes, they can run the ball. Quarterback Russell Wilson continues to get healthier each week and his play shows it.
Wilson was more relaxed in the pocket on Sunday and his short to midrange passes were both accurate and swift. Dee Eskridge could finish the season as a high contributor to the offense now that his concussions issues are behind him. And yes, how long can Rashaad Penny?
