The Seattle Seahawks offense struggled in the first half but found some daylight in the second half to complement a defense that continues to improve with each game. After setting for four first-half field goals the Seahawks offense scored three second-half touchdowns. Quick take from the game.
JARRAN REED IS THE LYNCHPIN OF SEAHAWKS DEFENSE
The stop-the-run mantra has become a reality for the Seahawks who held the Panthers to just 75 rushing yards. The key to the Seahawks run game was Jarran Ree When Reed is active and causing havoc as he did on Sunday the Seahawks are a good defensive team.
Reed recorded 8 tackles 1.5 sacks and three quarterback hits. His pressure up the middle allowed the edge rushers and linebackers to find lines in which to stop the run and put pressure on the Panthers ‘ Andy Dolton.
“Toughness, just a “dog” mentality. That was another reason for having that type of guy. He was here my first two years and then went off the last year, and that was a big piece that was missing.” Jordyn Brooks when asked what Jararn Reed brings to the Dline. “ I think the toughness and his mentality as far as just playing ball, period. I think he definitely is the forefront of stopping the running game right now.”
DESPITE INJURIES OLINE CONTINUES TO PERFORM
For the second consecutive game, the Seahawks offensive line had to overcome injuries. Last week Jake Curhan and Stone Forsythe stepped in for Abe Lucas and Charles Cross at the tackles. Just before the Panthers game rookie Anthony Bradford was inserted at right guard for Phil Haynes. While the unit struggled early and well as it should playing against the 5th ranked Panther’s defense communication and cohesion grew as the game went on. A subpar first-half was replaced by a solid second-half performance that netted a season-high 146 rushing yards for the game.
“ I think the O-line just really took the game over. I thought in the second half the way we ran the ball, you know, helped us finish those drives in the end zone. So in the first half, we moved the ball. I think we had two punch today, and that’s always a positive sign for the offense said Geno Smith in his post-game press conference. “ But as we always talk about, we want to score touchdowns. Today in the first half we didn’t do as well, but that’s the good part about our team and our offense. We kept battling and showed a better showing in the second half.”
SEAHAWKS HAVE A RUN GAME
The combination of Ken Walker III and Zach Charbonnet formed a dynamic duo that recorded 146 rushing yards. Walker finished the day with 18 carries for 97 yards and two touchdowns. Walker showed his versatility with three receptions for 59 yards Charbonnet finished the day with nine carries for 46 with a 5.1 average per carry.
“First off, it starts with the O-line. They did a great job and made my and Zach’s job easier. Also, I want to give credit to Zach (Charbonnet), because he had a lot of physical runs and he made a lot of plays. I feel good about the way we ran the ball tonight.”
Ken Walker on the team rushing performance against the Panthers
