A valiant effort mixed with a lack of execution at critical moments resulted in a third straight loss for the Seattle Seahawks. The offensive explosion the Seahawks were seeking came to fruition with the unit scoring 35 points against one of the top-tier defenses in the NFL.
SEAHAWKS FIND IDENTITY
For the last three weeks, the question circulating the Seahawks was around the identity of the offense. Against the Cowboys, the Seahawks looked to have found that rhythm and identity.
Geno Smith was able to get the ball out of his hands and to the hands of the team’s playmakers. As a result, DK Metcalf had his best game of the season finishing the day with six receptions for 134 yards and three touchdowns. Jaxson Smith Njigba had seven receptions for 62 yards and became a reliable threat on third down.
AN EFFECTIVE RUNNING GAME
A complete run game was crucial in the offense having its best day of the season. Before going down in the third quarter with a bruised knee he sustained from hitting the turf, Zach Charbonnet had 60 of the team’s 72 rushing yards. Charbonnet had one touchdown with his best play coming off a 39-screen pass from Smith.
RETURN OF ABE LUCAS
One factor in the improved play of the offensive line was the return of Abe Lucas who was activated from the injured reserve list. A proficient pass-and-run blocker Lucas was able to open holes for Charbonnet to squeeze through and help keep Smith upright and finish the game without a sack. Smith was under duress for the majority of the game.
LACK OF EXECUTION WHEN IT MATTERED
The performance of the offense was improved but in the end, a lack of execution when it mattered doomed the Seahawks. An improved 9 of 14 on third down was negated by an 0-3 on fourth down. On the Seahawk’s last drive, Dallas edge rusher Micah Parsons was unblocked on 4th and 2 and pressured Smith to throw the ball to the ground. While the play design was for Parsons to be unblocked running back DeeJay Dallas was supposed to slide into the flat. Cowboys Defensive lineman Demarcus Lawrence blew up the play when he overpowered Lucas and blocked Dallas from getting into the flat.
SOLID DEFENSE
It’s hard to say the defense had a good day when it gives up 41 points. But the Seahawk’s defense did have a good day playing resilient and tough defense. The defense made the big stops when needed. After the offense scored a touchdown the defense forced a Cowboys field which gave the ball back to the offense who converted a classic two-for-one-point swing. The Seahawks scored to end the half and scored again to start the second half to take a 28-20 lead.
RESILIENCY
The Cowboys answered with 12 play 75-yard drive that was capped by a Tony Pollard six-yard run bringing them to within one point at 28-27. The drive was aided by four defensive penalties against the Seahawk’s defense. The defense showed its resiliency and toughness when it stopped the Cowboys on 4th and 2 after a Geno Smith interception.
TOO MANY PENALTIES
All of the Seahawk’s resilient play was negated by the penalties. The Seahawks had 10 penalties for 130 yards. While some of the calls were dubious some of the calls could have been avoided and frankly need to be. The defense recorded four sacks, seven quarterback hits, eight tackles for a loss, and an interception called back because of a defensive holding penalty.
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