Seahawks vs Falcons: 5 takeaways from a season-ending loss

The playoff loss by the Seattle Seahawks to the Atlanta Falcons was a microcosm of their entire season. No blocking, injuries, and self-inflicted wounds.

Just like that, it all comes to an end. The Seattle Seahawks entered this season with championship ambitions, but it wasn’t meant to be. Seattle was eliminated by the Atlanta Falcons 36-20, in a game that never felt all that close.

It was a disappointing game that started out so well. Seattle put together a very impressive opening drive, but did little on either side of the ball after that.

Devin Hester, Steven Hauschka and Jon Ryan all did their best to keep the Seahawks in this on special teams. Unfortunately, penalties by other plays killed many of their best plays.

Ultimately, it came down to Seattle needing their best players to make plays. They made a few, but they simply didn’t make enough. Atlanta was simply the better team today.

Before the depression sets in, lets get straight into my five takeaways from today’s game.

1. Russell Wilson had himself an interesting day

The Seahawks offense struggled like they have all season, but it didn’t have anything to do with their quarterback. Russell Wilson was lights-out early on despite absolutely terrible blocking in front of him.

Only 10 points at halftime? Ya, that’s not on Wilson. He did his job:

Overall, Wilson finished with 224 yards on 17 of 30 passing. That’s good for a 75 passer rating. He also added 49 yards on the ground, which led the team.

As the time ran down, Wilson started having to take chances with the ball that he isn’t used to having to take. He made a few spectacular plays, but it simply wasn’t enough.

Ultimately, the game ended when Wilson was forced to dodge 3 waves of defenders and then throw up a jump ball with no one open. It was 3rd and 16, and failing to convert would have ended the game anyways. Unfortunately, the ball was picked.

Wilson needs help, but unfortunately the guys up front weren’t up to the task.