Quick Thoughts on Seahawks/Cowboys

The Good:

Marshawn Lynch – 23 carries, 135 yards, 1 TD

Lynch had by far his best game this season, and probably his best as a Seahawk.  Because Lynch was so effective, the Seahawks were able to sustain long drives and actually had the ball slightly more than Dallas.  The offense had only one three and out in this game.

Jon Ryan – 3 punts,  61 yard average

One of the reasons the game was tied at halftime is because Ryan’s punting flipped field position on the Cowboys.

Defensive Penalties – 2

After committing a slew of penalties last week, the defense only committed two against the Cowboys.  Kam Chancellor’s pass interference penalty was marginal, and Earl Thomas’ face mask penalty was meaningless because it happened on Seattle’s 1 yard line.

Special Teams – no big returns on either kickoffs or punts

Despite giving up over 300 yards of offense in the first half, the Seahawks only allowed six points.  Dez Bryant’s fumble certainly helped in that regard, but the Cowboys began their drives with poor field position thanks to good work by the coverage units.

The Bad:

Front Seven – Pass Rush:  zero sacks, 2 QB hits; Rushing Defense:  163 yards allowed

The pass rush was nonexistent.  Tony Romo had all day to throw the ball.  The run defense was poor, as well.  When you can’t stop the run and can’t pressure the quarterback, you’re going to lose.  Period.

Tarvaris Jackson – 3 INTs

It’s not that he threw three picks; he threw three HORRIBLE picks.  The last one was irrelevant because the game was over anyway, but the first two were terrible decisions by Jackson.  I believe he’s hurt far worse than the Seahawks are willing to admit.  He panicked when faced with pressure and looked like a player who didn’t want to take a hard hit.  He probably shouldn’t be out there, but the team has no other options right now.  If the Seahawks continue to lose, perhaps there will come a time when we see what Josh Portis can do.

Special Teams – Blocked FG attempt, 4 penalties

Regarding the blocked field goal, it’s going to be a long time before Clint Gresham lives this one down.  This play is going to be shown over and over for the rest of the season.  Give credit to Anthony Spencer; he saw a weakness and took advantage of it.  You know someone else is going to try the same move before the season’s over.  It better not happen again.

Four of the Seahawks’ ten penalties in this game were committed on special teams.  That is unacceptable.  Byron Maxwell was flagged for two personal fouls for unsportsmanlike conduct.  I hope this isn’t a sign that the team is starting to lose its discipline.  As bad as things are, the team needs to keep its composure.