Seattle Seahawks vs Carolina Panthers Final Grades
By Paul Novak
Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
Secondary
The Seahawks missed out on at least two Cam Newton interceptions as well as allowing Panthers WR Kelvin Benjamin a 51-yard reception between two of the NFL’s top defensive players.
Richard Sherman and Earl Thomas swarmed over Benjamin, with Sherman even elevating over the wideout to intercept a desperation pass by Newton to the rookie receiver. Rather than swat the ball down and result in the Panthers punting, the ball went right through Sherman’s hands and into Benjamin’s waiting extended fingers.
Turnovers were plentiful last season as the Seahawks led the NFL in turnovers +/-. This season they’ve been almost non-existent and plays like this show that the secondary might be trying to get too cute at times.
CB Marcus Burley did have a diving INT that resulted in a 24-yard return.
Grade: B- (Dropped INT’s and being too “cute” still holding them back from last season’s production)