Takeaways From Seahawks’ Ugly Win vs Raiders

Let’s get this out of the way: yes the win was ugly, sloppy and in many ways disappointing. Russell Wilson was not himself, for the second game in a row. The offensive line had more leaks than a kitchen colander. The defense was burned by a tight end, yet again.

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However, there is so much to be positive about, that any disappointment should now be in the rearview mirror. Marshawn Lynch had the break through game we’ve been waiting for all season. He lead the team in rushing and receiving with 67 yds and 76 yds respectively, and 2 tds. That’s 143 yards combined. Add the 78 yds taken away by penalties and Marshawn had his most productive day since mid-season of last year. Doug Baldwin returned punts (something some of us have been hoping for all year) and a new 280 lb fullback named Will Tukuafu did a little blocking.

Bruce Irvin had the first pick six of his career and Richard Sherman recorded his first interception of the year. KJ Wright led the team with 13 tackles. Cliff Avril had a sack, his first of the year. Brandon Mebane continues to let his play do the talking and be the quiet man who lets his play speak for him. The defense held the Raiders to a mere 37 yards rushing. Slowly the defense is regaining their swagger.

I am not one to let injuries become a mantra for less than stellar play, but exceptions can be made. The NFL allows teams 46 active players on game day, and this past Sunday the Seahawks had 45. Let that sink in for a moment. They didn’t have enough healthy players to meet the maximum amount of active players on game day. Eight starters were out. Center Patrick Lewis was the 4th player to start at that position this year. Steven Terrell started in the secondary after being signed from the practice squad. And yet, despite all that, the team won the game.

It’s time to look forward now and put the angst of last Sunday behind us. Max Unger, Kam Chancellor, Russell Okung, Jordan Hill, Jeron Johnson and Byron Maxwell should all be back for this Sunday’s game against the Giants. So should Jeremy Lane who is off the IR list and will hopefully be ready to play. The thing to remember is that the Hawks appear to be on the upswing and the injury list will continue to get shorter. This is important because they are heading into the toughest part of their schedule.

Take heart Seahawks fans and take it one game at a time, 1-0 every week. That is what got us to the Super Bowl last year. This year’s road to Glendale may be filled with detours and potholes, but all is not lost.