Seahawks can’t contain Elliott, fall to Cowboys in defensive battle

Seahawks never could slow down Elliott or Cooper

Unbelievably, Carson got the ball on first down again, and was stopped on first down again. Wilson picked up five yards on a quick pass to Doug Baldwin, but missed on a deep ball to Lockett. Dickson outkicked his coverage and Tavon Austin returned the punt for 51 yards.

Amari Cooper made another big catch, or at least appeared to at first. In a universe that made sense it was clearly a catch, but this is the NFL. Pete Carroll challenged the catch, and I’m glad he did. Unfortunately, the challenge went for naught as the catch was ruled complete, a 27 yard dagger at Seattle’s heart that put the ball at the Seahawks 11 yard line.

Then came the second great play for the Seahawks, as Prescott underthrew Noah Brown. Linebacker K.J. Wright pulled off a juggling act worthy of Vegas as he made the interception in the end zone. Unfortunately nothing came of it. The Seahawks started on their own 20, but back to back penalties put the Hawks into a third and 20 situation. They picked up 13 to give Dickson breathing room on his punt. Cowboys ball at their own 37.

Two crucial pass interference calls on Seattle kept the Dallas drive alive on two third down plays. Ezekiel Elliot continued his hard running, and got the Cowboys down to the Seahawks six. Or would have, but a penalty drove them back to the Seattle 17 yard line. Prescott took off on a draw and wasn’t stopped until he reaached the one. Prescott took the ball in on the next play. Dallas 24 – 14.

Down by 10, Seattle finally threw a pass on first down. Actually, I’m pretty sure that was the second time they threw on first down. Mike Davis picked up nine yards, but was shaken up on the play. The Seahawks shook off their offensive woes on the next play as Wilson hit Tyler Lockett with a 53 yard bomb to get the ball all the way to the Dallas 13. After two incompletions, Wilson connected with J.D. McKissic for a six yard gain. He went right back to McKissic for six points at the pylon. Chris Carson walked in nearly untouched for the two point conversion. Dallas 24 Seattle 22.

The ensuing onside attempt by Dickson was unfathomable. He got way too much leg into his dropkick and sailed the ball 33 yards deep. It was clear from Pete Carroll’s reaction that a pooch kick was not the plan. With no timeouts left for Seattle, Dak Prescott simply took a knee a couple of times, and that was the ballgame.

Seattle certainly didn’t help themselves by being so predictable in their play-calling. They must have run on first and second down on a dozen series. Dallas keyed on Chris Carson all night, and he never got off the line without contact. Tyler Lockett proved he’s as good a receiver as anyone in the game, but his heroics weren’t enough. Still, I’m proud of the Hawks effort. Down by 10, they roared back and made Dallas sweat it out to the last minute. Not too bad for a team that was supposed to go 4-12. Always and forever, Go Hawks!