Seahawks MVP for game 11: Rashaad Penny and the entire defense
The Seahawks faced an unexpected challenge facing the Eagles without Jadeveon Clowney. Surprisingly, Rashaad Penny stepped up as today’s MVP.
If you told me coming into today’s game that both Russell Wilson and Chris Carson would struggle, I’d say this would be a Seahawks loss. If you told me that Jadeveon Clowney would be on the sidelines for this one, I’d say the Hawks would struggle. Well, they did struggle, but not on defense. Surprisingly, their one solid player on offense was a guy I’d given up on. That’s right, Rashaad Penny is my MVP of Seattle’s ninth win.
As I said, the Hawks struggled in this game, but surprisingly not on defense. Since I wrote about the team’s defenders swirling down the drain just two games ago, the defense has allowed just two touchdowns. The second of those was in garbage time today. Yes, the Eagles could have recovered the onside kick, but the next time that play works in the NFL, I expect the Seahawks will be playing exhibitions on the moon.
Since the defense played so well today, why haven’t I named one of them for the MVP? Fair question, 12s. My answer is I’d have to split the award by at least five ways. You tell me who played better. Was it Ziggy Ansah, who finally delivered with one and a half sacks, two quarterback hits, two tackles for a loss and forced a fumble? Or do I go with Tre Flowers with his seven tackles, three pass defenses, and a pick? Or how about Rasheem Green, who had two hits on Carson Wentz, a sack and forced a fumble of his own? Nah, that’s all wrong. It’s Mychal Kendricks and his 11 solo tackles – or maybe K.J. Wright and his 12 total tackles. Get the picture?
Virtually every member of the Hawks defense made a key play in this one. Outside of one big play by Wilson, Rashaad Penny made the plays on offense. That flea-flicker from Wilson to Carson to Wilson and finally to Malik Turner was beautiful, but it was about the only perfect ball DangeRuss threw all day. Wilson was off-target most of the game. Chris Carson was kept in check by the Eagles, and one again fumbled. He again muffed an exchange with Wilson which was charged as a fumble by Wilson. It was a bad play, no matter who gets the blame.
Rashaad Penny finally gets the glory. I expected him to have a great year alongside Carson. That prediction ranks among the most foolish thing I’ve ever written. Full disclosure, I thought the pickup of Eddie Lacy was a good move. Anyway, Penny finally looked like the player the Hawks took in the first round last year. He consistently hit his holes and showed a tremendous burst. He showed off speed and power on his 58-yard scoring dash. Seattle has to be thrilled they didn’t settle for that weak third-round pick they were reportedly offered at the trade deadline.
Next. Hawks defense comes through. dark
Penny’s touchdown run was insurance, but it was insurance that the Hawks needed when the defense finally allowed the Eagles to score with seconds left in the game. Take away his beautiful touchdown run, and Penny still averaged 5.46 yards per carry today. The defense came through with a great team effort, and Rashaad Penny carried the load for the offense. He’s the surprise MVP of the Seahawks ninth win.