Seattle Seahawks: 5 takeaways from loss versus Rams week 10
By Jake Luppino
The Seahawks improved on Third Down Efficiency
Coming into this game, the Seahawks were one of the worst teams in the third-down efficiency category. Last week against the Bills, the Seahawks were 3/12 on third down. In that game, we saw the Bills bring more pressure on third downs in the second half. They were able to force two fumbles and 1 interception as a result. Yesterday, the Seahawks improved to 7/14 on third down. The 50% conversion rate was one of the best on the season.
When teams typically convert on more than half of their third down attempts, they are able to put together successful scoring drives. However, this was not the case for the Seahawks in the loss to the Rams. Seattle’s opening drive was their best of the game. It was well scripted. Toss plays, motion plays, quick easy throws, etc. Even as the game progressed and the Seahawks continued to look for ways to get in the end zone, they were able to put together some nice drives that just resulted in nothing.
On third downs, they made a couple of nice plays that kept the drive going but also fell short due to a poor pass or a sack. The Rams rushed 4 and felt confident enough that they would get too Wilson. DE Leonard Floyd played a great game yesterday, racking up 3 sacks. If you remember, after the Rams scored their only touchdown in the second half, DJ Reed returned the ball to the 49-yard line. The Seahawks then got sacked twice and Wilson was presented with a 3rd and long. Not too many teams are going to convert on 3rd and 17+.
This game had a different feel to it than the previous one. Against the Bills, the Seahawks just seemed out of flow. Although they scored 34 points, they played sluggishly. In the defeat to the Rams, the team played better as the defense stepped it up in the second half and the offense was more efficient on third down. It just felt as if the Seahawks could not get the ball in the end zone. Or, for that matter, sustain a long scoring drive. Every time they had something going, a penalty of turnover would occur.
The Seahawks need to continue to be better as the season progresses.