Seattle Seahawks: 5 takeaways from win versus Eagles

Penalty Woes

Over the last two weeks, the Seahawks have struggled in the penalty department. No doubt, they are becoming a more complete team but heading into the playoffs, the last thing they can afford is to beat themselves. In the first loss of the year at Arizona, the Seahawks really hurt themselves with penalties late in the game. Not only do penalties allow for free yardage, but they can sometimes keep an otherwise dead-end drive moving.

Against Arizona in Week 11, they had 8 penalties for 79 yards. In Week 12 against Philly, they had 8 penalties for 83 yards. Undisciplined football only leads to poor outcomes in the playoffs. The slightest holding call can continue a 2-minute drill as opposed to making the stop on 4th down. If you remember, last year in the divisional round, Seattle had a costly pass interference call that set up a Green Bay touchdown.

Although the penalties didn’t cost Seattle last night, they need to clean it up. Over the next three weeks, they have the Giants, Jets and Washington. They will have ample opportunities to play good, clean football. The offensive line will need to stay away from the holding calls as it cost them a touchdown against the Eagles. Defensively, the backs need to remain disciplined and avoid early contact.

Obviously, it is way easier said than done, but it is something that needs to be improved upon moving forward.

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