On Halloween Sunday, the Seattle Seahawks snapped their three-game losing streak. In what was their first home win of the 2021 season, the Seahawks put together an excellent performance in a much-needed win.
Shockingly, the Seattle Seahawks opened the gates quite aggressively on the offensive end. Combined with another impressive defensive performance, Seattle was able to slam the down shut on a potential upset in Week 8. After a disappointing three-week stretch, it felt good to see Seattle get back in the win column.
Over the course of the last three and a half weeks without Russell Wilson, the locker room has really stuck together. The belief in one another has never wavered and that has played a crucial role in Seattle sitting with some sort of hope as they enter their Week 9 bye week.
Here are three takeaways from a commanding Seahawks Week 8 win.
3 takeaways from Seahawks Week 8 win versus Jaguars
Rhythm Offense
During life without Russell Wilson, the struggles for this Seattle Seahawks team have stemmed from offensive issues. Whether it be poor pass protection, lack of run game, inconsistent play calling or all of those things combined, many feel Seattle could have beat the Steelers and Saints if the offense was able to produce more.
While Geno Smith did deserve some criticism for those issues, it is also important to acknowledge that 12s should have expected his rhythm and timing to be off with the starters. After beating the Jaguars, Geno Smith touched upon the extra work between him and Tyler Lockett after practices. He attributed Lockett’s big game — 12 receptions, 142 yards — to that preparation.
Throughout the first half, Geno just seemed to be in real control of everything. He was no longer hesitating in the pocket, constantly pump faking. He was dropping back and going through his reads with confidence. He started off the game completing 14 of his first 14, breaking Aaron Rodgers record of most completed passes in 2021 (12).
Offensive coordinator Shane Waldron also deserves a ton of credit for the game plan. Going up against a struggling Jaguars secondary, the Seahawks went to the play-action game early and often. Truly, the run game wasn’t that much of a factor in this one. Seattle was able to grow upon their lead by getting the ball into the hands of their playmakers.
Impressive defensive play continues
“It’s our turn” were the words Bobby Wagner uttered when the Seahawks found out that Russell Wilson would be sidelined for a couple of weeks. Wagner was putting the onus on the defense to carry the team to success without their star quarterback. Despite the 1-2 record without Russell Wilson, this Seattle Seahawks defense has been really impressive.
Once again on pace to be historically bad, Seattle somehow manages to flip the switch at the perfect time. Nearly everyone was calling for the head of defensive coordinator Ken Norton Jr., after the Week 3 defeat suffered in Minnesota. Now, he should be getting the praise he deserves. In Week 8, the Seahawks never allowed Trevor Lawerence to get into any flow.
Even though Seattle finished the game with 3 sacks, they were constantly getting pressure on Trevor Lawerence. The rookie CB Tre Brown got his first start at left cornerback and did a very solid job. DB Ryan Neal saw an increase in playing time and he continues to turn heads with his outstanding play. He was flying all over the place throughout and early on in the game, he landed a sack on a scrambling Lawerence.
Quandre Diggs intercepted Lawerence early in the 1st half, making history as the only player to record at least three interceptions in five straight seasons. Jamal Adams finished the game with 10 total tackles. Bobby Wagner finished the game with 14 total tackles. The third down defense was impressive once more, holding Jacksonville to 5-14 on conversions. Even more impressive was the fourth down defense, holding Jacksonville to 1-4 on conversions.
The Seattle Seahawks defensive potential has been on display for the last month and 12s are hoping to see more of it as we approach the second half of the season.
Much needed bye week
The Seattle Seahawks bye week couldn’t have come at a more perfect time. Sitting at 3-5, the Seahawks have a chance at getting back to full strength for a very important second-half stretch. They come off their bye in Week 10 to face the Packers in Green Bay, followed up by Arizona and Washington.
Everyone is hoping that the much-anticipated return of Russell Wilson comes in Week 10. The bye week gives Wilson a great chance at certainly doing so. Also, around the roster, other key guys are banged up. C Ethan Pocic made his return to the lineup in Week 8 and now has an extra week to rest and recover.
WR D.K. Metcalf is supposedly dealing with a foot issue. HB Chris Carson has a neck issue that may cause him to miss the remainder of the season — no official word on that yet. CB D.J. Reed and HB Alex Collins have a groin injury.
The point is Seattle is going to need everyone for this second-half playoff push. Another critical reason as to why the Week 9 bye is very fitting is because Seattle has a real chance of evaluating their first half performance. As noted earlier, the defense appears to found have a solution to their problems. But, does that mean they are contempt with their current starters? With the trade deadline looming, we can almost be certain that John and Pete have their eyes on certain players.
An interior lineman like Fletcher Cox – who is on the block – can elevate this Seattle defense to another level. There are several other key players who are on the market on both sides of the ball. In years past, we have seen Seattle strike gold at the deadline. Last year, it was the trade for Carlos Dunlap. Prior to that, it was the deal with Detroit for Quandre Diggs.
It will be interesting to see how things play out over the next 24 hours, but the good news for the Seattle Seahawks is that the Week 8 victory keeps them very much alive in the playoff race.