In what was a wildly entertaining Week 13 game, the Seattle Seahawks were able to snap their three-game losing streak. In doing so, they also completed the season sweep of divisional rival, San Francisco 49ers.
The Seattle Seahawks certainly made up for their lackluster performances over the last month or so as they were able to move the ball at will throughout the second half. In doing so, they gave fans hope again as the Seattle Seahawks looked like the Seattle Seahawks of old. It is worth noting that the Seahawks left plenty of points on the board as they had numerous turnovers in scoring position.
Regardless, an impressive all-around victory over a hot opponent – in the division nonetheless – should give the Seahawks more confidence moving forward. Ever since Russell Wilson returned from injury, all we have heard was how this offense was going to kick it back into high gear. Well, it finally came to fruition in Week 13.
Here are three takeaways from the Seattle Seahawks imperative Week 13 victory.
3 takeaways from Seattle Seahawks Week 13 win versus 49ers
Effective & Efficient offense
Throughout the three-game losing streak, most of the blame fell into the lap of the Seattle Seahawks offense. Their horrendous third down numbers caused their defense to be on the field longer and thus, resulted in the other teams scoring more points in the more crucial quarters. The lack of rushing attack played a crucial role in all of that as well.
Now, the Seahawks rushing numbers were inflated in the win over the Niners as Travis Homer had a 73-yard fake punt touchdown. But, Seattle did something that they haven’t done in the losing slump: stick with the running game. Even if the running game isn’t working as planned, it doesn’t hurt to keep trying as it will keep the defense honest. If you completely abandon the run, you then put more pressure on your offensive line to consistently hold up in pass protection.
Early on against San Francisco, this Seattle offensive front found themselves in all sorts of trouble as Wilson was constantly under duress. Nevertheless, the commitment to the run game helped open the offense up in the second half and created more time in the pocket for Russell Wilson. On 27 attempts, the Seahawks averaged 5.4 yards per rush. Offensive coordinator, Shane Waldron, deserves a ton of credit for his game plan.
Completing 30 of 37 passes, Wilson averaged 4.4 yards per completion. By working the short, intermediate game, Seattle was able to stay ahead of the chains and keep more possessions alive. In fact, for what feels like the first time in forever, the Seattle Seahawks won the time of possession (33:12 to 26.48). Most importantly, Russell Wilson looked back to his normal self and this victory can serve as a building block for this offense that is still learning and growing under Waldron.
Opportunistic Defense
Heading into a much-needed win, I felt the key to the game would be Seattle’s ability to stop San Francisco’s rushing attack. The run game of the 49ers was the prime reason for their winning streak as they were able to tally at least 150 rushing yards in their wins. Obviously, no Deebo Samuel affected their offense, but Kyle Shanahan knew the Seahawks would try to stop the run game first.
The 49ers finished the game with only 71 total rushing yards. I felt that if Seattle made Jimmy Garoppolo beat them with his arm, then they had a very good chance of getting back into the win column. By stacking the box and overplaying the run game, the Niners put the ball in Garoppolo’s hands. Early on, he was able to hit George Kittle on a strike up the seam to tie the game in the first quarter. But, Seattle ultimately took advantage of his poor ability to read the field.
An interception by Bobby Wagner and Quandre Diggs help set up the Seattle offense in great field position. In fact, the go-ahead touchdown to Lockett all stemmed from the Diggs interception. On a contract year, Quandre Diggs has definitely earned the right to “secure the bag” and I think one of Seattle’s top priorities should be bringing him back. He has been outstanding for this team as both a ballhawk and tackler.
DE Carlos Dunlap had his best game of the season. Down 23-21, Dunlap was able to bull rush an offensive linemen on his way to tying the game up with a sack in the end zone. Then, on the most important play of the game – 4th and goal with seconds remaining – Dunlap got his hand on the ball that put an end to the 49ers potential game-tying drive. It is worth noting on third down, CB Sidney Jones made a great play on the ball that forced an incompletion. Once again, the Seahawks defense remained resilient and held the 49ers scoreless in the second half of a wild game.
Vital Victory
After losing on Monday Night Football in Washington, Pete Carroll made it utterly clear to everyone that he wanted to continue to move forward. He wanted to work hard as always and find the fix to the offensive struggles. Being the ultimate competitor that he is, the Seattle Seahawks went and signed HB Adrian Peterson. Who, by the way, scored a touchdown and showed that he can still be a physical runner.
But, how about the fake punt early on? Given the number of three-and-outs that Seattle has had over the last couple of weeks, we honestly should have expected something like this. But, pinned in your own territory against a red hot team, running a fake punt on your opening drive was ballsy. That play to me highlighted the amount of significance that Pete Carroll put on this game.
I am sure he has heard all of the noise about changes coming to Seattle in the offseason. There were even reports earlier in the week that acting team owner, Jody Allen, is not happy about how the season has unfolded. Well, why should she be happy? This team is better than their record shows and they all know it. Pete did what he has been best at over the last decade, responding in the optimistic, upbeat fashion that has made him so beloved in Seattle.
He knows from here on out, the pressure is on. Another play that signifies that is late in the 4th quarter on what would have been the put-away drive – if Gerald Everett hadn’t fumbled at the one-yard line – when Seattle went for it on fourth and one with no hesitation. Quite frankly, if Everett didn’t fumble, it would have been fourth and goal from the one in which Seattle probably would have gone for it again. The team showed a tremendous amount of heart and I believe this game will help spark and propel the Seattle Seahawks to a strong finish.