The Seahawks improved to 5-8 with a win over the Houston Texans in week 14. For the second straight week, the Hawks broke 30 points. Up until two weeks ago, that seemed almost impossible. The Hawks have a lot of work to do, but a 14-point fourth quarter bodes well for the future.
It should surprise no one that Seattle lost the battle for time of possession. Last week’s win over the Niners was the only time they’d managed it all year. The Texans had more first downs than the Hawks too, 25 – 20. In the end, the only thing that matters is the 20 point edge on the scoreboard, though.
Among the happy surprises, the Seahawks were 7-13 on third down conversions and held the Texans to just 3-13. Houston was 0-2 on fourth down as well. But wait, 12s, there’s more. So much more in the realm of surprises.
Seahawks discover Rashaad Penny can still play
That was definitely the surprise – make that shock – of the game for me. Rashaad Penny came into today’s contest with 112 yards rushing combined for 2020 and 2021. That is not a typo. Maybe he read Lee Vowell’s article before the game and was inspired to greatness. He sure looked like he was playing for his next contract. Whatever caused it, Penny delivered with 137 yards rushing and two touchdowns. Finally, he looks like the first-round pick we made in 2018.
Tyler Lockett can play a little, too. That’s no surprise to anyone, not even to people outside the embrace of the 12s. Mr. Underappreciated (again, outside of Seattle) hauled in five balls for 142 yards and a score. He was over 100 yards in the first half alone. That’s his fifth100-yard game of the year, a new career-high.
The third item of note: the defense survived without Jamal Adams. I’m not sure how much of a test it was to hold the Texans to 13 points, but at least that’s one point less than their average output. Houston’s average score is a 27-14 loss, so great job, D, I guess. A 33-13 win is big, even against a team as bad as Houston.
Overall, yes, the Seahawks could have played better. Russell Wilson still missed some throws he normally makes. Seattle committed eight penalties, one that took a DK Metcalf score off the board. Against a better opponent – and they’re all better – that could have cost the game. On to the real test next week. Go Hawks!