3 takeaways from Seattle Seahawks dominant Week 14 win

Dec 12, 2021; Houston, Texas, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) reacts after a touchdown pass during the second quarter against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 12, 2021; Houston, Texas, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) reacts after a touchdown pass during the second quarter against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Seattle Seahawks are now winners of two straight. Although it was expected, the Seahawks dominated the Texans throughout the second half en route to a 33-13 victory.

In back-to-back weeks, this Seattle Seahawks offense has looked much improved. A lot of that has to do with Russell Wilson nearing 100percent health-wise, but also in part due to the success of the ground game. Coming into the game, Pete Carroll emphasized establishing the run and that is exactly what they did.

Not too much will be made out of this victory as the Houston Texans are in complete rebuild mode. But, it will serve as another confidence boost for a Seahawks team that is looking to make a late playoff push. With slim chances of getting into one of the last Wild Card spots, the Seattle Seahawks are taking the challenge head-on and a dominant win as such over the Texans will only enhance their belief in one another.

Here are three takeaways from the Seattle Seahawks expected Week 14 win.

3 takeaways from Seattle Seahawks Week 14 win versus Texans

The Rashaad Penny Game

Week 14 will be remembered as the Rashaad Penny game. Entering the matchup with Houston, Seattle’s backfield was pretty depleted. Although Alex Collins was back, they were missing Travis Homer (primarily a third down back / special teams guy) and Adrian Peterson (who just signed with the team last week). Throughout the week, Pete Carroll had mentioned numerous times that Rashaad was going to be actively involved in the game plan after coming off a solid game against the San Francisco 49ers.

Ever since being drafted, Penny has never been able to find his footing with this team. Despite his great durability in college, he just hasn’t been healthy enough in the NFL. That’s why the Seahawks declined his fifth-year option. Back in 2019, we saw glimpses of Rashaad Penny as he was starting to pick things up towards the home stretch. In back-to-back weeks (Weeks 12 & 13, 2019), Penny and Carson split carries. They were really becoming a two-headed monster up until Week 14 of 2019 when Penny tore his ACL.

Penny has only played in 28 of his 60 games in the NFL since being drafted by the Seattle Seahawks. Many ridiculed Seattle for drafting him in the first round as no one has really been able to see enough of him to justify their selection. Well, in Week 14 against Houston, Penny had his breakout game. He finished the game with 16 carries for 137 yards and 2 touchdowns. One touchdown being a 32 yarder, finished with a mean stiff arm. The other came in the fourth on a 47 yarder where Penny really displayed his breakaway speed.

This game meant a lot to Rashaad Penny and he couldn’t stop smiling afterward. He was happy. His teammates were happy for him and he is now presented with a real chance of getting a contract. With some big games remaining on the schedule, it is going to be critically important that the Seahawks establish the run moving forward. Over these last four games, IF Penny can stay healthy, expect Seattle to feature him as the primary back. Their faith in him will either be justified or Penny will be looking for a new home next season. Let’s hope Week 14 is a good sign of things to come.