3 takeaways from Seattle Seahawks feel-good Week 17 win
By Jake Luppino
![SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - JANUARY 02: Russell Wilson #3 of the Seattle Seahawks celebrates after a touchdown during the second quarter against the Detroit Lions at Lumen Field on January 02, 2022 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images) SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - JANUARY 02: Russell Wilson #3 of the Seattle Seahawks celebrates after a touchdown during the second quarter against the Detroit Lions at Lumen Field on January 02, 2022 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/https-3A-2F-2F12thmanrising-com-2Fwp-content-2Fuploads-2Fgetty-images-2F2018-2F08-2F1362443260-850x560-702679937f33a9e6eefd4101fe1fd3714186ff2d7024673e41a74f67d063a761.jpg)
In their last home game of the season, the Seattle Seahawks put on quite the show in Week 17. Everything seemed to have clicked for the Seahawks in their dominant win over the Lions. After the disappointing loss to the Bears in Week 16, rumors began swirling that it was the end for Russell Wilson and Pete Carroll. Which, might I add, should have been expected.
For argument’s sake, if the rumors are true and Wilson is on his way out of Seattle, he left the 12s with a great performance. Regardless, just focusing on the Week 17 performance, the Seattle Seahawks showed some promise. Despite missing key players on both sides of the ball due to COVID, they were able to establish a rhythm early on offensively and forced turnovers defensively.
Although they were playing for utterly nothing as they have been eliminated from playoff contention, the Seattle Seahawks showed a tremendous amount of heart. They played physically, they played with great intention, and most importantly, they played for each other.
While it hasn’t been the season we expected, it sure was nice to see the Seahawks finally look like their old selves. Here are three takeaways from the feel-good Week 17 victory.
3 takeaways from Seattle Seahawks Week 17 victory versus Lions
Strong Linebacker Core
On the very first defensive play of the game, Bobby Wagner suffered a knee injury. While it appeared to be serious, he was able to walk off on his own accord and was very close to actually returning. But, he didn’t. The good news is that it’s a minor sprain that will heal on its own and won’t require any surgery. His replacement was Cody Barton.
Although he hasn’t seen much of the field, Barton’s preparation paid off as he put together a real solid game. Being a backup mic linebacker isn’t as easy as many would think. Mic linebackers are the quarterback of the defense. He had a good feel in the run game and even made a couple of pass breakups.
His running mates, Jordyn Brooks and Darrell Taylor are going to serve as the foundation of this Seattle defense for years to come. Taylor made a huge play on the goal line, putting a big hit on Detroit Lions running back, Jamal Williams. His speed in the pass rush has been on display all season long and he is just going to continually get better.
Jordyn Brooks is going to be a superstar. He’s such a raw talent and in a season where he has shown a lot of potential, there is even more room for growth. Once he starts learning to get a better feel for pass coverage, specifically screens, he is going to be atop his position for a long time. He ranks third in the NFL in tackles. The Seahawks are in good hands at the linebacker position.