3 takeaways from promising Seattle Seahawks Week 18 win
By Jake Luppino
![Jan 9, 2022; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll celebrates with wide receiver Freddie Swain (18) against the Arizona Cardinals in the second half at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Schumacher-Arizona RepublicNfl Seattle Seahawks At Arizona Cardinals Jan 9, 2022; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll celebrates with wide receiver Freddie Swain (18) against the Arizona Cardinals in the second half at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Schumacher-Arizona RepublicNfl Seattle Seahawks At Arizona Cardinals](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-2Fimagn-images-2F2018-2F08-2F17481247-850x560-2659bac9d8af31a2362566ea1a9900b48f18720f4ce2599b29c96a4e34155969.jpg)
The Seattle Seahawks closed out their 2021 regular season in strong fashion. Winners of four of their last six, Seattle put together back-to-back impressive offensive performances in the last two weeks of what has been an otherwise disappointing season.
With the offseason officially here, expect to hear certain rumors about Pete Carroll and his future in Seattle. But, focusing on the Week 18 victory, the Seahawks showed flashes of their potential. With a shorthanded squad due to injuries and those sidelined to COVID, the Seahawks were able to play spoiler to Arizona.
Although the Cardinals had already clinched a playoff spot, they had a chance to win the NFC West. With the Rams loss to the 49ers, a Cardinals win would have given them the division title for the first time since 2015.
Except, Russell Wilson and company had different plans as their explosive offense propelled them in their season finale victory. For the last time this season, here are three takeaways from the Seahawks Week 18 win.
3 takeaways from Seattle Seahawks Week 18 win versus Cardinals
The key to success
When the Seattle Seahawks hit their rough stretch of the season, most of the blame fell on the offensive side of things. A stagnant offense had the defense playing way too many downs, resulting in fatigue late in games. The primary factor is their third-down struggles. Week after week, Pete Carroll would take the podium and with frustration on his face, touch upon how the third-down struggles affected their whole gameplan.
Well, the Seahawks might have saved their best play for last, but in the season finale, they were nearly unstoppable on third down. Finishing 8-12, the Seahawks were able to consistently keep drives alive, resulting in scoring lots of points. Although they lost the time of possession battle, it just felt as if Seattle was in control. It sort of reminded me of the beginning of the season, where Seattle would start games shot out of a cannon.
While watching, I just kept thinking to myself, this is who this Seattle team is. I know they have holes in many different position groups, but the point is they have what it takes to be successful. Over the last month or so, Russell Wilson has regained his form and seemed to have once again been playing like his normal self. The run game has been tremendous and thus, Seattle’s offense has looked pretty complete.
Even the offensive line has done a real solid job. Their domination up front in the run scheme is helping Rashaad Penny earn another chance in this league. A strong finish like this can carry over into the offseason and sort of provide a reminder to this team of who they actually are. The offense in particular endured their fair share of struggles throughout the season, so it was pretty cool to see them catch their footing at the end and close out the season strong.