The Seattle Seahawks finally saw their four-game winning streak fall to the hands of Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 21-16. It was a really cool moment for the NFL, playing their first game in Germany, and it was awesome to see the Seahawks be a part of it, even in defeat.
This game wasn’t just a really cool moment, but also a big game, and the only game going on across the league as we all watched the Seahawks play very VERY early in the morning. The Seahawks and Bucs faced off in what may have been the best matchup these international games have seen.
The Seahawks had been rolling but had not yet faced an opponent or player with the star power and (still) greatness that is Tom Brady. This is far from Brady’s best team, but he continues to be the cold-blooded assassin that has owned the league for two decades.
Was Week 10 a moment too big for the Seahawks?
It was clear through the first two and a half quarters that Seattle was not playing like themselves, rather reverting back to the level of play we watched the first few weeks of the season. Stupid penalties, not stopping the run, and inability to generate anything on offense. It was jarring and looked like the team that Seattle was supposed to look like this year.
The Seahawks eventually woke up and made a legitimate run at stealing the game. It was a tough loss, but a great learning experience. They were reminded of what it feels like to lose, to see the value of a run defense, to see how important it is to take care of the football and to see how Brady can neutralize your pass rush and put a game away.
Seahawks no-huddle notes
One: The run defense was atrocious, and I think the decision to sit Bryan Mone played a huge role in the struggles. It was an anticipation move according to Pete Carroll, and one that backfired. The Seahawks thought the Bucs were going to throw a lot, rather than run. I just feel like when you’re on a role defensively for a month, you don’t mess with what’s working.
Two: Geno Smith looked pretty mediocre in the first half against a tough Buccaneers defense. In the second half, after switching to a no-huddle offense, Geno started cooking and the defense took off. This was the second time Geno struggled, and also the second time in which the offensive line was overwhelmed, leading to losses. The 49ers did it to them, and Tampa Bay this last week.
Three: I’ve loved Geno Smith this year, and am excited to hear there’s interest in a long-term deal. I also have seen him look mediocre at best against legit teams. This continues to make me a believer in, if the right quarterback is there, you need to strongly consider drafting a QB early next spring.
Four: Tariq Woolen’s interception on Tom Brady was hilarious and beautiful to watch. That’s twice in the past few years Brady has tried to be a receiver, and both times it’s been a hard watch. Woolen is going to be a special player, and he’ll see plenty of interceptions in his career, but none will be as easy as that one.
Five: The field looked bad. The Seahawks wouldn’t accept that the field cost them the game, but it sure didn’t help. They were slipping and sliding all over the field as the Buccaneers ran it down their throats.
Russell Wilson watch and the West tightens
While the Seahawks had an unfortunate loss, the day was not all bad, as the. The Denver Broncos continue their free fall, losing 17-10 to Tennessee. Wilson got rocked for 6 sacks and completed just 21/42 passes. The Seahawks’ story is full of hope and joy and excitement for the future. The Broncos’ story is full of weirdness, loss and despair. The loss puts the Seahawks in position to draft with the seventh pick, and that may get way higher.
Last week, we talked about the NFC West turning into a two-team race, and after watching the Rams and Cardinals play in the backup bowl, I think it is safe to say the division will come down to Seattle and San Francisco. With the Cooper Kupp injury and IR stint, their season appears over, and the Seahawks should be licking their chops about that matchup in a few weeks.
The Seahawks head into their late season bye, sitting at 6-4 and in first place in the West. Their health and depth look pretty strong for a team getting such a late bye, and should be getting reinforcements from Tre Brown, while their star receivers get a chance to rest.
It’s pretty incredible to see the Seahawks in this position, but now it’s time to focus on finishing strong and winning the NFC West. That’s a completely attainable goal, and I can’t wait to watch them return next week to take on Vegas and get back on track. Go Hawks!