Seattle Seahawks defensive struggles continue in loss to San Francisco 49ers

We learned several things about the Seattle Seahawks in their loss to the San Francisco 49ers in Week 14. One is that even though the team had lost three straight games coming into the game - and the loss to the 49ers meant Seattle lost four straight for the first time in the Pete Carroll era which began in 2010 - most of the players on the team are not going to stop playing as hard as they possibly can. Seattle might lose more, but they won't quit.

The final was 28-16 San Francisco. Seattle allowed 527 total yards. Seattle's offense went 2 of 11 on third downs.

We also learned the defense simply isn't going to be any better until there is a coaching change. That is either the head coach or the defensive coordinator. Seattle has the same tendencies for the same several years now. The worst being they simply cannot tackle well and it kills the team.

For most of the game, though, there were some positives. The Seahawks didn't blown out. The game was a one-score game entering the third quarter and had been that way the entire way. The last two weeks the Seahawks have traveled to play two good teams and while they have lost, they competed. Seattle isn't ready to make a deep playoff run, of course, but they are not that far off from being good (except for the stupid defense). here are three other takeaways.

Drew Lock might really be close to Geno Smith quality

Drew Lock did have an interception when he forced a deep throw to DK Metcalf. While the decision wasn't a wise one, sometimes a quarterback has to try something to create a splash play with his team down late in the game. The issue is after a good first quarter when Metcalf had 2 catches for 52 yards and a touchdown, Lock stopped throwing his way even though Metcalf might have been open. Was this Lock's decision or was the offensive coaching staff trying to have him make shorter throws?

But Lock showed a bunch of mobility, a quick release, a strong arm, and yes, Lock lovers should be happy with most of his play. Should he replace Geno Smith? No. A player should not lose their job because of an injury and Smith was fantastic in Week 13 against the Cowboys. But Lock could be in the running for QB1 in 2024 if Seattle releases Smith to save cap space.

Lock finished 22 of 31 for 269 yards, 2 touchdowns and 2 interceptions. His quarterback rating was 92.0. He was sacked 4 times.

Jamal Adams is a liability and needs to be benched

Jamal Adams can rush the passer a few plays a game, though he doesn't seem to ever get home. Adams is used on blitzes three times a game on average in 2023. He has 2 quarterback hits this year and no sacks. Adams has also had some off-field issues this year like a social media tiff with a Jets reporter and screaming at an independent neurologist in Week 4 after Adams suffered a concussion.

But Adams has never been in coverage and he appears worse this year as he has a personal high for quarterback rating allowed. But the 49ers exposed Adams several times, especially when Deebo Samuel simply ran right past him on a route that resulted in a 54-yard touchdown pass. Teams will continue to take advantage of Adams in coverage and he simply isn't worth keeping on the field.

Pete Carroll may be losing control of the team

Things quite a bit chippy near the end after Drew Lock had his arm hit and the pass resulted in an interception. The throw was close to DK Metcalf and Metcalf then tackled Fred Warner who had picked off the pass. Metcalf threw Warner down, but Warner then pushed Metcalf from behind as Metcalf was on the ground. This created a bit of mess when Metcalf, along with a few Seahawks behind him, got into a shoving match and a face-mask pulling match that resulted in Metcalf and 49ers cornerback Deommodore Lenoir were tossed out.

What one could notice, however, is that several 49ers were standing up for Warner, none of the Seahawks were pushing a 49er. Maybe Seattle is becoming more and more a group of individuals instead of team that fights for each other. If that is so, that's on Pete Carroll and that is a grave concern.

Read more from 12th Man Rising