The Seattle Seahawks prevailed in one of the ugliest wins we've ever seen at Lumen Field. Sure, a win is a win, but no one wants to see a game like that again. Not the 12s, and certainly not Mike Macdonald. More than the penalties, these three Seahawks played major roles in making this contest too close.
I know; I shouldn't complain about a Seattle win. But holy Hannah, 14 penalties? Even worse, those mistakes gave Los Angeles 150 yards they didn't earn. The Chargers gained five first downs on those plays, sustaining drives that should have been over. Given those circumstances, it's a testament to the Seahawks' resilience that they did win the game.
Even if they had played a mistake-free game, there were still three Seahawks who drastically underperformed in Week 4. Only one is in danger of losing their position, but if things continue down this path, they might be looking over their shoulders.
Three Seattle Seahawks whose stock is plummeting after Week 4
Sam Darnold, QB
Sam Darnold didn't have a bad game Sunday. He threw two touchdowns and picked up a key first down with his legs that keyed the drive that put Seattle ahead 27-6. But he was just 13 for 22 for 168 yards against a middle-of-the-pack Chargers' pass defense.
Worse yet, he missed a wide-open JSN twice in the second quarter on key third-down plays. And by missed, I mean he didn't even look his way. Of course, he threw an interception on his first pass.
For those keeping score at home, that was Darnold's third interception of the young season, in what's truly just two games. I'm not saying it's time for Drew Lock to take over, not at all. Darnold hasn't been perfect; that's all too clear. He's the Seahawks' number 1 QB without a doubt. But unless he gets the turnovers under control - and sees the field clearly - Lock is waiting.
George Holani, RB
Holani's status is hardly in the same category as Darnold. But with Jadarian Price out, this was his chance to step up in the Seahawks' backfield hierarchy. Well, that didn't happen. Three yards and a cloud of dust isn't enough in the NFL, and he didn't even manage that. 18 yards on seven carries isn't going to earn more chances, especially not with Robert Henry Jr. joining the team.
Jay Harbaugh, special teams coach
Something is very wrong with the Seahawks' special teams this season. We saw it again in Sunday's win over the Chargers. Unit coach Jay Harbaugh needs to get a handle on this, and he needs to do it quickly with the division-leading 49ers coming to town.
Jason Myers missed an extra point and failed to reach the landing zone on a kickoff for the second straight week. He also missed a 53-yard field goal that was wiped out by a Chargers' penalty. Happily, Myers converted on a 35-yard attempt soon after. The ever-reliable Michael Dickson - well, until this season - had one of his punts travel just 30 yards. Okay, maybe that lone errant punt was an anomaly.
The punt coverage has been solid, but the Chargers did average 28.0 yards per kickoff return. Last year, the Seahawks allowed 23.96 yards per kick return. That was the third-best figure in the league. This season, they're giving up 30.1 yards per return. That's 30th in the NFL. Seattle isn't going to fire Harbaugh during the season, but this needs to turn around quickly.
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