The Seattle Seahawks faced a critical challenge in Week 15, squaring off against a Green Bay Packers team with serious playoff aspirations. Entering the matchup, the stakes were clear: a victory would keep Seattle in the postseason hunt, while a loss could push their playoff hopes further out of reach. What followed was a humbling reality check, as the Seahawks suffered a lopsided defeat in front of their home crowd, raising tough questions about their ability to compete with top-tier opponents.
From the opening whistle, it was evident that Seattle was unprepared for the intensity Green Bay brought to the field. Defensive lapses, offensive misfires, and untimely mistakes compounded into a performance that felt disjointed and uninspired. Despite occasional flashes of promise, the team struggled to execute consistently, leaving fans frustrated and the playoff picture looking increasingly bleak.
With plenty of blame to go around, this Week 15 loss offers both lessons and lingering concerns. Was it a case of being outmatched, or did self-inflicted wounds doom Seattle’s chances? A closer look reveals both what went right and what ultimately unraveled the Seahawks’ efforts against a formidable NFC opponent.
Studs and duds from the Seahawks disappointing loss to the Green Bay Packers in Week 15
STUD - Ernest Jones IV
With the game slipping away from the Seahawks, the team desperately needed a spark—an energizing play to tilt momentum back in their favor. As the Packers looked poised to put the game out of reach, the defense finally answered the call, led by the relentless efforts of Ernest Jones IV. A staple of the Seahawks’ defensive unit, Jones rose to the occasion, delivering a performance that reminded everyone why he’s been a key piece all season.
Jones racked up nine tackles in the game, making his presence felt in both the run and pass game. His defining moment came in the fourth quarter when he delivered a textbook hit to jar the ball loose, creating a much-needed turnover for Seattle. The forced fumble was recovered by Julian Love, giving the offense a golden opportunity to claw back into the game. It was a momentum-shifting play that, for a brief moment, brought life to a team that had struggled to find answers.
Love, actually#ProBowlVote + @_jlove20 pic.twitter.com/LWcxPEPT8s
— Seattle Seahawks (@Seahawks) December 16, 2024
While the comeback attempt ultimately fell short, Jones’ play highlighted the kind of effort the Seahawks needed more of throughout the game. His ability to step up in the most critical moments offered a glimmer of hope, even in a tough loss. For Seattle, it was a reminder that there are still pieces to build around as the season nears its conclusion.
DUD - Geno's knee injury
This is far from what the Seahawks needed as they try to stay alive in the playoff race. Quarterback Geno Smith went down with a knee injury in the third quarter, leaving the offense scrambling to adjust in his absence. While the severity of the injury remains unclear at the time of writing, the sight of him grimacing on the sideline and attempting to jog it off was a troubling moment for both the team and its fans.
Losing Smith, the team’s leader and primary offensive engine, disrupted the Seahawks' rhythm and forced an already struggling unit to work with limited options. The offense became stagnant, lacking the composure and spark Smith often brings to the huddle. The backup quarterback stepped in to keep things afloat, but the drop-off in production was noticeable as the Packers’ defense capitalized on the shift in momentum.
Seattle's playoff hopes are now teetering on the edge, with much hinging on the outcome of Smith’s injury evaluation. If he’s sidelined for an extended period, the Seahawks will face a daunting uphill battle to salvage their season. For now, the team can only hope for positive news while bracing for the challenges ahead.
STUD - Seahawks special teams
After weeks of inconsistent and often frustrating performances, the Seahawks’ special teams finally provided a reason for optimism in their game against the Packers. In a matchup where Seattle needed contributions from every phase, the special teams stepped up and created much-needed opportunities for the offense. From accurate kicking to explosive returns, it was a unit that delivered when the team needed it most.
Kicker Jason Myers was a steadying presence, going a perfect 2-for-2 on field goals from the 40-yard range. His reliability helped keep the Seahawks within striking distance, adding crucial points in a game where the offense had trouble finding its rhythm. Meanwhile, kick returner Jaelon Darden was electric, turning six opportunities into 172 yards. His ability to flip field position gave Seattle’s offense shorter fields to work with and injected some energy into the game.
The improved special teams play was a welcome development for a team that has struggled to find consistency in recent weeks. While the offense and defense both had their ups and downs, the special teams gave the Seahawks a foundation to build on. If this unit can maintain its momentum, it could become a critical factor in Seattle’s playoff push as the regular season winds down.
DUD - Sam Howell
The Seahawks’ Week 15 performance has cast serious doubt on their playoff credentials. Losing quarterback Geno Smith to a knee injury was a devastating blow, but what compounded the issue was backup quarterback Sam Howell's inability to lead a successful comeback. With the offense sputtering and opportunities slipping away, this game highlighted the stark challenges Seattle faces without their starter at the helm.
Even as the defense stepped up in the fourth quarter, giving the Seahawks a chance to erase a big deficit, Howell struggled to capitalize. The Packers’ defense deserves credit for applying relentless pressure, but Howell’s inability to sense the rush and adjust was glaring. He took multiple sacks, often holding onto the ball too long, which stalled drives and drained the momentum the defense worked so hard to create.
When Howell did have time to throw, his decision-making left much to be desired. A critical interception thrown directly to a Packers defender not only ended a promising drive but also crushed any remaining hopes of a comeback. For a team with playoff aspirations, the lack of poise and execution from the backup quarterback was a glaring concern in a game they desperately needed to win.
The Seahawks’ loss to the Packers in Week 15 not only marked a blow on the scoreboard but also pushed them out of the playoff standings, leaving them on the outside looking in. With the NFC West playoff race tightening, the margin for error is razor-thin, and the mistakes that plagued Seattle in this game proved costly. From turnovers to missed opportunities on both sides of the ball, the Seahawks failed to rise to the challenge when it mattered most.
Although there were glimpses of promise—like the defense stepping up late and the improved special teams performance—the compounded mistakes overshadowed those positives. If Seattle hopes to reclaim a spot in the postseason picture, they’ll need to clean up their execution and find a way to overcome the adversity they currently face. The road ahead is steep, but their season isn’t over yet.