Here’s how the Seattle Seahawks grade out in their 27-17 loss to the Green Bay Packers on Sunday:
OFFENSE
The Seahawks, who were absolutely atrocious offensively in the first half, caught fire in the third quarter, with Russell Wilson becoming a picture of efficiency as Seattle scored back-to-back touchdowns to take a 17-13 lead. But that two-drive stretch was about it for Seattle. Marshawn Lynch found no running room, and where was tight end Jimmy Graham? One catch for 11 yards is not what the Seahawks thought they were getting from their blockbuster offseason trade.
Grade: C-
DEFENSE The Seahawks were able to contain reigning league MVP Aaron Rodgers at times, but not when it counted most late in the game — and Seattle gifted Rodgers free plays in the first half when defensive end Michael Bennett was caught offside three times, helping lead to 10 points. The Seahawks also couldn’t take advantage of Green Bay’s No. 1 running back, Eddie Lacy, going down with an ankle injury early in the game as the Packers still ran for 127 yards using back-up James Starks.
Grade: C-
SPECIALS TEAMS
Return man Tyler Lockett was Seattle’s game-breaker through the preseason and the opener. However, he didn’t have anything close to a difference-making return against the Packers. The Seahawks’ kicking game was good, though, as Steven Hauschka made a 54-yard field goal and Jon Ryan didn’t have a return attempt on any of his five punts.
Grade: C
COACHING
For the second straight game the Seahawks dug themselves a hole in the first half, then recovered in the second half, so halftime adjustments seemed to make a difference. However, Seattle’s defense never gave Aaron Rodgers much in the way of different looks, and the Seahawks had to burn their timeouts earlier in the second half, leaving none at the end.
Grade: C
OVERALL
The Seahawks were going to have to muster something special to win this one, facing a highly motivated Packers team playing in a stadium where it posted a 9-0 record last season. The Seahawks produced that special performance for much of the third quarter, but that wasn’t nearly enough, and now the defending NFC champions find themselves 0-2.
Grade: C-
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