Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll talks with quarterback Russell Wilson in the first half of Sunday’s game in Nashville, Tennessee. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)

Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll talks with quarterback Russell Wilson in the first half of Sunday’s game in Nashville, Tennessee. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)

Grading the Seahawks’ 33-27 loss to the Tennessee Titans

Seattle’s offense and defense each played well — for a half.

Here’s how the Seattle Seahawks grade out in their 33-27 loss to the Tennessee Titans on Sunday at Nissan Stadium:

OFFENSE

For the first 28 minutes, the Seahawks’ offense was stuck in neutral the way it was in the first two games of the season. But then Seattle came to life to produce by far its best offensive game of the season. Quarterback Russell Wilson ended up with a career-high 373 passing yards to go along with four touchdowns, and for the first time this season tight end Jimmy Graham was a factor. The Seahawks weren’t able to get much going in the run game, however, as Seattle’s running backs combined for just 44 yards on 15 carries.

Grade: B

DEFENSE

It was a rare sight watching Seattle’s usually-dominating defense get steamrolled in the second half. The Seahawks allowed the Titans to rush for 195 yards — 165 of which came in the second half — which was the most Seattle has allowed in a game since 2013. Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota was rarely troubled as he wasn’t sacked only once. Seattle was stout early on, forcing three-and-outs on Tennessee’s first four possessions, but the Seahawks appeared to tire under the combination of heat and a heavy workload.

Grade: D+

SPECIAL TEAMS

Not a lot happening in special teams, as the Seahawks didn’t make any major mistakes — Tennessee’s punt return for a touchdown was called back by a penalty — but also didn’t make anything happen. However, Seattle missed out on an opportunity for a last-ditch miracle when its punt-block team was flagged for having 12 men on the field, giving the Titans a first down that allowed them to run out the clock.

Grade: C-

COACHING

The pros: Seattle’s switch to Oday Aboushi over Mark Glowinski at right guard seemed to help the pass protection; the Seahawks picked their spots well for the no-huddle offense, which was effective; and whether it was the coaches or players, someone was able to calm Richard Sherman down enough to avoid a total meltdown. The cons: too many undisciplined penalties; no answers for Tennessee’s run game in the second half; and a questionable decision to go for it on fourth-and-22 rather than kick a field goal when trailing by 13 with 7:20 remaining.

Grade: C

OVERALL

It was as if the Seahawks gave different itineraries to their offense and defense. The offense showed up late, playing poorly in the first half but well in the second half. The defense checked out early, playing strong in the first half before disappearing in the second. So while it was encouraging to see the offense finally arrive, it was discouraging to see the defense collapse. Seattle is now 1-2, and although the Seahawks made the playoffs in 2015 after starting out 1-2, that’s the only time in franchise history they’ve managed that feat.

Grade: C-

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

X
Vote for The Herald’s Prep Athlete of the Week for March 8-17

The Athlete of the Week nominees for March 8-17. Voting closes at… Continue reading

X
Silvertips’ playoff picture coming together as season hits final week

Everett is officially the Western Conference’s No. 3 seed and is likely heading into a matchup with Kelowna or Vancouver.

X
Prep roundup for Monday, March 18

Prep roundup for Monday, March 18: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Los Angeles Rams offensive guard Tremayne Anchrum (72) against the Denver Broncos during the second half of an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 28, 2021, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
Seahawks add to position of need, sign guard Tremayne Anchrum Jr.

The 25-year-old has played in 31 games, starting once, since being drafted by the Los Angeles Rams in 2020.

Everett Community College head coach Chet Hovde watches as the women's team practices on Tuesday, March 7, 2017 in Everett, Wa. (Andy Bronson / The Herald)
EvCC coach Chet Hovde, who ‘lived for’ basketball, dies at 77

Coach Hovde graduated from Everett High School in 1965. He spent 33 years as the women’s basketball coach at the community college.

Jackson’s Ian Friedrichsen celebrates his goal with his teammates during the game against Bothell on Thursday, May 11, 2023 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Prep boys soccer: 5 things to watch for the 2024 season in Snohomish County

A look at the top local storylines for this high school boys soccer season

Jackson’s Rachel Sysum is hugged by Leneyah Mitchell after hitting a home run during the game against Bothell on Friday, May 19, 2023 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Prep softball: 5 things to watch for the 2024 season in Snohomish County

A look at the top local storylines to keep an eye on this high school softball season.

X
Prep roundup for Friday, March 15

Prep roundup for Friday, March 15: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Glacier Peak’s Samantha Christensen runs to home plate to celebrate her home run with her teammates during the game against Snohomish on Friday, March 15, 2024 in Snohomish, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
GALLERY: Glacier Peak softball tops rival Snohomish

The Grizzlies prevail 9-5 in a clash of area powers.

X
Prep roundup for Thursday, March 14

Prep roundup for Thursday, March 14: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

The Washington Wolfpack logo is revealed during the Everett AFL team unveiling at Tony V's Garage in Everett, Washington onThursday, Oct. 26, 2023. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Everett’s new arena football team to have 4 televised games

The NFL Network will broadcast 30 AFL games this season, including two Wolfpack home games.

Washington coach Mike Hopkins yells to the team during the second half of the team's NCAA college basketball game against California, Saturday, Feb. 17, 2024, in Seattle. California won 82-80. (AP Photo/Stephen Brashear)
Looking back at Mike Hopkins’ turbulent tenure as UW men’s basketball coach

The departing Huskies coach had highs early, but the good times didn’t last long.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.