Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll gestures from the sideline during Sunday’s 12-9 win over the San Francisco 49ers. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)

Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll gestures from the sideline during Sunday’s 12-9 win over the San Francisco 49ers. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)

Grading the Seahawks in their 12-9 win over the 49ers

Here’s how the Seattle Seahawks grade out in their 12-9 victory over the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday afternoon at CenturyLink Field:

OFFENSE

For more than three quarters of the game Seattle’s offense was stuck in the mud much like it was in the previous week’s debacle against the Green Bay Packers. The Seahawks were unable to move the ball on the ground, dropped several passes, and even quarterback Russell Wilson was affected for a while as his throws started going errant. However, Seattle redeemed itself in the fourth quarter with a vintage Russell Wilson drive as he used his legs and improvisational ability to lead the Seahawks to the game-winning touchdown. Seattle also received good work from rookie running back Chris Carson in the process of running out the clock.

Grade: C-

DEFENSE

For the second straight week the Seahawks leaned heavily on their defense to try to win the game, and this time the defense did enough. For the most part Seattle shut the 49ers down, holding San Francisco to 248 yards, and the 49ers offered no threat in the air as San Francisco quarterback Brian Hoyer was limited to 99 yards passing. However, Seattle allowed San Francisco running back Carlos Hyde two big runs, each of which set up a first-half field goal, and the 49ers finished with 159 yards on the ground on just 19 carries, which is a concerning 8.4 per carry.

Grade: B+

SPECIAL TEAMS

The Seahawks avoided any disasters on special teams — though when Blair Walsh boinked the extra point off the upright, San Francisco needed just a field goal to tie it up late. Punter Jon Ryan received a lot of work and was his usual dependable self, forcing an offensively-challenged San Francisco offense to find ways to sustain drives. Seattle didn’t get much going in the return game, and though the 49ers didn’t break any big returns they did manage a few decent ones.

Grade: C

COACHING

For the most part Seattle’s issues Sunday had less to do with coaching and more to do with execution. The Seahawks kept faith with the running game, even though it struggled through the first half, and were rewarded by Carson down the stretch. Seattle unleashed Wilson in the no-huddle offense in the fourth quarter after going behind 9-6, and was rewarded with the game-winning touchdown. And there wasn’t much the coaches could do on the sidelines when receivers were dropping passes in the red zone.

Grade: B-

OVERALL

This was a game that won’t win any beauty pageants. Questions still abound about Seattle’s offense, which has found the end zone just once in eight quarters so far this season. And there will be those who say that beating a San Francisco team that went 2-14 last season by just three points at home is nothing to celebrate. However, a win is a win, no matter how ugly it may have been, and this one gets Seattle on the board for the 2017 season.

Grade: C+

– Nick Patterson, Herald writer

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

Dennis Williams, head coach and GM of the Everett Silvertips, shakes hands with an assistant coach at the end of a season opening victory over the Vancouver Giants on Saturday, Sep. 24, 2022, at Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Coach, GM Williams leaving Silvertips for Bowling Green State

After seven successful season leading Everett, Dennis Williams is heading back to his alma mater. He’ll stay with the Tips through the WHL playoffs.

Everett’s Alana Washington poses for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 Girls Basketball Player of the Year: Alana Washington

The Everett senior upped her game in the postseason to help the Seagulls overcome injuries and claim their first state trophy in 41 years.

Left to right, Arlington’s Samara Morrow, Kamiak’s Bella Hasan, Everett’s Alana Washington, Lake Steven’s Nisa Ellis, Lynnwood’s Aniya Hooker, and Meadowdale’s Gia Powell, pose for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 All-Area girls basketball teams

A look at the top prep girls basketball players in the area from the 2023-24 season.

Silvertips players celebrate during a game between the Everett Silvertips and Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024. The Silvertips won, 5-3. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Silvertips land No. 1 pick, chance to draft generational talent

Landon DuPont is the consensus top pick in next WHL prospects draft. Everett chief operating officer Zoran Rajcic said the team intends to select him.

Mountlake Terrace’s Jaxon Dubiel talks with head coach Nalin Sood during the 3A boys state basketball game against Todd Beamer on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024 in Tacoma, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
‘It was just time’: Mountlake Terrace basketball coach Sood steps down

Nalin Sood guided his alma mater to 381 wins and 15 state berths in 24 seasons as head coach. He spent over four decades with the program.

Stanwood High School student athletes during their signing day ceremony. (Courtesy of Stanwood High School)
Local class of 2024 athletes who have signed to play in college

A running list of 2024 high school athletes who are set to compete at the next level.

X
Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26

Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Silvertips’ Kaden Hammell (47) enters the rink during a game between the Everett Silvertips and the Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Patterson: Overachieving Silvertips had season worth celebrating

In a season when some thought the team’s playoff streak could end, Everett put together one of its greatest campaigns.

Washington State athletic director Pat Chun, center, watches players on the first day of NCAA college football practice, Friday, Aug. 6, 2021, in Pullman, Wash. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
Washington hires AD Chun away from rival Washington State

UW quickly targeted its in-state rival’s athletic director after Troy Dannen’s sudden departure.

Seattle Mariners' Mitch Haniger hits a single against the San Diego Padres during the fourth inning of a spring training baseball game Monday, March 11, 2024, in Peoria, Ariz. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Why the Mariners could win the AL West, and what could hold them back

Starting pitching, a renovated offense and regression in the AL West are in Seattle’s favor, but injury issues, bullpen concerns and the Houston Astros could be a problem.

X
Vote for The Herald’s Prep Athlete of the Week for March 18-24

The Athlete of the Week nominees for March 18-24. Voting closes at… Continue reading

X
Prep roundup for Wednesday, March 27

Prep roundup for Wednesday, March 27: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

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.