Here’s how the Seattle Seahawks grade out in their 31-25 victory over the Buffalo Bills on Monday night:
OFFENSE
Welcome back to the real Russell Wilson, as Seattle’s quarterback looked much more like his usual self as he went 20-for-26 for 282 yards and two touchdowns, as well as running for a score. Tight end Jimmy Graham had the kind of monster game the Seahawks were hoping for when they traded for him, catching eight passes for 103 yards and a pair of one-handed TD grabs. The passing game is the only reason why Seattle emphatically ended its stretch of scoring just one touchdown in 23 possessions as the Seahawks continued to struggle mightily on the ground, managing just 33 yards on a paltry 12 carries.
Grade: B-
DEFENSE
This was a rough one for Seattle’s defense. The Seahawks gave up 425 yards, second only to the 443 Seattle allowed to the Arizona Cardinals in a game that had an extra quarter. Buffalo scored on its first three possessions, which made it nine straight possessions the Seahawks allowed a score going back to the previous week’s game against New Orleans. Seattle couldn’t stop Buffalo on third down as the Bills converted 12 of 17 opportunities. The Seahawks were hindered by a third-straight game in which the defense was on the field a ton (40:17 Monday), but at least it held when Seattle needed it most at the end of the game.
Grade: C-
SPECIAL TEAMS
It was an up-and-down game for the special teams. It began in the worst possible way as Seattle’s first punt was blocked, setting up Buffalo’s first touchdown. However, it improved as the game went along. Tyler Lockett seems to be recovering from injuries as he had his best game as a returner this season, breaking free for a 43-yard kickoff return and a 22-yard punt return that would have been longer if not for a penalty. Then punter Jon Ryan came up with a booming 62-yard punt when it mattered most at crunch time. Kicker Steven Hauschka continues to be money from deep, connecting from 49 yards to force Buffalo to play for a touchdown at the end.
Grade: B
COACHING
Seattle’s complete abandonment of the running game continues to be a problem. The Seahawks handed the ball off to their running backs just eight times in the game, and the lack of any threat of a running game meant Seattle had to try to throw the ball late in the game when trying to run out the clock. On the positive side the Seahawks took the shackles off Wilson, and Seattle made a concerted effort to get the ball to Graham, something that was missing the previous week at New Orleans when Graham was targeted just five times. Seattle’s gameplan against Buffalo quarterback Tyrod Taylor was either ineffective or not executed well, as the Seahawks lost contain too often.
Grade: C-
OVERALL
This was not a vintage Seahawks performance on either side of the ball. However, seeing Wilson looking healthier and being able to contribute with both his arm and his legs was a positive development. The defense wasn’t itself for the second straight week and it could be indication that the extended amount of time on the field is starting to take its toll. Nevertheless, the Seahawks improved to 5-2-1 and moved into second place in the NFC, which means if the playoffs began today Seattle would receive a first-round bye.
Grade: C+
Nick Patterson, Herald Writer
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