Grading the Seahawks in their 23-6 victory over the Jets
Published 5:01 pm Sunday, January 1, 2023
Here’s how the Seattle Seahawks grade out in their 23-6 victory over the New York Jets on Sunday at Lumen Field:
OFFENSE
Running back Kenneth Walker III set the tone for the Seahawks when he broke free for 60 yards on the game’s first play from scrimmage. Walker led an impressive rushing attack that nearly racked up 200 yards on the ground (38 carries, 198 yards). Quarterback Geno Smith was his usual efficient self, including a Russell Wilson-like improvised shovel pass for 41 yards, but was perhaps not at his spectacular best. Receiver DK Metcalf figured to be a big weapon with partner Tyler Lockett limited because of his quick turnaround from hand surgery, but he managed just one catch for three yards on five targets.
Grade: B
DEFENSE
What are the things a defense can do to help its team win games? Takeaways? Seattle took the ball away three times with interceptions from Quandre Diggs and Mike Jackson and a fumble recovery by Uchenna Nwosu. Pressure the quarterback? Seattle sacked Jets QB Mike White four times (2.5 from Darrell Taylor) and dealt out 10 quarterback hits. Stops on third and fourth down? The Seahawks held the Jets to 4-for-13 on third down and 0-for-2 on fourth. New York is far from an offensive juggernaut, but Seattle’s defense made sure the Jets’ offense lived up to its modest reputation.
Grade: A
SPECIAL TEAMS
Seattle did some good things on special teams. Punter Michael Dickson did a good job pinning the Jets deep in their own territory, including one that was downed at the 1-yard line late in the first half to prevent New York any chance of snagging late points. Xavier Crawford, just signed this week, forced Jets punter Braden Mann into a bad shank in the third quarter. However, kicker Jason Myers finally saw his long streak of consecutive field goals made come to an end when he saw a 41-yarder drift wide right in the fourth quarter. Myers made his other three field-goal attempts.
Grade: B+
COACHING
Full credit to the Seattle defensive coaching staff, which not only rendered New York’s offense impotent, it adjusted at halftime to pitch a second-half shutout. This was despite losing defensive play caller Jordyn Brooks to injury in the second quarter. On the offensive side, the Seahawks made a point of getting their tight ends involved and it worked as tight ends Colby Parkinson and Tyler Mabry caught Seattle’s two touchdown passes. Seattle coach Pete Carroll’s decisions on whether to go for it on fourth-and-short seemed prudent.
Grade: A
OVERALL
In a game between two teams playing for their playoff lives, there were no questions about which team seemed more playoff worthy. With Green Bay upsetting Minnesota on Sunday, Seattle needed to win this one to keep its playoff hopes alive heading into the last week of the season. It’s not all in the Seahawks’ hands, they need to beat the Los Angeles Rams at home next week and have the Packers lose at home to Detroit to get to the postseason. But given the expectations at the beginning of the season, it’s an accomplishment to be playing meaningful football in Week 18.
Grade: A
– Nick Patterson, Herald writer
