Here’s how the Seattle Seahawks grade out in their 26-23 overtime loss to the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California:
OFFENSE
Seattle’s offensive numbers look solid. Quarterback Russell Wilson had a 117.3 passer rating. The Seahawks rushed for 168 yards, including Chris Carson surpassing the century mark and running like a Mack truck. Receiver Doug Baldwin returned from injury to make several acrobatic catches and score two touchdowns. But it never seemed to truly come together for Seattle’s offense, in large part because of five holding penalties taken by the offensive line, which sabotaged drive after drive.
Grade: C
DEFENSE
For the entire first half the defense was a mess, with missed tackles left and right and tight ends running free through the secondary. Only a forced fumble by Bradley McDougald when the 49ers were driving kept it a one-score game at halftime. The defense improved significantly in the second half, with a pass rush led by Jarran Reed proving particularly effective in the fourth quarter as Seattle twice rallied to tie the game. But the 49ers were able to gain too many yards on the ground during the overtime drive that resulted in the game-winning field goal.
Grade: C
SPECIAL TEAMS
This was a disastrous day for Seattle’s special teams. Sebastian Janikowski’s missed extra point was the difference between a regulation victory and overtime. The Seahawks allowed a 97-yard kickoff return for a touchdown. Seattle committed unnecessary penalties on punt plays that ruined field position. And Tyler Lockett muffed the kickoff to start overtime to put Seattle in a hole. Michael Dickson continued his magical work, twice having punts downed inside the 2-yard line, but he can only do so much.
Grade: D
COACHING
Let’s begin with the decision not to use the longer cleats at the start of the game, as that cost Seattle at least one touchdown because of defensive players slipping on the slick surface. The secondary didn’t seem prepared after McDougald went out injured, which was odd given it was known McDougald was dealing with a knee injury. The 14 penalties for 148 yards aren’t all on the coaches, but the repeated nature of them — the holding penalties, three 15-yard personal fouls on one drive — speaks to a teaching problem. But credit the halftime defensive adjustments, which in particular stopped San Francisco’s tight ends from being a threat.
Grade: D
OVERALL
Seattle expected to clinch its playoff spot Sunday against an inferior opponent it dominated just two weeks earlier. Instead, the Seahawks suffered a loss that blunted the team’s momentum. In truth, the defeat didn’t do much to damage Seattle’s playoff chances, as the Seahawks remain in the NFC’s first wild-card position at 8-6. But this loss means Seattle will have to sweat a little over the final two weeks, and the intimidation factor that had been growing may now be gone.
Grade: D
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
