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

Arlington’s Leyton Martin (2) poses for a photo at Arlington High School on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Arlington, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 Boys Basketball Player of the Year: Leyton Martin

Arlington’s do-it-all junior point guard led the Eagles to a district title and second straight Hardwood Classic.

X
Prep roundup for Thursday, March 28

Prep roundup for Thursday, March 28: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Left to right, Mountlake Terrace’s Zaveon Jones, Glacier Peak’s Jo Lee, Everett’s Isaiah White, Arlington’s Leyton Martin, Jackson’s Ryan McFerran, and Mountlake Terrace’s Jaxon Dubiel pose for a photo at Arlington High School on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Arlington, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 All-Area boys basketball teams

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

Silvertips’ Andrew Petruk (26) fights for the puck 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)
Breaking down the Silvertips’ 1st-round playoff series vs. the Giants

Everett is searching for a revenge after a shocking playoff exit against Vancouver two years ago.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

University of Washington's new men's basketball coach Danny Sprinkle meets the news media, Wednesday, March 27, 2024 in Seattle. (Ken Lambert/The Seattle Times via AP)
Taking over at Washington personal for men’s basketball coach Sprinkle

Danny Sprinkle spoke about his connection to the school during his introductory press conference Wednesday.

X
Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26

Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26: (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.