Grading the Seattle Seahawks’ 17-0 loss to the Green Bay Packers

Here’s how the Seattle Seahawks grade out in their 17-0 loss the Green Bay Packers on Sunday at Lambeau Field:

OFFENSE

Seattle quarterback Russell Wilson recovered from his finger injury in record time, returning after a three-game absence, but it looked like Wilson may have come back too soon. Wilson seemed hesitant, missed on throws he normally would have completed, and threw two awful interceptions into the end zone. After the defense came up with a huge turnover in the third quarter, the offense responded with a limp three-and-out. Overall Seattle managed just 208 yards of offense, which was a season low, and the Seahawks were shut out for the first time in the Wilson era. It was ugly.

Grade: F

DEFENSE

It’s hard to pin much of this defeat on the defense. Seattle gave up yards, but limited the number of points allowed. The Seahawks came up with a crucial takeaway on Jamal Adams’ interception in the end zone in the third quarter when the score was just 3-0. Adams, who’s been the subject of criticism, was everywhere as he added 11 tackles and two quarterback hits. The defense loses a half-grade due to Carlos Dunlap’s stupid penalty for heaving an opponent’s shoe, which aided the Packers on their first touchdown drive, and the D ran out of gas at the end from spending so much time on the field.

Grade: B

SPECIAL TEAMS

While the offense was a no-show, at least punter Michael Dickson was able to flip field position with his booming punts, as four of six dropped inside the 20. Punt returner Freddie Swain had a curious day, as on multiple occasions he fair caught balls when it appeared he had room to run. Kick and punt coverage has been a strength this season, but on Sunday it was merely average. Kicker Jason Myers only stepped onto the field once the entire game, that being for the opening kickoff.

Grade: B-

COACHING

The most important job the Seattle coaches had Sunday was finding a way to protect Wilson, considering he still had his injured finger wrapped. That didn’t happen, as Wilson was sacked three times and often on the run, and it’s debatable as to whether Wilson should have been on the field to take more punishment on the final drive. The decisions to punt on fourth down early in the game were incredibly conservative, and Pete Carroll had a torrid time on challenges, choosing not to challenge a spot that could have given the team an early first down, while failing on a challenge of an Aaron Rodgers fumble. The Seahawks did devise a way to keep Rodgers contained, though.

Grade: D

OVERALL

Well, that didn’t go as hoped. Wilson’s return, which coincided with the Seahawks coming off a bye week, was being counted on to be the moment that saved a season that was teetering on the brink. Granted, a game at Green Bay was never going to be easy in any circumstances. But not only did Seattle lose, Wilson looked like anything but a savior. The result wasn’t unexpected, but the nature of the loss did little to make one believe the Seahawks are capable of turning their season around and becoming a playoff team.

Grade: D

– Nick Patterson, Herald writer