TALKING POINTS
This game gave us our flashback moment. In overtime, needing a score to either win the game or keep it alive, the Seahawks found themselves fourth-and-1 at the Rams’ 42. When Seattle needed one yard to win the Super Bowl the Seahawks passed it for what turned into that much-debated interception. This time Seattle handed the ball off to Marshawn Lynch, but Lynch was stuffed to end the game. I think it’s hard to question the decision to run the ball, but the television coverage questioned whether running the ball out of the shotgun was wise.
One could also second guess Seattle’s choice to try for an apparent onside kick to start overtime, a decision that backfired as St. Louis recovered (after much confusion and having the play result changed twice) and thus began OT in Seahawks territory — Seattle coach Pete Carroll said Steven Hauschka didn’t execute the kick, saying the intention was for the chip shot to get further downfield and over the first bank of defenders. But credit Seattle’s defense for limiting St. Louis to a field goal and giving the offense a chance to tie or win the game.
All of that is secondary to the real story for Seattle, however. Throughout the preseason the concern about the Seahawks was the inability of the first-team offense to finish off drives, as Seattle scored just one touchdown on 13 preseason drives with the first-team offense on the field. Quarterback Russell Wilson was confident the team would solve that issue once the regular season began, but that wasn’t the case Sunday as Seattle’s offense punched the ball into the end zone just once, being forced to settle for short field goals the other three times the Seahawks reached the red zone.
Seattle also had problems in the game’s key match-up. The big concern for the Seahawks coming into the game was whether the inexperienced offensive line could hold up against St. Louis’ stacked defensive line. Seattle struggled as Wilson was sacked six times, so the line is still a work in progress.
Indeed, Seattle’s offense looked tame for much of the game until late in the third quarter. Seattle trailed 24-13 when the decision was made to switch to the no-huddle offense. That change immediately paid dividends, with Seattle scoring 18 straight points to grab a 31-24 lead. The Seahawks had much more rhythm with the tempo increased.
It was during that stretch that the Seahawks finally got tight end Jimmy Graham involved. Graham, Seattle’s big offseason acquisition, was largely anonymous in the first half. However, he was a key weapon in the second half, finishing the game with six catches for 51 yards and scoring the Seahawks’ only offensive touchdown.
As for defense, there was good and bad. Seattle allowed three long drives that ended in touchdowns, with the last one coming with 53 seconds remaining as the Seahawks failed to close out the game. But Seattle also came up big in the second half by forcing three fumbles, resulting in Cary Williams’ strip and touchdown, as well as a pair of field goals. Those turnovers put the Seahawks in position to win the game.
Lastly, Seattle received yet another electric moment from rookie Tyler Lockett. Lockett, on just his second official touch in the NFL, took a punt 57 yards for a touchdown, knifing up the middle and making it look routine. It was Lockett’s third return TD in five games, stretching back into the preseason.
TURNING POINT
It wasn’t really a turning point, but it was the decisive moment. Seattle had a chance to finish off the game in regulation, leading 31-24 with a minute remaining. It was third-and-5 from the Seattle 37 when Rams tight end Lance Kendricks lined up wide left, one-on-one with strong safety Dion Bailey. Bailey, in his first career NFL game, got caught flat-footed, then fell down as Kendricks streaked past. Kendricks was all alone downfield, and even an underthrown pass by Nick Foles didn’t prevent an easy game-tying touchdown. All Seattle needed to do was keep the receivers in front and keep the Rams out of the end zone, but the breakdown took victory out of the Seahawks’ hands.
St. Louis’ tight ends had a field day Sunday as Kendricks and Jared Cook combined to catch seven passes for 127 yards and a TD. Tight ends are often the responsibility of the strong safety. Of course, Seattle’s Pro Bowl strong safety Kam Chancellor is holding out. Think this game highlighted Chancellor’s absence, and maybe gave Chancellor additional negotiating leverage?
BOX SCORE
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