Here’s how the Seattle Seahawks grade out in their 25-23 victory over the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California:
OFFENSE
There were some positives for the Seahawks. Quarterback Russell Wilson had a solid outing as he received improved protection from his offensive line, and he was able to get tight end Jimmy Graham involved, making use of Graham’s height advantage to set up Seattle’s second touchdown. However, the Seahawks weren’t able to get much going in the run game, despite facing a 49ers run defense that ranked dead last in the NFL.
Grade: C
DEFENSE
Seattle’s defense was absent early in the game, allowing the 49ers to march down the field twice in the first quarter, leading to a pair of touchdowns. However, the Seahawks bailed themselves out by forcing two important fumbles that gave Seattle the ball deep in San Francisco territory and led to 10 first-half points. Then the Seahawks righted the ship and gave the 49ers nothing until San Francisco’s final drive, which came on a short field.
Grade: B-
SPECIAL TEAMS
It was a second straight rough game for Seattle’s special teams. Kicker Steven Hauschka had an extra-point blocked, long snapper Nolan Frese air mailed a snap on a punt through the end zone for a safety, the Seahawks got caught on a trick play in punt coverage, and with Tyler Lockett out injured, there was no semblance of a return game. At least Hauschka made all four of his field goals.
Grade: D
COACHING
Playing back-up quarterback Trevone Boykin the final nine-plus minutes of a game that was still in doubt — and with playoff seeding still hanging in the balance — was borderline madness. This game presented an opportunity for Seattle to get its flagging run game back on track, but the play calling didn’t give it much of a chance as the Seahawks ran the ball just 15 times during their first 10 drives. Seattle also wasn’t ready at the start of the game, getting completely outplayed in the first quarter.
Grade: D
OVERALL
This was a game in which the Seahawks were supposed to get themselves right heading into the playoffs, considering they were facing a team that had won just two games and relieved its general manager of his job while the game was in progress. Instead, Seattle emerged with as many lingering questions as it did answers. Finishing with the No. 3 seed means the Seahawks play next weekend in the wild-card round, so Seattle has little time to figure things out before facing tougher competition.
Grade: C-
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