Skip to main content
Advertising
Presented by

Rapid Reaction: Unusually Slow Day On Offense Stymies Seahawks

Notes, takeaways, and reactions from the Seattle Seahawks' 23-16 loss to the Los Angeles Rams.

q13_rapid-reaction_week10

The Seahawks are typically in for a challenge when squaring off vs. the Rams, and today was no different. Seattle's offense rarely looked comfortable, turning the ball over three times, finding the end zone once on a 13-yard rushing touchdown from Alex Collins, and scoring just three points in the second half. Here are some rapid reactions to today's 23-16 loss:

It was a sluggish day for Seattle's offense

Seattle entered the game first in the NFL in total offense, but it turned out to be an uncharacteristically slow day on that side of the ball. The Seahawks ended with 333 total yards of offense, their second-lowest total this season. It was also the first time Seattle recorded less than 20 points, and only the second time they scored less than 30. Russell Wilson was under ample pressure all day, aided by the Rams linebacking core. Terrell Lewis and Leonard Floyd had two sacks a piece and combined for six quarterback hits. Wilson was sacked five times for the second consecutive week.

Wilson did not record a passing touchdown for the first time this season, adding to the team's offensive struggles. Things looked promising as time winded down in the first half, but Wilson's pass intended for tight end Will Dissly was intercepted by Rams cornerback Darious Williams in the end zone. Wilson was intercepted by Williams a second time in the fourth quarter. The offense was missing starting center Ethan Pocic, who was ruled out as he goes through concussion protocol. Kyle Fuller got the start against a formidable defensive front. A low snap from Fuller in the fourth quarter, led to a fumble by Wilson and Seattle's third turnover.

It was also a quiet day for DK Metcalf

Russell Wilson targeted ten different players throughout the game, but it wasn't until late in the third quarter before DK Metcalf recorded a catch. Metcalf finished the day with two receptions for 28 yards, his second-lowest of the season. He was covered by three-time Pro Bowl cornerback Jalen Ramsey all afternoon, which could explain an uncharacteristically quiet day. Tyler Lockett led all Seahawks receivers with nine targets, five receptions and 66 yards. Lockett and Metcalf have formed a dynamic one-two receiving punch for Seattle this year, but opportunities were limited on Sunday.

A record-setting day for special teams

A bright spot in the Seahawks loss was the team's performance on special teams. Kicker Jason Myers drilled a 61-yard field goal as time expired in the first half, establishing a new career high (previous: 58 yards during his rookie season in Jacksonville in 2015) and Seahawks franchise record. Myers has made 21 consecutive field goals dating back to 2019, passing Steven Hauschka for third-place on Seattle's all-time consecutive made field goals list.

Cornerback DJ Reed also had an impressive 49-yard kick return, and running back Travis Homer averaged 29 yards in his three returns Sunday, before leaving with a hand injury.

Jamal Adams is tough.

Safety Jamal Adams left the game in the first quarter with a shoulder injury and was seen walking to the locker room alongside medical personnel. His return was considered questionable. "I was out there with one arm pretty much the whole game," Adams said during his postgame press conference. "I was in a lot of pain. I won't sit here and lie to you. But as long as my legs are moving, I'm going to find a way."

Adams missed several games earlier this season while recovering from a groin injury. Thankfully, Adams was able to return to the game later in the first half. After recording 1.5 sacks last week against Buffalo, Adams added another two against the Rams, one of which led to a fumble by Rams quarterback Jared Goff, recovered by Seahawks cornerback DJ Reed. The other forced a third and long.

Asked if the injury was significant enough to potentially keep him out this Thursday vs. the Cardinals, Adams answered simply: "Hell no."

Seahawks missing Carson and Hyde in the backfield

Top running backs Chris Carson and Carlos Hyde were sidelined for the third consecutive game Sunday, leaving rookie DeeJay Dallas, Travis Homer and Alex Collins, elevated from the practice squad this weekend, to handle the backfield. Collins quickly established himself as the workhorse against the Rams, ending the day with 43 yards on 11 carries. However, a scrambling Russell Wilson led Seattle's rushing attack with 60 yards on the ground.

The Seahawks now have a short week to prepare for Thursday Night Football against the Cardinals, and the return of one of their experienced running backs would be a welcome addition on offense. Coach Pete Carroll had been holding out hope the team would see at least one of them this weekend before both were downgraded to "out" on Saturday. While they were missed vs. the Rams, the extra rest could be critical to getting both players fully healthy and productive for important games down the stretch.

The best photos from Seattle Seahawks vs. Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium. Fueled by Nesquik.

Related Content

Vote For Mike Macdonald For The Salute To Service Award

Advertising