In a wild, back-and-forth game that was full of big plays and costly mistakes by both teams, the Seahawks put together a memorable comeback to force overtime against the Rams on Sunday. In the extra period, however, a fourth-and-1 rush attempt was stuffed on Seattle's opening drive, and the Rams responded by driving the length of the field for the game-winning touchdown to secure a 26-20 victory.
Here are six rapid reactions to Sunday's loss, which drops Seattle's record to 4-5 heading into the bye week:
- Once again, turnovers and penalties proved incredibly costly for the Seahawks.
A common theme in Seattle's losses this season has been an excess of costly turnovers and penalties, and Sunday's loss to the Rams was no different.
Most notably, Geno Smith was intercepted three times, including twice deep in the red zone, one of which was returned 103 yards for a touchdown that put the Rams ahead 20-13. The interceptions weren't entirely Smith's fault—the first went off Jaxon Smith-Njigba's hands and should have been a catch. The second, which was returned for a score, was inaccurate because Smith's arm got hit as he threw it. On the third, the Seahawks appeared to have a pretty legitimate complaint that the intended target, AJ Barner, was held—but regardless of the reason behind the turnovers, they still had a massive impact on the game.
With those three interceptions, the Seahawks have now turned the ball over 11 times in five losses, including multiple turnovers in four of those five games. And while Smith battled back to lead an impressive game-tying drive, and finished his day with 363 yards and three touchdowns, that wasn't enough to overcome the damage caused by the turnovers.
As for the penalties, the Seahawks had 12 enforced against them for 95 yards, and many of them had big effects on the game, including two defensive penalties, an illegal contact and a roughing the passer call, both of which the Seahawks vehemently disagreed with, that extended a Rams scoring drive after apparent third-down stops, and two holding calls that negated long completions to Jaxon Smith-Njigba.
- The defense took a step forward, even in a loss.
While it's hard to take much solace in another loss, one thing that should bode well for the Seahawks coming out of the bye were the improvements shown on defense, particularly against the run, while facing a very good Rams offense. The Rams did finish the game with a solid 366 yards, including overtime, but they were just 3 for 13 on third down, and most significantly from a Seahawks standpoint, L.A. was not able to get a ton done on the ground.
Kyren Williams led the Rams with 69 rushing yards, but needed 22 carries to get to that mark, while as a team the Rams had 68 yards on 24 carries. That's a huge improvement for Seahawks defense that allowed 155 or more rushing yards five times this season, including in four straight games before Sunday.
- Jaxon Smith-Njigba bounced back from an early mistake with a huge game.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba began his game with an impressive 22-yard catch and run, but on the very next play, a pass from Smith bounced off Smith-Njigba's hands for an interception. Other than that one forgettable play, however, it was a fantastic day for the second-year receiver, who established a career high with 180 yards on seven catches, including a pair of touchdowns, one at the end of the first half, and one to tie the game late in the final minute and force overtime. Smith-Njigba's big game could have been even better if two long catches hadn't been wiped out by holding calls.
- It was a very memorable Seahawks debut for receiver Cody White.
After spending most of the last two seasons on Seattle's practice squad, Cody White was elevated for Sunday's game to provide receiver depth with DK Metcalf out, and his first regular-season game for the Seahawks proved to be a memorable one.
White had only two catches in the game, but one of them was a 28-yard grab to jumpstart the game-tying drive in the fourth quarter, and he also drew a flag for pass interference. Then on special teams, White blocked a punt, though the Seahawks were unable to capitalize thanks to one of the aforementioned red zone interceptions.
- Pass protection was a problem.
Even in a loss, the Seahawks felt like they made progress last week against the Bills when it came to their ability to protect Geno Smith. Against the Rams, however, the pass protection was an issue for Seattle's offense, with Smith under constant pressure, particularly in the second half when the Seahawks were playing from behind.
In all, Smith was sacked seven times and hit 11 times, with one of those hits contributing to the costly pick-six.
- The Seahawks tried to get the run game going, but there wasn't a ton there.
The Seahawks have been pretty pass-heavy at times this season, oftentimes when playing from behind in recent weeks, but in a game that was close throughout, the Seahawks worked hard to get the running game going. Despite that commitment, however, there wasn't a ton of room for Kenneth Walker III and company, with the Seahawks gaining 107 yards on 33 carries, led by Walker who had 25 carries for 83 yards, including a final rush attempt on fourth-and-1 in overtime on which he had no chance, getting stuffed for a loss in the red zone.
Must-see shots of the Seahawks at their Week 9 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams at Lumen Field on Sunday, November 3, 2024.
Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (9) at the Week 9 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams at Lumen Field on Sunday, November 3, 2024.
Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (9) at the Week 9 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams at Lumen Field on Sunday, November 3, 2024.
Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith (7) at the Week 9 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams at Lumen Field on Sunday, November 3, 2024.
Seahawks tackle George Fant (74) at the Week 9 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams at Lumen Field on Sunday, November 3, 2024.
Seahawks guard Anthony Bradford (75) at the Week 9 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams at Lumen Field on Sunday, November 3, 2024.
Seahawks guard Anthony Bradford (75) at the Week 9 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams at Lumen Field on Sunday, November 3, 2024.
Seahawks tight end AJ Barner (88) at the Week 9 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams at Lumen Field on Sunday, November 3, 2024.
Seahawks players at the Week 9 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams at Lumen Field on Sunday, November 3, 2024.
Seahawks linebacker Ernest Jones IV (13) at the Week 9 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams at Lumen Field on Sunday, November 3, 2024.
Seahawks cornerback Dee Williams (33) at the Week 9 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams at Lumen Field on Sunday, November 3, 2024.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) at the Week 9 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams at Lumen Field on Sunday, November 3, 2024.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) at the Week 9 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams at Lumen Field on Sunday, November 3, 2024.
Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (9) at the Week 9 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams at Lumen Field on Sunday, November 3, 2024.
Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith (7) at the Week 9 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams at Lumen Field on Sunday, November 3, 2024.
Seahawks cornerback Dee Williams (33) at the Week 9 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams at Lumen Field on Sunday, November 3, 2024.
Seahawks free safety Jerrick Reed II (32), Seahawks cornerback Dee Williams (33), and Seahawks linebacker Josh Ross (18) at the Week 9 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams at Lumen Field on Sunday, November 3, 2024.
Seahawks defensive tackle Byron Murphy II (91) at the Week 9 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams at Lumen Field on Sunday, November 3, 2024.
Seahawks defensive tackle Roy Robertson-Harris (98) at the Week 9 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams at Lumen Field on Sunday, November 3, 2024.
Seahawks players at the Week 9 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams at Lumen Field on Sunday, November 3, 2024.
Seahawks players at the Week 9 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams at Lumen Field on Sunday, November 3, 2024.
Seahawks players at the Week 9 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams at Lumen Field on Sunday, November 3, 2024.
Seahawks players at the Week 9 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams at Lumen Field on Sunday, November 3, 2024.
Seahawks players at the Week 9 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams at Lumen Field on Sunday, November 3, 2024.
Seahawks wide receiver Laviska Shenault Jr. (1) at the Week 9 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams at Lumen Field on Sunday, November 3, 2024.
Seahawks tight end Brady Russell (38) and Seahawks wide receiver Laviska Shenault Jr. (1) at the Week 9 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams at Lumen Field on Sunday, November 3, 2024.
Seahawks tight end Brady Russell (38) and Seahawks wide receiver Laviska Shenault Jr. (1) at the Week 9 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams at Lumen Field on Sunday, November 3, 2024.
Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon (21) at the Week 9 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams at Lumen Field on Sunday, November 3, 2024.
Seahawks cornerback Riq Woolen (27) at the Week 9 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams at Lumen Field on Sunday, November 3, 2024.
Seahawks linebacker Dre'Mont Jones (55) and Seahawks defensive end Leonard Williams (99) at the Week 9 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams at Lumen Field on Sunday, November 3, 2024.
Seahawks defensive tackle Roy Robertson-Harris (98) at the Week 9 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams at Lumen Field on Sunday, November 3, 2024.
Seahawks wide receiver Tyler Lockett (16) at the Week 9 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams at Lumen Field on Sunday, November 3, 2024.
Seahawks wide receiver Tyler Lockett (16) at the Week 9 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams at Lumen Field on Sunday, November 3, 2024.
Seahawks wide receiver Tyler Lockett (16) at the Week 9 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams at Lumen Field on Sunday, November 3, 2024.
Seahawks wide receiver Tyler Lockett (16) at the Week 9 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams at Lumen Field on Sunday, November 3, 2024.
Seahawks wide receiver Tyler Lockett (16) and Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (9) at the Week 9 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams at Lumen Field on Sunday, November 3, 2024.
Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith (7) at the Week 9 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams at Lumen Field on Sunday, November 3, 2024.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) at the Week 9 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams at Lumen Field on Sunday, November 3, 2024.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) at the Week 9 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams at Lumen Field on Sunday, November 3, 2024.
Seahawks kicker Jason Myers (5) and Seahawks punter Michael Dickson (4) at the Week 9 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams at Lumen Field on Sunday, November 3, 2024.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) at the Week 9 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams at Lumen Field on Sunday, November 3, 2024.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) the Week 9 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams at Lumen Field on Sunday, November 3, 2024.
Seahawks free safety Coby Bryant (8) at the Week 9 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams at Lumen Field on Sunday, November 3, 2024.
Seahawks tight end AJ Barner (88) at the Week 9 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams at Lumen Field on Sunday, November 3, 2024.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) at the Week 9 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams at Lumen Field on Sunday, November 3, 2024.
Seahawks kicker Jason Myers (5) and Seahawks punter Michael Dickson (4) at the Week 9 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams at Lumen Field on Sunday, November 3, 2024.
