Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
The Seattle Seahawks dropped their sixth game of the season this Sunday in a 23-17 loss to divisional foe St. Louis Rams. The Seattle offense reverted back to what we saw from them early in the year, not being able to manufacture much in terms of points or yardage. Seattle was able to put up 313 total yards of offense which is their lowest total of the season, and were held under 20 points for the first time since November 1. They also snapped a 25-game streak of having at least 100 yards on the ground, only mustering 60. Hopefully for Seattle, Marshawn Lynch will be able to return shortly, which would be a huge boost to their running game.
The Seattle offensive line, which has made giants strides of improvement throughout this season, had one of their worst games, allowing four sacks and 13 hits on quarterback Russell Wilson. They also allowed seven tackles for losses, and as mentioned earlier were unable to provide much for the running game where Wilson led the team in rushing yards with 39 yards.
On the other hand the Wilson to Doug Baldwin connection continued with them linking up for eight receptions, 118 yards and a touchdown. This is Baldwin’s first season with over 1,000 yards. Those two were unable to do it themselves though, as there was not much production from anywhere else on the field.
Seattle had plenty of opportunities to win this game, and could have remained in line to get the fifth seed in the playoffs. The defense played well only allowing 207 yards of offense, but the Seahawks’ offense was unable to keep their impressive run going. Three turnovers ended up being the difference in the game.
Seattle will have to look to get back on track against a tough Arizona Cardinals team next week on the road. The Cardinals have clinched at least a first round bye but with the Carolina Panthers losing last week still have an opportunity to earn home-field advantage. Seattle must win and get some help from the Green Bay Packers if they want to earn the fifth seed in the playoff race, and will need every bit of their offensive attack. They will need to find the production from across the board that they have been getting in the previous month if they hope to walk out of University of Phoenix Stadium victorious.
