Seahawks QB Russell Wilson threw three interceptions in Seattle's loss to St. Louis on Sunday. (US Presswire) |
The Seahawks didn't look great against the Rams on Sunday, but they didn't look bad either in the 19-13 loss. There were no F's awarded, but for the second straight week the offense did grade out the lowest.
Offense: C-
On one drive Sunday against the Rams the Seahawks offense looked good. Unfortunately it was the opening drive of the game. After scoring a touchdown on their first possession, things fell apart fast for the Seahawks. After the 8-play, 80-yard opening drive, the Seahawks went punt, punt, interception, punt, interception. Russell Wilson threw for a career-high 160 yards, but he also threw a career-high three interceptions. Wilson's final pick came with a minute left in the game and Seattle driving for the win. However, the interception arguably wasn't his fault as TE Anthony McCoy slipped on his route. Football's a team game, so Marshawn Lynch doesn't get an individual grade, but if he did, it would be an A-. Lynch ran for 118 yards and a touchdown and averaged 5.1 yards per carry.
Previous game's grade: B
Defense: B
The Seahawks defense was solid on Sunday -- except when the Rams were faced with a third-and-long situation. The St. Louis offense had third down conversions of 13, 14, 10, 10 and 13 yards on the day. Nothing demoralizes a defense faster than a long third down conversion. On the bright side, the Seahawks did limit Rams RB Steven Jackson to only 55 yards in the game. They also picked off Sam Bradford once and didn't allow an offensive touchdown.
Previous game's grade: A
Special teams: B-
Leon Washington had a 69-yard kickoff return, Jon Ryan averaged 49 yards per punt and Steven Hauschka went 2-for-2 on field goals; so how did the Seahawks special teams grade out at a B-minus? In large part thanks to Rams rookie punter Johnny Hekker and a beautifully executed fake field goal. Late in the second quarter, St. Louis lined up for a 19-yard field goal attempt. As the Rams lined up, WR Danny Amendola pretended to walk off the field. Only Amendola didn't actually walk off the field, he stayed on the field near the sideline. Hekker, who was lined up as a holder, took the short snap and quickly hit Amendola for a wide-open touchdown. The special teams TD proved to be the difference in the game.
Previous game's grade: A-
Coaching: B-
It's hard to completely blame this loss on the coaching staff, but you can certainly knock them for two things: the lack of production from the offense and the lack of awareness on the fake field goal. Pete Carroll is a master of trickery and should have had his special teams unit ready for any fake punt or field goal. Offensively, Carroll has to decide when he's going to remove the lid off of Wilson. "I really think this is me holding the lid on right now," Carroll said of his offense and in particular Wilson. Carroll's limited offensive game plans have essentially handcuffed the offense. If the Seahawks are going to improve on offense, Carroll's going to need to take the lid off.
Previous game's grade: B+
For more up-to-the-minute news and analysis from Seahawks blogger John Breech follow @JohnBreech and @CBSSeahawks.