Seattle Seahawks: Takeaways – Green Bay

Chris Phillips   |  

Nov 15, 2021

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The Seattle Seahawks left Green Bay with a loss. It was a game that left many fans having differing opinions on Russell Wilson’s performance. There are more “highlights” from this game to go over below.

Well, that Seattle Seahawks game sucked. It’s the first time in 10 years that the Seahawks were last shut out. It was against Pittsburgh in 2011, the year before Russell Wilson was drafted and became the franchise quarterback. This week’s game was just ugly.

The Problem Child?

D.K. Metcalf has been doing questionable antics all season long. For example, look back to the game against New Orleans. Those antics finally caught up to him. Late in the game, with the outcome decided, Metcalf got into a scuffle with some Green Bay defenders, earning himself an early dismissal from the game.

Defense

Seattle’s defense played well. But like what’s happened most of the year, they let the opponent move the ball up and down the field but mostly kept them out of the end zone. They did just that for three-fourths of the game. The Seattle Seahawks trailed Green Bay three to nothing for three quarters. Then the D eventually tired out as AJ Dillon ran in two touchdowns in the fourth quarter.

Russell Wilson

Wilson’s return was atrocious, completing 20 of 40(!) pass attempts for a measly 161-yards. Too often, Wilson missed fairly easy throws and compounded it by attempting “hero” passes. Eventually, a couple of those plays resulted in interceptions. Much of the offensive blame has gone to head coach Pete Carroll. However, here’s a thought. Should some or most of the responsibility be put on Wilson?

His entire NFL career, he’s been in an offense that’s mostly been focused on establishing the run, then throwing when needed, or throwing it deep to keep the safeties back. This style of play also dates back to his days in college at Wisconsin University. So, we’re talking about over a decade of him playing in this type of offense. It’s difficult to break habits.

This offense worked well when Marshawn Lynch was in the backfield. It earned the Seahawks a Super Bowl victory and a second Super Bowl appearance. Since Beast Mode’s been gone, it’s not been the same.

Offense – Mixed Reviews

The Seattle Seahawks offense as a whole wasn’t great. However, there are some things to talk about. Green Bay’s run defense, as highlighted in the opponent preview, is not good. This was the week to call a classic Pete Carroll type of offense. Only dialing up 11 running plays was just poor coaching. As previously noted, Green Bay’s pass defense is very difficult to compete against. So, having Wilson attempt 40 passes in his FIRST game back from his finger injury wasn’t smart.

Also, it was clear that Wilson’s finger injury affected his ability to pass. The result was a lack of velocity on his throws and poor accuracy, especially on the shorter throws. On the subject of shorter throws, Sunday’s game featured more short throws. Specifically, slants and crosses. If these types of throws can be incorporated and executed into a more well-rounded game plan more often, it will do wonders for the Seattle Seahawks offense.

Now that this game is over, the Seattle Seahawks turn their focus onto next week’s opponent. It’s on to Arizona. Where their number one quarterback may not be able to play. That storyline sounds familiar.