Seattle Seahawks: Takeaways from 38-30 win over Arizona
The Seattle Seahawks ended the season on a high note. They also end the year on a winning streak and get some revenge for an earlier season loss. Seattle heads into the offseason on a high note.
The Seattle Seahawks ended the season on a high note. They also ended the year on a winning streak and got some revenge for an earlier season loss. The team looked great in the game. Much like the team, everyone expected when the year started. This, consequently, makes you wonder how this team would have done if they had a consistent running game all season. At least Seattle heads into the offseason on a high note.
Pass Rush
Where has this Seattle Seahawk pass rush been all year? Yesterday the Seahawk pass rush got home to Kyler Murray five times! Carlos Dunlap leads the way with two. Right behind him, big Poona Ford racked up 1.5 sacks. Up next is Kerry Hyder Jr with one and young up-and-comer Darrell Taylor with half a sack.
Dunlap ends the year leading the Seattle Seahawks in sacks with 8.5. Tied for second, with 6.5 sacks, are the aforementioned Taylor and Rasheem Green. As a whole, the Seahawks racked up 34 sacks, ranking 24th in the league. Pressuring the passer is definitely an area where the team needs to add some more help. Regardless though, this unit played much better the last two weeks, totaling six sacks and 12 QB hits.
Tackling Machines
Jordyn Brooks put on a tackling show, racking up 20 total tackles (14 solo). For the year, he made 184 tackles good, enough for second-most in the NFL. Bobby Wagner, even missing this game, finished third with 170 tackles. These two form a dynamic pair. Hopefully, they’re playing together again next year.
More on Brooks, he had a very impressive second year. I, for one, can’t wait to see what he does in his third season. His future is looking very bright in Emerald City.
"He's just a baller" 😤
@JordynBrooks_ had a record-breaking game against the Cardinals.#GoHawks x @lumentechco pic.twitter.com/jAllMIaGiy
— Seattle Seahawks (@Seahawks) January 10, 2022
Prototypical Pete Carroll Game
It’s amazing how much a consistent running game positively impacts the Seattle Seahawks. It makes two games in a row where Pete Carroll rode his running back all game. Rashaad Penny totaled 48 carries over the last two games for 360-yards and three touchdowns. He’s set to be a free agent once the season is over, but it’s still possible that the Seattle Seahawks will re-sign him. Chris Carson is no model of health, and a neck injury in football is scary. Unfortunately, I can’t give a good prediction on what I think happens to Penny.
Maybe it’s just me, but knowing the pieces the offense has, I’m a bit surprised they weren’t able to do a little better. Regardless, these last two games showed that a lot of Russell Wilson’s success is because he has a strong run game and that he cannot carry an entire offense on his shoulders. Maybe the whole #LetRussCook is a bit of an overreaction. That may be a topic for another day.
This win marks back-to-back games that Carroll got the type of offensive production he wants. A dominant run game, paired with an efficient and big-play offense. Wilson looked good this week. While he still took his home run shots, he also incorporated some shorter throws. They weren’t all highlight-reel throws, but they kept the offense moving. Holding on to the ball longer also allowed the Seattle Seahawks defense more time to rest, keeping them fresh for the end of the game.
Do you like Rashaad Penny?
Do you like The "2001: A Space Odyssey" theme song?
If yes to both, then I have a treat for you. pic.twitter.com/NtckiJuQz9
— Russell Clay (@RussellJClay) January 10, 2022
2021 wasn’t the season anyone expected from the Seattle Seahawks. However, it did come with a happy regular season-ending. Let the offseason questions swirl, and the draft preparation begin.