This past Sunday, the Seattle Seahawks engaged in a defensive battle of attrition on the road with the Carolina Panthers, with the Seahawks coming out on top by a score of 13 – 9. Star quarterback Russell Wilson came through for the ‘Hawks, providing a late strike to tight end Luke Wilson to bring the team back to win the game.
The Seahawks may have broken their two game losing streak and improved to 4-3, but the controversy surrounding the Super Bowl champions is growing by the week. This is the team that made Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos look like a high school football team in the Super Bowl. What is wrong in Seattle?
We can start with injuries: Seattle is a run-first team that’s missing tight end Zach Miller and fullback Derrick Coleman. Since Miller’s injury, Marshawn Lynch has had no more than 72 yards in any game, and has not scored a rushing touchdown in those games.
Percy Harvin was shipped out a week ago amid rumors of him being a locker room cancer, giving fans an idea of what may be going on behind closed doors. This weekend, rumours leaked that the ‘Hawks would not keep Marshawn Lynch around after this season. The Skittles-munching, enigmatic monster of the Pacific Northwest’s behavior, such as not attending the customary Super Bowl champions visit to the White House, is apparently irking the powers that be. Those issues aside, despite still being productive, Lynch is a running back nearing 30, with $8.5 million on the table for next season. The ‘Hawks have Robert Turbin and Christine Michael waiting in the wings for their opportunity to carry this team.
Some are also guessing that there is a lack of veteran leadership to keep a young squad in check.
Last Week: Seattle Seahawks @ Carolina Panthers
In Week 8, the ‘Hawks and Panthers squared off in a defensive, low scoring battle. Russell Wilson threw for 199 yards, a touchdown, and threw an interception. Doug Baldwin continued to establish himself as the number one wide receiver on the ‘Hawks, catching 6 balls for 61 yards. Marshawn Lynch rushed for 62 yards on 14 attempts. It wasn’t a fancy day at the office for the Seahawks’ offence.
Carolina rookie wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin set himself apart from the pack, catching four passes for 94 yards. Jonathan Stewart, running back for the Panthers, rumbled for 79 yards on 16 attempts. Russell Wilson showed his leadership and how clutch he can be when he orchestrated a monster winning drive, bringing the ‘Hawks back to win the game with 47 seconds left, hitting Luke Wilson in pay dirt.
This Week: Seattle Seahawks vs. Oakland Raiders
Game Day: Sunday, November 2
Kick Off: 1:25 p.m. PST
TV: CBS
In what should be a win for Seattle, the Seahawks take on the Oakland Raiders, who have yet to win this season.
- Rushing offence: Seahawks – 2nd / Raiders – last
- Passing offence: Seahawks – 29th / Raiders – 21st
- Rushing defence: Seahawks – 6th / Raiders – 26th
- Passing defence: Seahawks – 10th / Raiders – 13th
Unless the Raiders can get the running game going, it’s going to be a tough ride in Seattle. Despite the injuries to Zach Miller and Derrick Coleman, Marshawn Lynch and Russell Wilson should both have a solid day against the porous run defense of the Raiders.
Look for Christine Michael and Robert Turbin to get more touches, as rumors of Lynch’s impending departure continue to swirl. The Legion of Boom will have some fun at the expense of rookie QB Derek Carr.
Featured Image: Seahawks.com / Rod Mar
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