The Seahawks suffered a close loss at home to the Atlanta Falcons who came to Seattle winless before their 27-23 victory. Run defense was a key issue for the Seahawks.
“They wanted to get younger, hungrier, and faster,” said Michael-Shawn Dugar of The Athletic. “That’s why you saw some of the guys who were on the other side of 30 get released or cut this offseason. But younger, hungrier, and faster does not mean better.”
Bobby Wagner is one player, in particular, whose absence is felt. As a veteran linebacker, he was seen as the heart of the defense.
“I think it’s more than just his actual physical play,” Terry Hollimon said. “I think his presence being a veteran in the middle of that defense knowing where everybody needs to be. Someone that everybody could lean on.”
The offense was a bright spot for most of the game against the Falcons, and Geno Smith ended the day with 325 yards and two touchdowns.
“Geno Smith played a really good game,” Dugar said. “He was on fire yesterday. They were chanting his name at home for the second game in a row.”
Despite quality play on offense, the team wasn’t able to close the game, and Smith threw a late interception
“Russell Wilson had specialness at end of game where you counted on him,” Hollimon said. “You had faith as a Seahawks fan that Russell Wilson was going to be able to come through in the clutch. Right now, I don’t think they have that with Geno.”
The fourth quarter had an odd pause of play when the field was cleared because of a drone overhead. The night before, play was paused at the University of Washington football game also because of a drone. Investigators from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are looking for the drone operator who interrupted Sunday’s game.
“I just wonder if it’s a real coincidence,” Hollimon said.
The Seahawks travel to Detroit Sunday to take on the Lions who have the same 1-2 record.
“The Lions are a really good team actually,” Dugar said. “Their record doesn’t say it, but they can really run the ball.”
The Lions run game will test Seattle’s run defense, and we’ll see if Geno Smith can keep up his strong play.
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