Here are three takeaways from the Seahawks' 30-23 loss to the Steelers

SEATTLE — The Seahawks missed out on a golden opportunity to bolster its postseason hopes.

Facing a backup quarterback, the Seahawks lost 30-23 at Lumen Field to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday afternoon.

Here are three takeaways from the Seahawks loss.

Can't stop the run

With starting quarterback Kenny Pickett missing Week 17 with an ankle injury, the Steelers resorted to a run-heavy game plan to compensate for Mason Rudolph's weaknesses.

Pittsburgh ran 46 times for 202 rushing yards, compared to 24 pass attempts.

The Steelers gameplan was a recipe for disaster for a Seahawks defense that is 28th in rushing defense (129.6 rushing yards). 

Despite the Seahawks being more efficient offensively, the Steelers masked its personnel deficiencies by simply running the ball down Seattle's throats.

Missed opportunity

A home game against Mason Rudolph, a career backup, had all the makings of a winnable game for the Seahawks.

Seattle still controls its playoff destiny heading into its regular season finale against the Arizona Cardinals, but its margin for error is considerably lower after its Week 17 loss.

Seahawks playoff picture

The Seahawks' latest victory pushed the team into the top seven in the NFC and a playoff spot if the postseason started today. 

Here's how the NFC standings look in Week 17, pending the results of Sunday night's game between the Green Bay Packers and Minnesota Vikings:

1. San Francisco 49ers (12-4)
2. Dallas Cowboys (11-5)
3. Detroit Lions (11-5)
4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-8)
5. Philadelphia Eagles (11-5)
6. Los Angeles Rams (9-7)
7. Seattle Seahawks (8-8)
8. New Orleans Saints (8-8)
9. Minnesota Vikings (7-8)
10. Green Bay Packers (7-8)
11. Chicago Bears (7-9)
12. Atlanta Falcons (7-9)