Complementary football isn’t often celebrated by the online masses. In a world of stats, analytics, endless graphs that are difficult to read, fantasy football and other things, it’s often forgotten that doing the fundamentals right across the board will provide joy more often than not.
The Seahawks played well on defense, offense and special teams. It’s a great thing to say. It was thoroughly enjoyable to see just how solid everything was. It wasn’t flashy or exciting. It was connected. That’ll win you plenty of games.
This is a fifth consecutive game where the defense played at a high level. You’re not going to have a game as important as this where you dominate from start to finish. The Cardinals had their moments but ultimately, the Seahawks had far more. To contain an offense with Arizona’s weapons the way they did in two divisional games is extremely impressive.
The defensive backs played with physicality and tight coverage, the linebackers were excellent again and the D-line contributed. This is no longer a pleasant shift in direction. It looks like Mike Macdonald’s defense has landed.
The offensive gameplan was spot on and Ryan Grubb and his staff deserve credit after some tough weeks recently. They ran the ball better than they have in a long time, with Zach Charbonnet looking reborn as the lead back. They were more creative in the red zone. They converted short yardage situations. Geno Smith managed the game very well — checking down often and taking what was available, with some key passing conversions too.
On special teams there were no issues after a week of chaos in New York.
This looked like a football team worthy of playing in the post-season. They’re still a way off the finished article but that’s OK. Improvements will come in the off-season. But it’s great to feel like they’re on the right path at the moment. We haven’t always been able to say that in recent years.
Next week’s game against the Green Bay Packers in Prime Time will be a great test of the progress they’re making.
