It’s been a while since I’ve felt genuinely stressed during a Seahawks game. Hello old friend, the feeling has returned.
The Seahawks vs Jets was weird. Weird and funny and annoying and enjoyable at the end.
There was a definite early-Carroll era vibe to this one. Seattle playing a sloppy first half to dig themselves a big old hole. The comeback happens but even then, you needed a couple of headache tablets to accompany some frustrating moments. Then — all’s well that ends well.
Special teams was a disaster zone. A Dee Williams return fumble, a Laviska Shenault return fumble (regained by Seattle), another Shenault fumble (this time snagged by the Jets), a kick-off return touchdown for New York and then a blocked Justin Myers extra-point. Not to mention numerous positive returns.
I was commentating today for the day job and listened to the first quarter-and-a-bit in the car. When I got to my door, AJ Barner was scoring his touchdown. By the time I’d dumped my gear, boiled the kettle and was about to make a much needed brew, the Jets had scored their kick-return TD and recovered a fumble.
They were knocking on the door for a 28-7 lead, one that possibly would’ve been insurmountable given the way the offense was playing. Then Leonard Williams did something insane. A 92-yard pick-six by a 310lbs defensive lineman. It’s one of the best plays I’ve seen by a Seattle defender and I’m sure many of you will agree. It changed the game.
In the last two weeks, Williams has recorded 4.5 sacks, six TFL’s, two pass deflections, six QB hits, one interception returned for a TD and he blocked a PAT. I can’t remember a more dominant two-game stretch by a Seahawks defender. It’s beautiful.
His big play seemed to galvanise the defense. They shut-out the Jets in the second half, allowing Seattle’s offense multiple opportunities to avoid bumbling their way to points. With a generous Jets performance, gifting back-breaking penalties at vital moments, they did just enough to secure a third straight win.
The run game and offense in general, however, remains a concern. They can’t run. They can’t get a yard when they need one, with multiple attempts to get it. The red zone offense is horrendous. Geno Smith is having a bit of a stretch here with quite average play overall. The O-line continues to be the O-line.
Nothing about today will quell the growing concern about Ryan Grubb’s fit as offensive coordinator. He needs to get things worked out pronto, as does Jay Harbaugh on special teams.
The defense led by Mike Macdonald is fun and exciting to watch. They are physical and tough and winning at the line of scrimmage, led by the unstoppable Williams.
Can they get a bit of help?
Nevertheless, it was good to reminisce about the crazy close games of yesteryear — and enjoy another win for the Seahawks.
