There are several reasons to feel really good about this win.
It’s never easy travelling from Seattle to Florida and then playing your best ball. This is always a case of getting the job done. They did that — continuing an excellent run on the road.
It’s a win against a team with a lot of momentum and, prior to today, a 4-1 record. The Chiefs and Patrick Mahomes lost in Jacksonville on Monday. Coming here and winning, simply because the Jaguars didn’t look great on the day, shouldn’t be underestimated.
The defense was embarrassed last week and ruined what should’ve been a winning display from the offense. There were moments where the coverage struggles continued again — yet overall this was a massive improvement. The defensive line led the way with seven sacks — one more than Jacksonville had given up in their previous five games combined. The entire defensive front played very well.
Sam Darnold continues to play at a high level. His chemistry with Jaxon Smith-Njigba is the most exciting aspect of the team currently. As JSN moves himself securely into a top-five player at his position in the NFL, Darnold is elevating himself into a strong position too. There are a lot of bad quarterbacks out there and very few very good ones. The Seahawks, so far, have played a blinder signing Darnold.
It’s also worth noting the supporting cast are delivering at a good enough level to allay any fears about whether they were a weapon or two short.
I’ve seen some complaints about the play-calling which I don’t agree with. You’re always going to run the ball in the fourth quarter when you’re leading 20-6 or 20-12. Seattle’s problem wasn’t being too conservative — it’s that they’re still working out how to run the ball consistently and competently. That’s something that still needs a lot of work.
I also think the trade market is going to have to come up with some answers in the secondary. Their depth isn’t good enough to cope with a couple of injuries. They need more.
They also need to start winning their home games. I know it’s stating the obvious but when you’re this good on the road, you can have a truly incredible season if you handle your business at home. They’ve got to get that right, starting with the Texans up next.
This is a wide open NFL season and the Seahawks are one of the teams in the mix, which is a good feeling.