Looks like we DIDN’T need to take the Vikings seriously!
What an odd game. It went sort of the way I thought it might, then again totally against expectations! True: the Seahawks did struggle to move the ball in general; but actually we ran the ball better than I ever could’ve imagined, 42 times for 214 yards and a 5.1 yard average. The passing game for both teams was non-existent, which amounted to the Seahawks clinging to a 3-0 lead through three quarters before putting them away – following a late scoring spree – by a final of 21-7.
What I’m Geeked Out About After Thirteen Games
This was the most impressive defensive effort of the season by these Seahawks. Sure, they were pretty overwhelming against the Raiders in London, and they were all over the place against the Cowboys early in the season, but this was complete and total domination, against a highly-rated offense. I mean, it doesn’t sound like a lot, but the Seahawks held Diggs & Thielen to a combined 9 catches for 146 yards. When you figure how much of the Vikings’ offense revolves around those two guys, that’s pretty amazing. Thielen in particular was held in check, as I don’t think he even had a target his way until the second half!
The Seahawks only ended up with a couple sacks, but were in Cousins’ face all night. He rarely had a clean pocket, and was frequently running for his life. Of course, with the coverage being so tight down field, this harmonious convergence was something we’ve been waiting for all year with this team. Nice to see everyone stepping up when it matters most!
Other Things That Caught My Eye (In A Good Way)
Hey, where do you think YOU’RE going?! I’m not done talking about the defense!
How about that night by Frank Clark? He was a BEAST! 4 Tackles (1 for loss), a sack, and a couple hits on the QB. How about Jacob Martin with his second career sack! How about his sack turning into a fumble that Justin Coleman picked up and took back to the house?!
Also, how about those cornerbacks? Griffin and Flowers combined for 15 tackles and 3 passes defended; they tightened up their games in a big way!
HOW ABOUT BOBBY WAGNER JUMPING OVER THE LINE AND BLOCKING A FIELD GOAL?!?!?!
Was it legal? FUCK YOU AND YOUR PRECIOUS RULES! The guy just did something fucking amazing, so how about we appreciate a physical act that the vast majority of humanity would be too afraid to even TRY, let alone have the ability to achieve it!
Also, how about a quick shout-out to Akeem King for a nasty blitz and an even nastier hit on the quarterback to force an incompletion?!
All in all, the defense was the star of the show, so what’s the point in talking about anything else?
Let’s Talk About Chris Carson
He’s been dealing with nagging injuries all year – he dislocated a fucking FINGER in last week’s game – and yet there he was, dragging around those Vikings defenders for extra yards and extra first downs. 90 yards on 22 carries and a TD doesn’t sound like a whole lot, but that was a MAN’S performance last night! I still contend that Vikings run defense is stout, and Carson – with a little help from the O-Line, of course – made them look ordinary. In the days leading up to the game, they all talked a good game – particularly Sheldon Richardson and Tom Johnson, ex-Seahawks – but in the end those guys were non-factors.
Yes, there’s committment to the run and all that, but this thing is extra special when Carson is back there running over fools. On the year, he’s carried it 179 times for 794 yards (4.4 per touch) and 5 TDs. Again, that doesn’t sound like a whole lot, but considering what he’s had to deal with injurywise, combined with the fact that this offense really likes to spread the love around, I think it’s remarkable.
Other Things That Caught My Eye (In A Bad Way)
David Moore had a pretty bad game. His best play was probably preventing an interception on an under-thrown deep ball by Wilson. There was a picture-perfect touchdown opportunity, but he failed to drag his foot down in bounds. That was the same drive that ended the half on an interception, so it ended up being a 7-point mistake in what was a 3-0 game for three quarters.
Speaking of which, Russell Wilson had probably his worst game in a winning effort. 37.9 passer rating. 10/20 for only 72 yards and an INT. His day was somewhat salvaged by the 61 yards on the ground (40 of which came on a single play), but otherwise he was a non-factor. I think he could’ve turned it around if we needed him to, but the run game was working so well, it was okay to write this one off.
It was a bummer that Doug Baldwin couldn’t go, as he was sorely missed in the passing game. But, at this point, the Seahawks are 8-5 and just need to beat either the 49ers or Cardinals to guarantee a playoff spot. Better to get guys like Baldwin and Fluker and whoever else completely healthy for the playoffs. We’re gonna need those dudes when it’s Loser Goes Home!