Tuesday, November 5, 2013

Takeaways: Seahawks Secure Dramatic Comeback Win Over the Buccaneers

By Jackson Safon

The Seahawks were down 21-0 late in the first half, but they fought back and outscored the Buccaneers 17-3 in the second half to send the game into overtime where they won it on a Steven Hauschka field goal. What a game. Anyone who watched the game could tell you that it was a tale of two halves, but it was so much more than that. The first half was jarring. Hard to fathom what had happened. But then the Seahawks magically transformed into the team we had come to expect and played a great second half. Really an odd game, but it turned out to be a dramatic one, and a strong win for the Hawks.

Sir Clutch saved the day again for the Seahawks as he kicked a game winning field goal in overtime.
Seahawks.com

1. The running game returns
Marshawn Lynch led the charge with 125 yards on 21 carries and Russell Wilson and Robert Turbin chipped in as well to all combine for 198 yards and 5.7 yards per carry. There were bigger holes and more importantly, a better commitment to the run by offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell. Even though Lynch still couldn’t get carries towards the goal line (I promise I will hit on the Russell Wilson interception at the goal line), he still amassed a good amount of yards and led the running game to a rejuvenated effort after some serious struggles last week. It was good to see the success in the running game from an offensive line standpoint and play-calling standpoint.

2. WHERE IS THE RUN DEFENSE?!
I am personally putting out an APB for the Seahawks run defense. The Hawks’ defense got gashed for over 200 yards for the second straight games. This time it was to rookie Mike James (WHO THE HECK IS MIKE JAMES?!) and the Buccaneers. This is unacceptable. Bobby Wagner and K.J. Wright both played horrible games at the linebacker positions, and the rest of the front seven didn’t play much better. Dan Quinn needs to put more of a focus on run defense in practice or this will eventually lead to a loss. I’m sorry but the Seahawks will lose to the 49ers if they can get run on like this. Needs to be the top priority in practice this week.

3. The offensive line played better
Almost 200 yards rushing and no sacks allowed. A much better performance by the Hawks’ offensive line. Granted, the Buccaneers defensive front is not nearly as good as the Rams’ is, but credit still should go to the Hawks line for this one. Russell Wilson still didn’t have as much time as I would like, but it was much better. There were some injuries to the line and some shuffling around, but all in all they played better as a unit which is really good to see.

Russell Wilson was scrambling for his life behind the makeshift offensive line.
John Hollis

4. Jermaine Kearse successfully filled the role of Rice
Kearse finished with only two catches for 43 yards, but he did get in the end zone. Yet for a player like Jermaine Kearse it may not be the stats that matter. With good route running and decent blocking, he did a good job of showing that he can successfully fill the role of the injured Sidney Rice. He played some good football and this is a very good sign for the Seahawks going forward.

5. The ugly Russell Wilson interception at the goal line
Early in the fourth quarter, after a very good drive by the Seahawks, Russell Wilson threw an interception on first and goal from the three yard line. Doug Baldwin ran a great route and had his defender beat by at least two steps. He was essentially wide open. Yet Wilson decided to jump pass instead of planting his foot and the throw was well behind Baldwin. But before it could even get there, Buccaneers defensive back Keith Tandy intercepted the ball. Immediately, the cry on Twitter was about the play-calling and why the ‘Hawks didn’t run it with Lynch instead. I agree with this. They should’ve run it. But the cry of anger should’ve been directed towards Wilson who made a horrific throw. It could’ve been an easy touchdown but was instead an easy interception. Yes the play call was bad, but the throw was worse.

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