The 20.5 points that the Seahawks were favored by was one of the biggest point spreads in NFL history, and the Hawks covered with ease. The final score was 45-17 and this game was in hand from the get-go. The Hawks dominance showed early as they went into the locker room at halftime with a 34-0 lead. The performance was dominant in all phases of the game, which allowed Tarvaris Jackson, Christine Michael, and the rest of the reserves to get in the game and show what they could do. Not surprisingly, they played outstanding and Jackson showed that he is better than any of the Jaguars quarterbacks. However, even in a dominant win, there are always things both positive and negative to take away.
1. In Russ We Trust
It took two games, but the passing attack is back. Russell Wilson was in sync early and offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell opened up the offense much more in this game. Wilson was spreading it around to all of his receivers, and the passing game was as dynamic as it has ever been, leading to four touchdowns from Wilson (and one more from Tarvaris Jackson later in the game). Furthermore, Wilson averaged 9.6 yards per attempt, which is a very good number. For a team that doesn’t look to throw the ball 50 times a game, efficiency in the passing game is very important, and the yards per attempt stat is an excellent measure of the way Russell Wilson is playing. Besides an interception that was dropped by a receiver, Wilson looked fantastic.
Sidney Rice caught two of Russell Wilson's four touchdown passes on the day.
AP Photo -Stephen Brashear
2. The Defense is Freakishly Good
I wrote about the defense last week,
but it cannot be said enough times: the Seahawks have the best defense in the
NFL and it isn’t close. Their defense could shape up to being one of the best
of all time. And this is just the first week with Chris Clemons and Brandon
Browner. With pass rushing specialist Bruce Irvin coming back in week five,
quarterbacks better be on the lookout. I understand that the Hawks played the
Jaguars this week, so defensive dominance was to be expected, but that doesn’t
make this defense any less unstoppable. Seven different players had a tackle
for loss, and Michael Bennett and Clint McDonald combined for three sacks. The
Hawks defense is elite in every phase and shouldn’t be beat by anyone.
Clinton McDonald recorded 1.5 sacks on the day for the Seahawks defense.
Steven Bisig - USA Today Sports
3. The Seahawks
Have Incredible Depth
The Seahawks are arguably the
deepest team on both the offensive and defensive side of the ball. Tarvaris
Jackson came in to replace Russell Wilson and promptly went 7/8 for 129 yards
and a score. Christine Michael is electric in the backfield and will be the
successor to Marshawn Lynch in a few years. Every member of the defense played
well. There are more than a few teams that Tarvaris Jackson could start for
right now. The depth on both sides of the ball could prove crucial later in the
season as injuries for all teams begin to pile up.
Marshawn Lynch didn't have a huge day on the ground for the Seahawks, but the team didn't need an amazing game from him as they faced the lowly Jaguars.
Seahawks.com
4. Third Down
Efficiency Needs to Improve
The Hawks were a mere 4/10 on third
downs, which against an elite defense would be acceptable, but the Jaguars are
average at best. For the season, the Hawks need to be around 50% and above on
third downs, so 40% against a relatively weak defense is something to think
about. No need for concern or panic, but this is just something to keep an eye
on moving forward as the matchups for the Hawks become tougher with the Texans
and Colts coming up.
5. The Seahawks
are the Best Team in the NFC
And
it isn’t close. Not only have the Seahawks dominated so far this season, but
most other potential contenders have faltered. The Falcons, Packers, and 49ers
all lost Sunday. The Bears and Saints are both undefeated, but it’s hard to say
they could even come close to the Hawks after the dominance showed through
three weeks. The Hawks still need to play with the proverbial chip on their
shoulder, however, as the most wins the Hawks have ever had in a season where
they started 3-0 was 10. If the Hawks can continue to play at the level they are
capable of, anything short of a Super Bowl berth would be a disappointment.
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