Seahawks Offense Finally Achieves Balance
The Seahawks' quest for balance was no secret heading into their matchup against the Falcons. Everyone knew it—the run game was key to getting this team back on track. And while no one expected Seattle to go run-heavy, it had to be a significant part of the game plan. The result? Seattle ran early and often.
However, Offensive Coordinator Ryan Grubb wasn’t about to abandon his Air Raid roots. The Seahawks’ first two plays from scrimmage were a statement. First, a deep shot to JSN fell incomplete, but then Geno went no-huddle, and Grubb dialed up another deep pass to Metcalf. That attempt drew a 17-yard defensive pass interference penalty against Atlanta. The tone was set. Seattle could pass on anyone, anywhere.
With the passing game now a threat, Grubb switched gears, playing chess with a mixture of runs and passes. The Seahawks’ first drive was an example of precision. A 14-play series started on their own 24-yard line, balanced in attack, and while a touchdown was called back due to a holding penalty on tight end A.J. Barner, the drive still ended in a field goal. More importantly, it drained nearly five minutes off the clock.
Atlanta’s first possession, meanwhile, was short-lived, lasting just 2:29 before they punted. Seattle responded with another long drive, lasting 4:59, though it also ended in a punt. Still, the clock management was significant, with the Seahawks holding a 3-0 lead after the first quarter—could this finally be the fast start that Coach McDonald and Grubb had been emphasizing?
Atlanta’s next drive saw them move the ball well, but kicker Koo missed a 54-yard field goal. With the ball at midfield, Geno capitalized, leading the Seahawks on a quick six-play, 55-yard drive capped by a 20-yard touchdown run from K9. Seattle jumped to a 10-0 lead with just over nine minutes remaining in the second quarter.
The Falcons weren’t going down without a fight, though. They marched 70 yards on their next drive, finishing with a touchdown to close the gap to 10-7. After trading punts, the Seahawks hit the gas once more. With just over a minute remaining in the half, Geno found Metcalf for a 31-yard touchdown strike, sending Seattle into halftime with a 17-7 lead.
The third quarter turned into a back-and-forth battle. Atlanta opened with a 16-play, 79-yard drive that ended in a touchdown, but Seattle responded with a 13-play, 43-yard drive of its own, stretching the lead to 24-14. Both teams traded punts, but as the fourth quarter began, the momentum shifted decisively in Seattle’s favor.
On Atlanta’s first drive of the quarter, Mafe sacked Cousins, forcing a fumble that was scooped up by D. Hall and returned 37 yards for a defensive touchdown. Just like that, Seattle had a 31-14 lead. The Seahawks added a field goal after a Cousins interception, and with their backs against the wall, the Falcons crumbled. Cousins threw a second interception, and Seattle closed the game out in dominant fashion.
Geno finished with 207 yards and two touchdowns on 18 of 28 passing. The running game came alive with 22 touches for the backs, showing just how dangerous this team can be when balanced. Though Atlanta won the time of possession battle (31:08 to 28:52), Seattle’s ability to control the clock and keep its defense fresh was key to the victory. When the Seahawks play like this, they’re a formidable opponent.
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