Seahawks Lose Command of Division in Embarrassing Primetime Loss
In a deflating turn of events, the Seahawks crumbled under the bright lights of prime time, falling to the Packers in a game that highlighted all their worst tendencies. What had fueled their recent four-game winning streak—run defense, quarterback pressures, and forced turnovers—faded into distant memory. The offensive line, briefly a bright spot in recent weeks, regressed to its earlier struggles, leaving Seattle’s playoff hopes in question.
At what was once a fortress for the 12s, chants of "Go Pack Go!" echoed through the stadium, making it feel like Lambeau Field West. On a night billed as a statement game, the Seahawks looked nothing like playoff contenders.
Offensive Line Woes Strike Again
Despite my firm belief in Geno Smith as an exceptional quarterback, Sunday night’s game was another reminder of the insurmountable obstacles he faces. Smith's ability to produce under duress has been a hallmark of his success, but even he could not overcome the offensive line’s dismal performance.
Smith was sacked three times in the first four series, including a brutal sequence where he was hit as he threw an interception in the end zone to avoid yet another sack. The results of those drives: punt, field goal, interception, and punt. With relentless pressure, Smith never had a chance to establish rhythm.
After leaving the game with an injury midway through the third quarter, Smith had already done what he could. He set up a field goal, contributing six of the team’s thirteen points. His replacement, Sam Howell, inherited a solid field position but managed little. On his first drive, Howell completed a pass for negative yards, and the possession ended in a field goal—still thanks to Geno’s setup.
Sam Howell’s Struggles
Howell’s outing further underscored Smith’s value. Howell was sacked four times, including twice in his second series. His results: field goal (from inherited field position), punt, touchdown run by Zack Charbonnet, punt, interception, and punt. Aside from Charbonnet’s touchdown run, Howell produced no meaningful offense.
The contrast was stark: where Smith managed to scrape points despite pressure, Howell failed to move the needle. Seattle's second-half offense was uninspired and ineffective, leaving the defense overburdened.
Packers Dominate on Both Sides
Green Bay quarterback Jordan Love was surgical, completing 20 of 27 passes for 229 yards and two touchdowns with no interceptions. Meanwhile, running back Josh Jacobs bruised Seattle’s defense with ninety-four yards on twenty-six rushes and a touchdown. The Packers controlled the clock for nearly 33 minutes, amassing 369 total yards compared to Seattle’s dismal 208.
Penalties also told the story: Seattle racked up 108 penalty yards to Green Bay’s 27, further compounding the Seahawks’ inefficiencies. The defense, so dependable during the win streak, crumbled early, allowing the Packers to establish the run and open up their offense.
Linebacker Ernest Jones attributed the struggles to Green Bay’s use of motion and misdirection, which left Seattle’s defenders out of position and indecisive. Fixing these lapses will be crucial if the team hopes to rebound.
Questions Moving Forward
Despite the disappointment, one unforeseen benefit emerged: the Seahawks have no question about their starting quarterback. Howell’s performance made it clear that Geno Smith is the team's best—and only—option. Smith, the NFL’s comeback king, keeps Seattle competitive even behind a porous line. But his return to health is now a pressing concern.
Beyond Smith, the offensive line’s outlook remains murky. Center Olu Oluwitimi’s potential return could provide a boost, but whether he will be healthy and effective is uncertain. Without improvement upfront, Seattle’s playoff hopes will remain tenuous.
Final Thoughts
The Seahawks have work to do, but this loss does not have to define their season. Correcting defensive miscues and finding ways to mitigate offensive line issues could restore the momentum of their winning streak. However, with the 49ers surging and the Seahawks slipping, time is running out to regain their footing.
If Geno Smith returns healthy and the team addresses its vulnerabilities, Seattle still has a chance at the playoffs. For now, though, this prime-time loss serves as a sobering reminder: the Seahawks are not quite ready to reclaim the division—or the league’s respect.
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