Seattle's Identity Crisis on Full Display Against BuffaloThe Seahawks had an opportunity to make a statement in the NFC West this past Sunday. A win against the formidable Buffalo Bills could have underscored Seattle’s readiness to compete at the top. The setup was ideal: coming off a convincing win against the Falcons, at home, in familiar rainy weather, with the 12’s rallying behind them. The Hawks were positioned to deliver. However, what unfolded left fans and analysts alike puzzled, as Seattle struggled to find consistency and momentum against Buffalo.
Looking at the offensive stats through Week 8, a clear pattern emerges. In every Seattle victory, Geno Smith attempted fewer than 40 passes (except for the New England game, where they balanced this with 19 rushing attempts). In each loss, however, Seattle rushed fewer than 21 times. In games they’ve won, they averaged 25.25 rushing attempts. The trend is clear: when Seattle leans into the run game with at least 25 attempts and keeps the passing game under 40, they succeed. Head Coach Mike McDonald and his staff have acknowledged this in recent weeks, yet the offensive identity remains fluid. Until this balance is consistently embraced, Seattle risks becoming a Jekyll and Hyde team, battling itself as much as its on-field opponents.
Turning to Sunday’s game, Seattle opened with back-to-back three-and-outs, while Buffalo controlled the clock with a 14-play, 90-yard drive, holding the ball for over nine minutes and scoring a touchdown. Seattle finally showed some offensive rhythm with a 13-play, 71-yard drive but had to settle for a field goal after a mishap on a red-zone snap. Despite the setback, they were on the board and soon intercepted Josh Allen, setting up shop inside Buffalo’s 7-yard line. Here, Offensive Coordinator Ryan Grubb dialed up three straight rushing plays, leading to a crucial 4th and 1 on the goal line. Opting to go for it rather than taking a field goal, Seattle turned the ball over on downs, missing the chance to make it a one-point game.
That decision gave Buffalo a momentum boost and seemed to deflate Seattle’s offense. The missed opportunity wasn’t discussed in the post-game, almost as though it was a taboo topic. But in many ways, that moment was pivotal. Yes, there were visible frustrations on the sidelines, a lack of energy in the offense, and a defense that struggled to contain Buffalo, giving up 445 yards. Yet, the play-calling in that sequence looms large, raising questions about Seattle’s offensive strategy and identity.
The challenge ahead is clear: Seattle’s coaching staff, especially McDonald, must define a more consistent offensive approach that supports complementary football. It’s not about abandoning bold decisions but about embracing a balanced, identity-driven game plan that leverages their strengths. As the season progresses, fans will be watching closely to see if this team can avoid the chaos seen against Buffalo and harness its potential moving forward.
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