The Seattle Seahawks (11-5) suffered a soul-crushing 26-21 defeat to the San Francisco 49ers (13-3), losing the battle for the NFC West in the process. Seattle will play the NFC East champion Philadelphia Eagles (9-7) in the wild card round of the postseason next week. Here are five takeaways from this game.

Seattle scoreless in the first half

The Seahawks found themselves scoreless in the first half for the first time in two years. The offense did not cross midfield into San Francisco territory until there was 3:10 left in the second quarter. And when they did, they squandered a fourth and inches opportunity with a Marshawn Lynch run getting stopped short of the marker. The Seahawks entered halftime down 13-0 and somehow came back to make it competitive as fans have come to expect over the years. However, it was too little, too late.

Marshawn Lynch largely a dud in his return

“Beast Mode” scored a touchdown, but he was ineffective for most of the game, rushing for 34 yards on 12 carries and routinely getting stuffed. There is not much to expect from a 33-year-old running back who had retired twice prior to this game, but Seattle was desperate for running backs. Unfortunately, it did not work in their favor for the most part. However, Lynch did have a chance to be the hero at the end, but he was robbed once again because…

Pete Carroll’s game management costly

Even though the missed pass interference on Jacob Hollister by Fred Warner should have been called, the Seahawks should not have been in that situation to begin with. After Seattle converted a fourth and 10 to the goal line, Lynch trotted onto the field to a raucous reception from the 12s, only for Carroll to take a delay of game penalty that backed them up to the six-yard line. After a few incompletions, Russell Wilson completed a pass to Hollister, who was touched down by contact by rookie linebacker Dre Greenlaw an inch or two short of the goal line, saving the game for the 49ers and giving them the NFC West title. Carroll’s game management issues are still holding this team back and may have cost them the division title.

Missed tackles and chunk plays aplenty on defense

The 49ers did a solid job scheming their receivers open, but the Seahawks defenders missed tackles all night long in addition to being repeatedly gashed for chunk gains. This contributed greatly to San Francisco’s offensive production, which was a key factor in the final outcome. Jimmy Garoppolo completed 18 of his 22 passes for 285 yards and a 118.8 passer rating. The defense tightened up on the 49ers’ final offensive drive and got a key stop, but it was not to be. This defense must improve their tackling and coverage if they have any hope of beating the Eagles again. However…

This loss could be a blessing in disguise for Seattle

The Seahawks have been a better team on the road this year than at home, and that could end up benefitting them in the playoffs. They have been 7-1 on the road and 4-4 at CenturyLink Field. In addition, they have defeated the Eagles this season and have a strong track record in Philadelphia, having won their last five games at Lincoln Financial Field. Either way, all the Seahawks can do now is try to beat the opponents in front of them.

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