The Seattle Seahawks’ recent hot streak was snuffed out in a hurry on Sunday Night Football at the hands of the Green Bay Packers. The Seahawks were bullied early by the Packers, trailing 20-3 at half, and ultimately falling 30-13 when it was all said and done.
Seattle simply could not get anything going, despite having the advantage of getting the ball to start the second half. Their opening drive of the third quarter resulted in a punt, and unfortunately, it went downhill from there. After forcing the Packers to punt, the Seahawks’ next drive ended in points… and tragedy.
With 7:09 left in the third quarter, Geno Smith took a low hit. He tried walking off the field but collapsed. Eventually, he limped to the medical tent and was listed as questionable with a knee injury. He did not return. In his place was backup Sam Howell, who had the unenviable task of trying to engineer a comeback against one of the better teams in the NFC.
Howell was most assuredly not up to the task, completing only 5-of-14 passes for 24 yards, no touchdowns and one awful interception. Howell was also sacked four times.
Seattle almost had something cooking in the fourth quarter. Linebacker Ernest Jones IV forced a fumble and Julian Love recovered. Five plays later, Zach Charbonnet rumbled into the end zone to cut the lead to 23-13 with still 11:23 left in the game. The Seahawks defense even forced a punt from the Packers on their next drive.
Unfortunately, Seattle could not capitalize. They shortly punted three plays later. Then on their next possession, Howell threw his pick.
Meanwhile, Green Bay put the game on ice as Jordan Love found Romeo Doubs for the duo’s second touchdown of the game with a little over five minutes left to play. After yet another Seahawks punt, the Packers kneeled it out after the two minute warning to claim their 10th victory – and first in Seattle since the 2008 season.
As for the Seahawks, they now fall to second place in the NFC West with their 8-6 record. The Los Angeles Rams, with an identical 8-6 record, move into first thanks to their head-to-head victory over the Seahawks in Week 9 earlier this year. Seattle, at the moment, is officially on the outside looking in for the playoff picture. At this point, their only path to the postseason is beating the LA Rams to win the NFC West.
Sadly, they will have to wait a week on the outside for their chance to get back in. Next on the docket will be the *checks the schedule* Minnesota Vikings…
…oh boy.
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