The Seahawks vs Panthers Recap: Control

With the Rams blowout loss to the Cowboys and the 49ers last-second loss, the Seahawks have clinched a playoff spot and are currently the number one seed in the NFC. If the Seahawks win their next two games (home against the Cardinals and 49ers) the Seahawks will receive a first-round bye as either the first or second seed. Yet, a loss could result in them being the fifth seed and having to play at an NFC East opponent (most likely the Cowboys) in the first round.

The slugfest against the 49ers in week 17 now has monumental significance. Russell Wilson has preached about his time, describing their unrelenting desire to always win. In the next two games, Wilson and the Hawks have an opportunity to control their playoff seeding and display their strengths to the rest of the NFL.

(As I was writing this article, a notification popped up onto my phone: Josh Gordon suspended indefinitely for substance abuse. If this is for the use of marijuana again, you have to feel bad for Gordon. This suspension can end his career and hurt the Seahawks significantly).

Yet, despite a relatively dominant win against the Panthers, the road to the end of the season will not be easy.

Four Major Takeaways

1. After a four-game “slump,” Russell Wilson finally had a game to remind NFL fans why he is still in the MVP conversation.

After only scoring three offensive points against the Rams, the Hawks’ offense came out on fire scoring three touchdowns in their first three possessions. Russell finished the first half with a perfect passer rating and finished the game with 286 yards, two touchdowns, and a 77% completion percentage. He averaged over fourteen yards per completion and did not miss on many throws.

2. Russell Wilson was also helped by a healthy Tyler Lockett and DK Metcalf

After also having a four-week slump due to injury and illness, Lockett finally had the bounce-back game he needed. It is not a coincidence that Russell Wilson had his worst statistical games of the season when Lockett was not healthy. Lockett is an integral part of the Seahawks offense and Russell Wilson’s gameplan.

Lockett finished with eight catches for 120 yards and a touchdown, returning to his WR-1 status. He also caught a couple of important third-down conversions to seal out the game.

DK Metcalf also had a relatively nice day, marked by his 19-yard touchdown reception over Dante Jackson. Metcalf finished with only two catches for 36 yards.

Josh Gordon also made a beautiful 58-yard fingertip reception.

3. Linebackers Bobby Wagner and KJ Wright displayed why they should be considered one of the best linebacker duos in the league.

After the game, KJ Wright said he had a dream the night before where he got two interceptions against the Panthers… and he lived up to that dream. KJ Wright finished with two integral interceptions, one being off a deflected pass by Bobby Wagner. Prior to Sunday’s game, Wright only had three interceptions in his CAREER.

Bobby Wagner also displayed how he still has some of the best hands of any linebacker in the NFL. He made a diving interception, snatching the ball out of the air right in front of the Panther’s receiver. Wagner finished with ten tackles.

Also, when Bobby Wagner went out with an injury, the Seahawks defense looked much more susceptible, almost blowing a 30-10 fourth-quarter lead.

4. Seahawks suffered significant injuries such as Wagner and Quandre Diggs

Almost all Seahawks fans must have had a mini heart-attack as they watched Wagner lying on the ground for almost five minutes writhing in pain. Yet, he was then able to walk off the field by his own power. After the game, Wagner said he suffered a mild ankle sprain but should be OK to play.

Meanwhile, Quandre Diggs suffered a much more significant high-ankle sprain. It seems as if Diggs will be out for two to four weeks AT BEST. Diggs has had three interceptions and one fumble recovery in his five games started for the Hawks. Ever since he has started, the Seahawks D has begun to return to almost Legion of Boom form (almost is a stretch). Diggs is an integral part of the Seahawks’ pass defense and needs to recover as soon as possible.

Clowney, Ansah, Kendricks, and Shaquill Griffin were also four defensive starters who were out for Sunday’s game. Clowney is trying to play through a sports hernia and had an intense illness for the past week. Ansah has a relatively significant neck injury. Kendricks was out with a hamstring injury, but will hopefully return soon. Shaquill Griffin also sat out with a hamstring injury. If the Seahawks want to finish strong, they need to recover soon.

The Seahawks’ next game is Sunday vs the Arizona Cardinals.

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