Seattle Seahawks Week Fourteen Review: Rashaad Penny Runs Over Texans For Meaningless Win
Rashaad Penny rushes for a touchdown (Rod Mar)
My apologies for not covering last week's game against the San Francisco 49ers, but I could not watch because I was driving for the whole game duration. However, today I was able to sit down and watch some Seahawks football--and this matchup against the Houston Texans was nowhere near as fun as last week's.
Seahawks Shine on Defense
There is certainly an argument to be made that this was the complete game the Seahawks have played all year--though I would argue Week One against the Colts was still the best.
People will quickly point out that the Houston Texans are arguably the worst team in the AFC right now--so the Seahawks were supposed to win. But, a win is a win, and the Seahawks dominated on both sides of the ball.
Darrell Taylor registers his 6th sack of the season by taking down Davis Mills (Rod Mar)
The defense continued its trademark bend don't break style by giving up over 350 yards to rookie quarterback Davis Mills. However, they managed to hold the Texans to 13 points--I still don't understand the Seahawks are one of the worst defenses in terms of yards allowed but one of the best in points allowed.
The usual suspects had strong games this week on defense. Bobby Wagner and Jordyn Brooks could clean up the defensive lines mess, while Alton Robinson and Darrell Taylor showed some flashes of brilliance on the defensive line. In the secondary, the Seahawks were down all-pro safety Jamal Adams who had season-ending surgery on his shoulder early this week. Despite being down such an impact player, Ryan Neal came in and did a good job filling Jamal's role--Ryan always does a good job of.
Rashaad Penny and Russell Wilson excelled on Offense
Coming into this game, Russell Wilson claimed that he was 100%--and he played like it. Wilson made some excellent passes deep to Tyler Lockett and did his job of extending plays to find receivers on broken plays. Sure, Wilson had some poor passes, like when he underthrew DK Metcalf for an easy touchdown, but he finished the game with over 250 yards and two touchdowns.
Russell WIlson attempts a pass (Rod Mar)
Russell Wilson only needed to throw two touchdowns and 250 yards to win this game because running back Rashaad Penny had the best performance of his young career. Taken in the first round of the 2018 Draft, Penny has been underwhelming in his career. He has proven that he's capable of big runs and flashy footwork, but he's incredibly injury prone. Today was the first time in over a year that Penny found the endzone for a touchdown--and he added a second for good measure. Penny had 137 yards on the ground and two beautiful touchdown runs of 20 and more yards--both of his touchdowns displayed his great running and acceleration. It was good to see Rashaad have the day he did because many have already given up on him and called him a bust--and they aren't wrong.
Tyler Lockett also had a great game hauling in 5 catches for over 140 yards and a touchdown. Lockett surpassed 1,000 yards for the third consecutive year. If he has 1,000 yards next season he breaks the franchise record set by Hall of Famer Steve Largent—we’re rooting for you, Tyler!
The Seahawks' offensive line also had a great game. Wilson had excellent protection all game long, and there were only a few moments where Wilson looked as if he was under duress. There aren't many games where Wilson is that comfortable in the pocket, so that was an early Christmas gift.
Though the offensive line looked decent in pass blocking, they lacked run blocking. I felt that Penny, Collins, and Dallas had to fight for most of their yards because the guys up front weren't making large enough holes for them--that proved to be not as crucial in the long run, however.
DK Metcalf Got Screwed Over
DK Metcalf advances the ball up field with Lonnie Johnson in pursuit (Rod Mar)
To be honest, Metcalf had a better day than most people would give him credit. His 40 receiving yards don't pop out, but he should've had more yards and potentially three touchdowns to go along with it. Metcalf would've had one touchdown when he hauled in a 20-yard bomb from Wilson in the endzone, but guard Gabe Jackson was called for holding. Later, Metcalf would've had an easy touchdown, but Texans' defensive back Lonnie Johnson was called for pass interference on a play where Metcalf had him beat at the line was headed to the endzone. Earlier, I mentioned the other chance when Wilson underthrew an easy touchdown pass to Metcalf. Metcalf was an unfortunate player today and was a victim of lost circumstances--don't worry, DK, it happens to the best of us.
Seattle may have beat up on a lowly Texans team, but that was expected of them. If this win proves anything, the Seahawks have decided to play football too late in the season. It would've been nice if they could've played this well the whole season, but I digress. This win puts them at 5-8, and they're still way too far out to be considered a playoff team. There have been reports that Wilson is willing to waive his no-trade clause to go to Denver, New Orleans, or the New York Giants--we'll cross that bridge when we get there. The Seahawks and their fans should enjoy this win and maybe even savor it--the future hasn't looked this bleak for Seattle for a long time. Go 'Hawks!