Report Card: Grading the Seahawks win over the Titans
By Paul Novak
Special Teams:
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Typically special teams doesn’t get much written about them but this game had some interested moments. Firstly, after a Seahawks touchdown, Seahawks kicker Steven Hauschka thought it would be a good idea to square up on the kick returner and try to bring him down. You can check that play out here.
This ended up a very bad idea not only because it would send Hauschka into the locker room with a bloody nose and needing to get evaluated by team doctors, but also because it would result in another play that could have had a giant impact on the overall outcome of the game.
With Hauschka unable to kick a very short field goal in the last two seconds of the half, punter Jon Ryan was forced to attempt the field goal. Ryan might have made it, unfortunately replacement holder Chris Maragos was needed to replace the regular holder (Ryan) and went on the fumble the snap which then resulted in a long touchdown return for the Titans after recovering the ball. That play can be seen here.
Overall it was nice to see Hauschka attempt to make the tackle but as the last line of defense, his attempt wasn’t necessary and plenty of other defenders were in a position to make the play.
Grade: D
Coaching:
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
The Seahawks offense was very balanced and I believe it was David Hsu that pointed out that Russell Wilson has only attempted two more passes per game than he had last season. At 5-1 this is obviously a good thing and it also shows that the Seahawks running game is effective enough that Wilson isn’t having to play catchup on the scoreboard.
On defense the Seahawks held the Titans passing and rushing attacks to no long gains, something that wasn’t true against both the Texans and Colts. Cornerback Brandon Browner was benched for a short period and it was nice to see that after he had struggles at times over the past two weeks. Hopefully this serves as a wake-up call. Walter Thurmond played well when asked to take over as the starter.
Aside from the special teams mistakes the Hawks came into the game with the right gameplan and executed well. After third down struggles the offense had against the Colts it was clear to see extra emphasis was given to that in practice last week.
Grade: B
SEATTLE SEAHAWKS
| Total Net Yards | 404 |
| Penalties Yards | 6-65 |
| Time of Possession | 33:22 |
| Total Turnovers | 2 |
OPPONENT
| Total Net Yards | 223 |
| Penalties Yards | 7-44 |
| Time of Possession | 26:38 |
| Total Turnovers | 2 |
Russell Wilson is now a perfect 11-0 at home in his career and the Seahawks extended the longest home win streak in the NFL, which also stands at eleven.