Seattle Seahawks: Five takeaways from 27-24 loss in Denver

Defense is inconsistent

The defense was really special on some possessions and made huge mistakes on others. A Pete Carroll team has always been taught to wrap up and bring down defenders. In some instances, there would be plays with multiple missed tackles that ended up in long touchdowns. They made Denver rookie running back Phillip Lindsay look like a pro bowler.

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Even worse the, D appeared slow at times. Emmanuel Sanders made the defense look particularly bad on his 43 yard TD reception in the second quarter. His route went across the middle, he made his catch then outran six defenders to the end zone.

Additionally, there were mental mistakes. Denver’s first touchdown was the result of a missed assignment when rookie outside linebacker Shaquem Griffin got crossed up and didn’t cover the running back in the flat.

There were other drives in the game that were played very well by the defense. They forced several three and outs and safety Bradley McDougald added two interceptions to the one Thomas had. The defense is so young but they are learning, and the ceiling for that group is high.

Ironically, the play that did them in, was one of those times the Hawks have to tip their cap to the other side and say nice job. It can be argued all day (and has been) whether or not Demaryius Thomas was in bounds. Keenum threw a perfect pass, and Thomas made a great catch. No one was going to stop it.

The Seahawks next game is a week from Monday in Chicago.