Seattle, WA

Sluggish Starts at Forefront of Seattle Seahawks’ Three-Game Losing Streak

Published

1 year ago

October 11, 2024

Sluggish Starts at Forefront of Seattle Seahawks’ Three-Game Losing Streak

SEATTLE, Wash. – For a few brief moments, Geno Smith looked ready to slay his demons against the San Francisco 49ers, opening a promising first drive for the Seattle Seahawks by connecting with DK Metcalf on a crossing route for a 30-yard completion down to the opposing 30-yard line.

But only a few plays later, with standout rusher Nick Bosa blasting him as he threw, Smith’s third down pass to Tyler Lockett on a corner route sailed over the receiver’s head and into the hands of rookie safety Malik Mustapha at the one-yard line, abruptly ending the drive without any points. Up until the final minute of the first half, the Seahawks wouldn’t even make it back into 49ers territory, punting three times and losing a possession thanks to a special teams fumble by Laviska Shenault.

Going into the locker room trailing 16-3, Seattle’s offense failed to produce more than seven points in the first two quarters for the third consecutive game, including Smith underthrowing on a deep ball to Metcalf that easily could have resulted in six points. Despite a valiant comeback effort, those struggles and missed chances put the team too far behind the eight ball in an eventual 36-24 defeat on Thursday Night Football, dropping the team to 3-3 after winning their first three games under coach Mike Macdonald.

Brusque with reporters after Thursday’s loss, a frustrated Smith pointed to poor execution for Seattle’s chronic slow starts, as the team has been hurt by a mostly ineffective run game, drive-killing penalties, and far too many turnovers.

“Not starting fast. Not executing. That’s the main thing, not executing. Lack of execution. This is a game of inches as they say,” Smith said. “The margins are small, especially up here at the big boy league. You got to do all the right things all the time. We failed to do that today.”

Starting at a snail’s pace has become an unfortunate theme for Smith and the Seahawks, who have been outscored 47-20 in the first half during their three-game skid. Making the numbers look even worse, seven of those points came on a 102-yard fumble return by safety Rayshawn Jenkins, meaning the offense has contributed a mere 13 total points against the Lions, Giants, and 49ers.

As has been the case for the better part of a month, the Seahawks eventually found traction in the second half against the 49ers as Smith led a 13-play, 94-yard drive that culminated in a Ken Walker III touchdown run to cut the deficit to 23-17 late in the third quarter. The quarterback also threw a nine-yard touchdown pass to Lockett late in the fourth quarter, but that came after a critical interception targeting Metcalf on the previous drive, leading to a quick San Francisco touchdown with short field.

For a third straight game, turnovers led to Seattle’s undoing more than anything. Metcalf lost fumbles against Detroit and New York that led to opposing scoring drives and on Thursday, Smith’s two picks resulted in 10 points for San Francisco and Shenault’s special teams fumble tacked on another three points. Losing by 12 on the scoreboard, erasing those miscues could have led to a dramatically different outcome, but self-inflicted wounds continue to derail Macdonald’s squad.

“Obviously we’re not emphasizing it enough,” Macdonald said of Seattle’s turnover problems. “That’s the starting point. The guys know that. I mean, add that to the list of things we have to attack. But we can’t be giving the ball to the other team. We have to be playing more precise.”

Unfortunately, Macdonald and his staff don’t have to get back to the drawing board on offense and special teams only. Heading into a mini bye before a Week 7 road clash with the Falcons, with Jenkins’ fumble return being the lone exception, the Seahawks’ defense hasn’t been much better starting games as of late either.

Playing without Byron Murphy II, Leonard Williams, Boye Mafe, and others during the course of their three-game losing streak, injuries have been part of the equation. But just like on offense, execution-related issues have been the biggest problem, starting with second level run fit issues that have cropped up far too often and led to big runs for the opposition.

One week earlier, sixth-round pick Tyrone Tracy rushed for 48 yards on just six carries in the first half on his way to his first career 100-yard performance for the Giants, capitalizing on several plays where the Seahawks left a gap wide open enough for a semi truck to drive through. This ugly trend continued into Thursday night as Jordan Mason exploded through the B-gap with linebacker Tyrel Dodson consumed by a block at the second level and ripping off a 37-yard run on the 49ers opening possession to set up a Matthew Wright field goal.

San Francisco ended up rushing for 105 yards in the first half and also scored a 76-yard touchdown when safety Julian Love couldn’t make a play on an underthrown ball from Brock Purdy to Deebo Samuel, allowing the receiver to take off for nearly 50 yards after the catch on a blown coverage. It marked the third straight game Macdonald’s defense allowed at least 225 yards of total offense in the first half, and things didn’t improve out of the halftime break in any of those games either, as Seattle allowed four touchdowns and a field goal in the third quarter of those contests.

“These drives get strung out together because we just aren’t disciplined enough, consistently,” Love remarked. “We have the players, we have the scheme, we have the right mindset. It’s just cleaning it up. We have to attack this week. It’s a long season ahead of us.”

Asked about the issues giving up long drives to open both halves, Macdonald doesn’t think the poor results have happened because the Seahawks haven’t been ready to play. Instead, he pointed to himself and the coaching staff, admitting they need to do a better job of preparing their players and putting them in a position to execute at a higher level out of the gate.

“I don’t think we’re flat,” Macdonald responded. “Teams have openers and you have to stop those openers. That’s just what it is. That’s a combination of understanding how teams are attacking you, how that’s evolving, and keep putting them in better position to make plays and our guys have got to go make the plays. Our guys are ready to play.”

For the Seahawks to turn their season around, players and coaches will have to do some soul searching during a three-day break before kicking off preparations for the Falcons next week. From going back to the drawing board with ball security drills to revisiting how they are attacking game planning during the week, they will need to find tangible solutions quickly to avoid the slow starts that ultimately have doomed them over the past three weeks.

As far as Lockett is concerned, all options should be on the table, even if Seattle needs to open games thinking they already are behind on the scoreboard as a means to coax better first half performance out of the offense. With plenty of football left to play ahead of them, regardless of what measures it takes to get the unit playing at its best early in games, he’s confident the team will be able to figure things out and help get them back on the winning track.

“We just got to be able to figure out what is it going to take for us to be able to play in the first half the way that we do in the second half, and if that means we got to play catch up, then hey, let’s get that mentality where at the beginning of the game we’re already losing if that’s what it takes for us to be able to play at the high level. I don’t know. I think for us, it’s just going back to the drawing board and being able to look at what happens in order for us to be able to play it our best. Are we overthinking it? Are we over-energized? What is it? Because sometimes, when you’re down, you don’t overthink, right? You’re not over-energized. Sometimes, you just have to breathe.”

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Seattle, WA

Joey Daccord makes 35 saves as Seattle Kraken earn 2-1 win over Hurricanes

Published

5 hours ago

March 3, 2026

Press Room

Joey Daccord makes 35 saves as Seattle Kraken earn 2-1 win over Hurricanes

article

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – MARCH 02: Andrei Svechnikov #37 of the Carolina Hurricanes shoots the puck during the second period of a game against the Seattle Kraken at Climate Pledge Arena on March 02, 2026 in Seattle, Washington. (Christopher Mast / NHLI / Getty Images)

SEATTLE – Joey Daccord made 35 saves and the Seattle Kraken survived a 6-on-4 penalty kill for the final 90 seconds for a 2-1 victory over the East’s top team in the Carolina Hurricanes on Monday night.

Kaapo Kakko and Ben Meyers each scored in the second period for the Kraken as they managed to beat a Hurricanes team that has the second-best record in the NHL, trailing only the Colorado Avalanche. The Kraken are now in a playoff spot by five points as they hold the No. 3 seed in the Pacific Division with 22 games to play.

Nikolaj Ehlers scored the only goal of the night for the Hurricanes late in the second period, but Seattle was able to withstand Carolina’s offensive push in the final period to secure a second straight victory.

The Hurricanes are always a high-volume shooting team and Daccord faced plenty of chances. Carolina had 83 shot attempts to just 31 for the Kraken. Shots on goal were 36-15 in favor of the Hurricanes as well, but scoring chances were just 20-13 in Carolina’s favor as Seattle did a good job limiting the danger of the shots sent at Daccord.

It was an eventful but scoreless first period between the two teams, with Carolina owning a 13-7 edge in shots. All three goals would come in the second.

Adam Larsson – who assisted on both goals for Seattle – deflected an Alexander Nikishin into the neutral zone to start a two-on-one rush chance for Kakko with Berkly Catton in support as Kakko ripped a shot through the armpit of Carolina goaltender Frederik Andersen for a 1-0 lead.

Kakko said he wanted to make the pass to Catton, but the lane was covered by Shane Ghostisbehere, so he elected to shoot.

The Kraken earned a power play chance three minutes later on a tripping call against Eric Robinson. Carolina completely neutered the man-advantage for the first 90 seconds before the Kraken appeared to extend the lead.

With 15 seconds left on the power play, the Kraken rushed into the Hurricanes’ zone with Kakko finding a streaking Jaden Schwartz open on the back door for an easy finish behind Andersen. However, Carolina successfully challenged the goal for a missed offsides on Shane Wright that wiped out the goal.

But the Kraken still managed to extend the lead soon after.

Jacob Melanson continues to be a spark plug for Seattle and helped restore the momentum immediately after the disallowed goal. On the shift coming out of the power play, Melanson delivered a big hit and connected with Adam Larsson on a breakout pass that sparked a rush. Ben Meyers crashed toward the net and was able to finish off his own rebound on a pass from Freddy Gaudreau to officially make it a 2-0 lead.

Melanson didn’t even get an assist out of the sequence, but was a big part of creating a goal for Seattle.

After being extremely sharp defensively all night, Carolina finally pounced on an opportunity the Kraken were unable to turn away. Vince Dunn was just unable to control a loose puck in front of Seattle’s net as it landed on the stick of Nikolaj Ehlers instead, who snapped a shot past Daccord to make it a 2-1 game with 90 seconds left in the second period.

The Hurricanes took 32 shots in the third period as they attempted to find a tying goal, but only nine made it to Daccord, and he stopped them all.

Eeli Tolvanen was called for Seattle’s first and only penalty of the night – a holding call after breaking his stick – with 90 seconds left to play. With Andersen on the bench for a six-on-four chance for Carolina, Daccord stopped all three shots he faced to close out the win for Seattle.

The Source: Information in this story came from FOX 13 Seattle reporting.

MORE KRAKEN NEWS FROM FOX 13 SEATTLE

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Dylan Holloway scores hat trick as Seattle Kraken lose 5-1 to Blues

Seattle Kraken flounder to 4-1 loss to Stars in return from Olympics break

Seattle Kraken reach two-year extensions with Ben Meyers, Ryan Winterton

Shane Wright scores twice as Seattle Kraken beat Kings 4-2

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Seattle, WA

MLB Mock Trade: Seattle Mariners Deal Luis Castillo to Atlanta Braves

Published

17 hours ago

March 2, 2026

Press Room

MLB Mock Trade: Seattle Mariners Deal Luis Castillo to Atlanta Braves

The Seattle Mariners have had a busy offseason as they try to improve their roster and break through to the World Series for the first time in franchise history. Seattle has been active in free agency and on the trade market. One of their final roster questions is who will serve as the backup catcher behind Cal Raleigh. The Mariners could make one more move before the start of the season to address this need, potentially through a trade with the Atlanta Braves.

The Atlanta Braves are dealing with some serious injuries to their starting rotation this offseason. After an impressive 2025 campaign, Spencer Schwellenbach has been shut down because of bone spurs. Breakout candidate Hurston Waldrep was also shut down during Spring Training with elbow inflammation. Both pitchers underwent surgery in February, leaving two open spots in Atlanta’s rotation. Let’s break down a mock trade centered on Luis Castillo that could help fill those holes for the Braves.

Atlanta Braves – Seattle Mariners Mock Trade

Atlanta Braves receive SP Luis Castillo

Seattle Mariners receive C Sean Murphy, SP Owen Murphy

In this mock trade, the Braves acquire All-Star starter Luis Castillo. In exchange, the Mariners receive former All-Star catcher Sean Murphy and a young pitching prospect in Owen Murphy.

Fantasy Baseball Outlook

Luis Castillo would slot into the Atlanta Braves’ starting rotation behind Chris Sale and Spencer Strider. He has been very effective for the Mariners since they acquired him from the Reds at the trade deadline four seasons ago. In 2025, Castillo went 11–8 in 32 games with a 3.54 ERA, 1.18 WHIP, and 162 strikeouts. His fantasy value would likely dip if he left Seattle’s pitcher-friendly ballpark. Still, he has proven himself as a reliable, effective starter through consistent performance, and he would play a key role for Atlanta.

With the Mariners, Sean Murphy would serve as the backup catcher behind Cal Raleigh. He would likely see a drop in playing time in Seattle, but this move could also give the Mariners more opportunities to use Raleigh at DH. With the fifth spot open in the Seattle rotation, Emerson Hancock and Cooper Criswell would be viable, experienced options. Alternatively, Kade Anderson and Ryan Sloan are elite prospects who have had strong Spring Trainings and could break camp on Opening Day. The young pitching prospect Owen Murphy would also join a talented farm system and provide a future option for the rotation.

VIDEO: Scream Club Seattle keeps growing, midway through first year

Published

1 day ago

March 2, 2026

Press Room

VIDEO: Scream Club Seattle keeps growing, midway through first year

(Story originally posted 8:22 pm, updated 12:32 am)

By Torin Record-Sand
Reporting for West Seattle Blog

From a distance, they looked like a regular crowd of people enjoying a nice evening walk on the shores of Lincoln Park. But they were gathered here for a singular purpose: to scream. Since September 2025, the Scream Club Seattle has met at Lincoln Park on every third Sunday to scream, led by head organizer Amber Walcker. No explanation, justification, or invitation to scream is needed – come as you are. “There are some harder emotions people come here to deal with, sure, but some people also just come to scream.” head organizer Amber explained.

Tonight’s crowd showed the club is rapidly growing. From around a dozen or so participants in the first gathering in September, tonight seemed to attract around 40 people gathering to let it all out.

As the sun started to set, and everyone was finally gathered together, the Scream Club was ready to begin.

There are only three screams, organizer Amber explained. The first, she said, is a scream to get used to doing it in public. The second scream is there to ground you. And the final – and longest scream – is there to let you have an emotional catharsis.

She also wanted to make sure people were taking care of their vocal health beforehand. As she told everyone to walk a little bit from the meeting place and start to gather near the shore, she instructed the crowd to hum for a few minutes on the way, to warm up the vocal cords.

With that, the crowd walked towards the shore.

“On the count of one – two – three – scream!” said organizer Amber.

You can see our video of the proceedings here. After the screaming, we talked to a few participants about why they came out.

“There’s not one thing that’s really making me want to scream. There’s a lot of stuff going on for me, a lot of emotional ups and downs. Screaming into the ocean together gives you a sense of community.” said Jessie.

“This is my third or fourth time coming to scream. With the political climate, with everything that’s happening, getting together with local community to scream feels more productive than screaming into the internet on social media.” said Ursula.

“This is my first time coming out.” said Liz. “I screamed after the Seahawks won the Super Bowl, and I really felt something. I realized I’ve been feeling a lot of frustration recently, and it felt like coming here was a healthy way to get it out rather than screaming at your neighbors.”

Organizer Amber recognizes much of what they were saying. “Meeting like this can be an important element to have in your mental health toolbox. It’s rare to have scream therapy.” She shared an anecdote about the therapeutic origins of the group, which originally started with a chapter in Chicago. “The founder was a life coach. Their girlfriend was having a bad day, and they encouraged them to go to the Chicago Pier and just let it out. He walked her through the process, and that was that. Eventually they invited more people to come do it.” She hopes to bring that same therapeutic energy to the practice here. “It’s a moment of emotional release more than anything else. Depending on what’s going on in people’s minds, everyone will come here with a different mindset and purpose. We’re providing a safe space to do that.”

Scream Club Seattle meets at Lincoln Park on the first Sunday of every month, and they are also starting to meet on the third Sunday of every month at Golden Gardens in Ballard. Tentatively, the next events will be in Lincoln Park on April 5th around 6 PM, and Golden Gardens on March 15th around 5 PM. If you’d like to know more, you can find them on Instagram here or look at their future events on their Eventbrite page here.

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