Seattle, WA
Rost’s Takeaways: Why the Seahawks are down but not out
There’s loads to select aside with the Seahawks proper now. Lose 5 of six and that’s sure to occur.
Large day for Seahawks’ D spoiled by low level for offense in loss to Chiefs
However throughout a vacation following a tricky loss, possibly it’s higher simply to speak about what Seattle can nonetheless play for. As a result of regardless of a less-than-stellar stretch of video games, that also contains the playoffs. And in spite of everything, by now you understand precisely what this crew wants to repair.
These playoff odds are lengthy however nonetheless there. So let’s begin there after which discuss in regards to the good from Week 16.
Congrats! You’re all Eagles and Cowboys followers
The Seahawks (7-8) are the primary crew out of the playoff image within the NFC, with the New York Giants (8-5-1) and Washington Commanders (7-6-1) holding the sixth and seventh seeds, respectively. The extra video games misplaced by the Giants and Commanders, the higher for Seattle, assuming Seattle additionally wins. Although if the Seahawks win with out both of those two groups shedding a minimum of as soon as, nothing modifications and the Hawks are on the surface wanting in.
Developing for the Giants are the Colts (Jan. 1) and Eagles (Jan. 8), whereas the Commanders are set to face the Browns (Jan. 1) and Cowboys (Jan. 8). The Eagles and Cowboys would be the more durable matchups, however each Dallas and Philadelphia have already clinched playoff spots and will relaxation starters. The hope is that they’re nonetheless enjoying robust for a divisional win a minimum of subsequent week.
If the Seahawks win in opposition to the Jets and the Commanders lose in Week 17, the Hawks would maintain a playoff spot – although they received’t have clinched. Seattle may technically afford yet one more loss, although the one method they’ll make it in is that if the Commanders lose in consecutive weeks and the Lions additionally lose a minimum of one recreation to the Packers or Bears.
Put within the easiest phrases: Whereas it’s not the one method the Seahawks may make the playoffs, their finest odds are to win their subsequent two video games and have the Commanders lose as soon as.
Silver Bells (and a Seahawks silver lining)
Nobody needs ethical victories, and there weren’t a ton to take from the Chiefs video games nor from any of Seattle’s final a number of losses. However within the spirit of the vacations – and as a lot because it pains me – let’s take a silver lining strategy right here.
To be honest, in search of that issues. Right here’s why: The Seahawks have an enormous alternative to search out an instantaneous influence for his or her franchise once they spend the best draft decide they’ve had in many years this upcoming spring. Because of their commerce with Denver, that decide could possibly be as excessive as No. 2 total and would include an extra excessive second-round decide, giving Seattle 4 picks over the primary two rounds.
However I’m not right here to inform you that shedding video games improves the standing of their different picks (those not originating from Denver). As an alternative, it’s essential to do not forget that regardless of who the Seahawks add, a pair excessive draft picks received’t repair deep-seated points. If the Seahawks lose out – and lose ugly – it received’t matter in the event that they discover the second coming of Aaron Donald within the draft. They’ll want extra; they’ll want to alter, adapt, discover extra from current veterans and former picks already on the crew.
Enhancements, significantly on protection, are essential. That goes for Saturday’s recreation, the place they held the Chiefs to 297 web yards and beneath 30% on third down, and of their two video games to come back.
Lefko: On the spot response to Seahawks’ 24-10 loss to Kansas Metropolis