The Seattle Seahawks moved to 5-1 on Sunday after putting on another comeback performance, this time against the Cleveland Browns. After a dismal first-quarter that left them down 20-6 just a few seconds into the second quarter, the Seahawks clawed their way to a 32-28 victory and are now 3-0 on the road. Here’s a look at the good and the not-so-good from the matchup.
THE GOOD
Running back Chris Carson: Carson turned in his third straight 100-yard game with 124 yards and a touchdown on 24 carries against the Browns. After starting off the season with difficulties hanging onto the football, he seems to have turned the corner for good and has once again become a key part of Seattle’s offense.
The receiving corps: As always, Tyler Lockett was a key part of quarterback Russell Wilson’s solid day, going 5-5 for 75 yards, and D.K. Metcalf showed off his power with four catches for 69 yards. Jaron Brown also pulled in two touchdowns, and in all, eight different Seahawks had receptions on the day. Each player who had a reception also recorded at least one catch of 10 yards or more. With all of these weapons, Seattle is set up to make a serious playoff push down the stretch.
THE BAD
Stupid penalties: This only escapes the “ugly” category because the Seahawks ended up winning the football game. Jadeveon Clowney headbutted Browns QB Baker Mayfield in the sternum, drawing a flag for roughing the passer and giving Cleveland a free first down. Shortly afterward, Al Woods blatantly jumped offsides on third-and-goal. The Seahawks defense was also called for another penalty with too many men on the field. Seattle is no stranger to penalties, but this run, in particular, was concerning.
The pass rush: Mayfield had what felt like several seconds to throw behind an offensive line that ranks near the bottom of the league in pass protection. With such studs as Clowney and Ziggy Ansah on the Seahawks’ D-line, this unit has no excuse for their performance in Cleveland.
THE UGLY
The officiating: Multiple flag pick-ups, a baffling blindside block call on a squared-up Jarvis Landry, and a bizarre pause during the game in which there was an apparent debate about the rules left both sidelines – and their fans – completely stupified. An already-ugly win over a 2-3 team, made controversial by a number of strange calls, will likely inspire debate for weeks to come, especially if Seattle finds themselves in a battle for a playoff spot.
Will Dissly’s injury: Dissly, who was posting a spectacular comeback campaign after tearing his right patellar tendon in 2018, likely suffered his second straight season-ending injury today during a second-quarter play in which he turned to look for the ball in the end zone, his left knee buckling under him. The Seahawks later reported that Dissly had injured his left Achilles tendon, with coach Pete Carroll calling the injury “serious” and “devastating” after the game. Losing Dissly is a huge blow for Seattle, who will have to lean more heavily on Luke Willson for tight end duties. Dissly is responsible for 262 receiving yards and four touchdowns in the 2019 season.
