Seattle Seahawks Dynasty (FOF9)

[canuxrok]

Week 15, Philadelphia Eagles (9-4) @ Seattle Seahawks (7-6)

Weather: Rain, 45 degrees, 9 mph wind

Recap:

1st Quarter
Seattle takes the ball to start but their first series is a three and out. The Eagles have more success, picking up a first down on their second play from scrimmage with a playaction pass to A.J. Brown. On the ensuing play Boye Mafe sacked Jalen Hurts for a five yard loss but in a bad turn for the Seahawks rookie CB Devon Witherspoon was seriously injured on the play and had to leave the game. After an 11 yard pass to DeVonta Smith dug them out of the hole they were in from the sack the Eagles found themselves in a 4th and 1 from their 44 and they went for it, handing the ball off to D'Andre Swift who gained three to get the first down. An 18 yard pass to A.J. Brown moved them into Seattle territory but the Seahawks defense stood tall and forced a 46 yard field goal attempt by Jake Elliott that hit the left upright. It's not going to be an easy game to kick in with this wind and rain. The next Seattle drive started with a bang when Kenneth Walker took it around the left end for 19 yards. A 20 yard completion to D.K. Metcalf would move the ball to the Philadelphia 20. On first and goal from the 9 Kenneth Walker carried it 8 yards but was stopped just short of the goalline. After a DeeJay Dallas run was stuffed and Carson Wentz took a sack on third down (allowed by Abe Lucas) Jason Myers came out and hit a 32 yard field goal to put the first points on the board. Seattle 3, Philadelphia 0. A 3 and out for Philly gave the ball right back to Seattle who started well with a couple first downs on 10 and 14 yard runs from Kenneth Walker.

2nd Quarter
A playaction pass from Wentz to Metcalf for 39 yards to start the quarter set Seattle up for first and goal at the seven. On second down Wentz threw a screen to Jaxon Smith-Njigba who evaded his man and scampered into the end zone. Jason Myers would miss the extra point wide right. Seattle 9, Philadelphia 0. The Eagles would pick up only one first down on their next drive before punting. The Seahawks picked up a first down with a 14 yard completion to Noah Fant but the next set of downs they had negative runs on 2nd and 3rd down, forcing them to punt. Dickson pinned the Eagles at their own three and they went three and out, gaining only two yards before punting it back to Seattle, who would start the next drive from their own 40. A 14 yard run from Kenneth Walker moved the ball into Eagles territory. A nine yard pass to Metcalf picked up the next first down, moving to the Philadelphia 33 yard line but Seattle would gain only six yards in the next three plays and settle for a 44 yard Jason Myers field goal. Seattle 12, Philadelphia 0. The Eagles offense struggled again, allowing a sack and gaining a total of 3 yards on 3 plays before again punting it away. Seattle picked up a couple first downs but with 1:19 to go in the half they were forced to punt it away. Jalen Hurts dropped back to pass and threw a deep pass to A.J. Brown but Tre Brown intercepted it and the Seahawks got the ball back at the Eagles 48 yard line with a minute to go in the half. They went 3 and out after a sack by S Terrell Edmunds (allowed by Abe Lucas) on 3rd down and were forced to punt from midfield.

3rd Quarter
Philadelphia started with the ball and on 2nd and 7 Hurts completed a 20 yard pass to Greg Ward to move the ball almost to midfield. On the next play Jalen Hurts scrambled with it and took it 52 yards to the house to get his team on the board. Seattle 12, Philadelphia 7. A 3 and out gave the Eagles the ball right back and they started at their own 31, made 4 first downs including two third down conversions, got a big play from DeVonta Smith for 27 yards and capped it off with a two yard touchdown run by Rashaad Penny, with Dallas Goedert delivering the key block. Goedert would also catch the pass to convert the two point conversion. Philadelphia 15, Seattle 12. A Holding penalty set Seattle back on their next drive but a 19 yard gain on a short pass to DeeJay Dallas got them a first down. On third and six at their own forty Carson Wentz found D'Wayne Eskridge on a short pass and Eskridge used his feet to extend it into an 11 yard gain and a first down. A nine yard run on third down came up short of the first down marker and Michael Dickson would punt it away with Penny calling a fair catch at the Philadelphia 13. On a 3rd and 6 at the end of the quarter Hurts kept it and ran for 7 yards and the first down at the Philadelphia 35.

4th Quarter
The Eagles couldn't pick up another first down and P Arryn Siposs pinned Seattle at their 5. Wentz completed a 14 yard pass to Dissly to move out of the shadow of their own goalposts but then his pass to Lockett was intercepted by S Terrell Edmunds at the Seattle 25. Philadephia couldn't move the sticks and Hurts was sacked on third down by DT Jarran Reed to bring out the field goal unit. Jake Elliott's 40 yard field goal was good. Philadelphia 18, Seattle 12. Another Seahawks three and out and Michael Dickson's 50 yard punt was fielded by Rashaad Penny who fumbled it when Tommy Hudson hit him but the Eagles would recover and start from their own 26. On the first play of the series Jalen Hurts went long off of playaction throwing it fifty yards downfield for A.J. Brown but Tre Brown picked it off for Seattle. The Seahawks started at their own 26 but after gaining one yard in three plays they punted it again. Nick Bellore tackled Penny on the return and forced the ball out and this time it was recovered by Noah Fant for Seattle. The Seahawks took over at the Eagles 27. They moved it to a first and goal at the nine but were set back by a holding flag on Charles Cross and on 3rd down Darius Slay knocked the ball out of Jaxon Smith-Njigba's hands to bring out Jason Myers for the successful 31 yard field goal. Philadelphia 18, Seattle 15. A 47 yard pass to DeVonta Smith on the next Eagles drive moved the ball to the Seattle 14 but the Seahawks defense made their stand and forced a field goal. Jake Elliott was good from 24 yards. Philadelphia 21, Seattle 15. Seattle started their drive from the their own 25 with 2:34 on the clock. After first downs to FB Nick Bellore for 19 yards and WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba for 12 yards the Seahawks had the ball at their 46 at the two minute warning. A defensive holding penalty gave them a free first down in Philadelphia territory. Wentz threw completions to Noah Fant for 15 yards, Tyler Lockett for 6 and Lockett again for 24 to move the ball to the 4 yard line. After an incomplete pass on first and goal Wentz scrambled for it on second down and got into the end zone and Jason Myers hit the go-ahead extra point. Seattle 22, Philadelphia 21. The Eagles would start from their 20 with a minute to play. A 3rd and 6 pass to DeVonta Smith was dropped setting up a critical 4th down. Jalen Hurts looked to find TE Jack Stoll but Tre Brown defended the pass and the ball went over on downs to the Seahawks who ran out the clock.

Final Score: Seattle 22, Philadelphia 21.

Carson Wentz was named player of the game after going 25-35 for 264 yards a touchdown and an interception and rushing for the touchdown that led to the win. Tre Brown could've been a good candidate for player of the game with two interceptions and a key pass defended at the end of the game. Kenneth Walker III had 88 rushing yards on 18 carries and also caught 3 passes for 25 yards. D.K. Metcalf led Seattle in receiving with 5 catches for 84 yards. For the Eagles Jalen Hurts was 17-28 for 198 yards but threw two interceptions and finished with a 52.4 QB Rating. He did also run nine times for seventy six yards and a touchdown. DeVonta Smith caught 6 passes for 114 yards in the losing cause. D'Andre Swift ran for 51 yards on 12 carries. Rashaad Penny ran for 16 yards and a touchdown on 7 attempts but also had two fumbles on the return the second of which significantly impacted the game.

Defense Stats:

PHILADELPHIA
S Terrell Edmunds 11 Tckl, 4 Ast, Sack, 2 TFL, INT
LB Nakobe Dean 8 Tckl, Ast
OLB Haason Reddick 6 Tckl
DT Milton Williams Sack
CB Darius Slay 3 PD

SEATTLE
OLB Boye Mafe 6 Tckl, Sack, TFL
S Jamal Adams 6 Tckl, Ast, TFL
CB Tre Brown PD, 2 INT
DT Jarran Reed Sack
FB Nick Bellore 2 S.T. Tckl, FF
S Julian Love 4 Tckl, 2 Ast, 2 PD

[canuxrok]

Week 15 NFL News

GAME of the WEEK:
TB (7-7) 25 @ GB (6-8) 26
GB QB Jordan Love 29-39, 260 Yds, TD, INT, 6 Car, 35 Yds, TD *Player of the Game*
GB RB A.J. Dillon 11 Car, 49 Yds
GB WR Romeo Doubs 9 Rec, 83 Yds, TD
TB QB Baker Mayfield 16-28, 179 Yds, TD, INT
TB RB Chase Edmonds 10 Car, 89 Yds
TB RB Rachaad White 12 Car, 58 Yds, TD
TB WR Chris Godwin 6 Rec, 62 Yds
GB LB De'Vondre Campbell 6 Tckl, 2 Ast, Sack, FF, 2 PD
GB LB Quay Walker 4 Tckl, Ast, Sack, TFL
GB OLB Rashan Gary 5 Tckl, Sack, TFL
GB S Darnell Savage 8 Tckl, 6 Ast, PD
GB CB Jaire Alexander TFL, PD, INT
TB LB Lavonte David 8 Tckl, 4 Ast
TB OLB Cam Gill 8 Tckl, Ast, TFL, PD, INT
TB CB Jamel Dean 7 Tckl, 2 Ast, TFL, FF
TB DE Logan Hall 6 Tckl, 4 Ast, 3 Sacks, TFL
TB DT Vita Vea 6 Tckl, 3 Ast, 1.5 Sacks
TB S Ryan Neal 5 Tckl, Ast, 2 PD

NOTABLE GAMES:
LAC (8-6) 6 @ LV (9-5) 24 (LV QB Brian Hoyer 22-39, 321 Yds, 3 TD; LV RB Josh Jacobs 25 Car, 105 Yds; LV WR Davante Adams 10 Rec, 159 Yds, 2 TD; LV WR Jakobi Meyer 4 Rec, 89 Yds, TD; LAC QB Max Duggan 11-22, 148 Yds, INT *was benched in the fourth quarter down 24-6 and replaced by an injured Justin Herbert in a desperate effort to come back but Herbert wasn't himself playing with a bum knee*; LAC RB Austin Ekeler 12 Car, 52 Yds; LAC WR Josh Palmer 3 Rec, 134 Yds; LV LB Dorian Switzer 7 Tckl, 3 Ast, TFL, INT; LV DE Maxx Crosby 5 Tckl, 2 Ast, 1.5 Sacks, 4 Pressures, TFL; LV DT John Jenkins Sack, FF; LAC S Derwin James 14 Tckl, 4 Ast, 3 PD; LAC OLB Chris Rumph 7 Tckl, LAC CB Michael Davis Sack; LAC CB Asante Samuel 2 PD)
DAL (9-5) 20 @ BUF (10-4) 17 (DAL QB Dak Prescott 21-28, 253 Yds, TD; DAL RB Tony Pollard 15 Car, 135 Yds; DAL RB Deuce Vaughn 14 Car, 135 Yds, TD, 7 Rec 83 Yds; BUF QB Josh Allen 26-35, 325 Yds, 2 TD; BUF RB James Cook 13 Car, 60 Yds; BUF WR Gabe Davis 7 Rec, 90 Yds; DAL LB Leighton Vander Esch 8 Tckl, 2 Ast; DAL S Jayron Kearse 5 Tckl, 3 Ast, FF; DAL OLB Micah Parsons 4 Tckl, Ast, Sack, FR; DAL CB DaRon Bland 2 PD; BUF LB Chad Muma 9 Tckl, 5 Ast; BUF OLB Dorian Williams 9 Tckl, 3 Ast; BUF DE Gregory Rousseau 7 Tckl, 2 Ast, Sack; BUF DE Von Miller Sack)
MIN (8-6) 13 @ CIN (8-6) 27(CIN QB Graham Meng 17-25, 258 Yds, TD, INT; CIN RB Joe Mixon 17 Car, 106 Yds, TD; CIN WR Tee Higgins 3 Rec, 77 Yds, TD; MIN QB Nick Mullens 27-39, 347 Yds, TD *Kirk Cousins was seriously injured in the first quarter*; MIN RB Myles Gaskin 10 Car, 61 Yds; MIN WR Justin Jefferson 11 Rec, 153 Yds, TD; CIN LB Ike Resnick 7 Tckl, 3 Ast, Sack; CIN DT D.J. Reader 6 Tckl, 2 Ast, 2 Sacks, TFL, FF; CIN DT B.J. Hill FR, TD; CIN DE Joseph Ossai 2 Sacks; CIN CB Mike Hilton 2 PD; MIN LB Brian Asamoah 6 Tckl, Sack, FF; MIN DE James Lynch 4 Tckl, Ast, TFL, FF, FF; MIN S Harrison Smith 6 Tckl, 3 Ast, TFL, PD; MIN OLB D.J. Wonnum 5 Tckl, 3 Ast, Sack; MIN S Camryn Bynum PD, INT)
PIT (8--6) 13 @ IND (8-6) 30 (IND QB Gardner Minshew 21-35, 204 Yds, 3 TD; IND RB Deon Jackson 14 Car, 97 Yds; IND RB Jonathan Taylor 10 Car, 72 Yds; IND WR Michael Pittman 6 Rec, 61 Yds, 2 TD; PIT QB Mitch Trubisky 24-36, TD, INT; PIT WR Diontae Johnson 12 Rec, 145 Yds, TD; IND LB Zaire Franklin 15 Tckl, 3 Ast, 2 Sacks, FF; IND DT DeForest Buckner 6 Tckl, Sack, TFL; IND CB Julius Brents FR, INT; PIT LB Elandon Roberts 10 Tckl, 2 Ast; PIT LB Kwon Alexander 8 Tckl, 3 Ast, TFL)
BAL (9-5) 20 @ JAX (10-4) 19 (BAL QB Lamar Jackson 12-18, 111 Yds, TD, 11 Car, 55 Yds; BAL RB J.K. Dobbins 12 Car, 42 Yds; BAL WR Rashod Bateman 5 Rec, 40 Yds; BAL WR Odell Beckham Jr 2 Rec, 40 Yds, TD; JAX QB Trevor Lawrence 24-31, 262 Yds, INT; JAX RB Travis Etienne 15 Car, 44 Yds, TD; JAX WR Christian Kirk 5 Rec, 82 Yds; BAL S Kyle Hamilton 9 Tckl, 4 Ast, TFL, 2 PD; BAL S Marcus Williams 7 Tckl, 4 Ast, Sack, TFL; BAL DE Justin Madubuike 6 Tckl, 2 Ast, Sack, 3 Pressures, FF; BAL LB Roquan Smith 5 Tckl, 6 Ast, PD; BAL CB Rock Ya-Sin INT; JAX S Andre Cisco 8 Tckl, 2 Ast; JAX OLB Josh Allen 4 Tckl, Ast, 2 Sacks; JAX LB Foyesade Oluokon 2 Tckl, 4 Ast, TFL, 2 PD)

NOTABLE INJURIES:
MIN QB Kirk Cousins - Partial Achilles Tendon Tear
MIN DT Harrison Phillips - Torn Foot Ligament
CLE OT Jack Conklin - Major MCL Tear
CLE WR Marquise Goodwin - Major Thumb Ligament Tear
CLE DE Myles Garrett - Torn Ankle Ligament
CHI DT McTelvin Agim - Concussion
DEN CB Tremon Smith - Torn ACL
IND RB Jonathan Taylor - Sprained MCL
NYG RB Matt Breida - Compound Thigh Fracture
SEA CB Devon Witherspoon - Torn MCL
BAL OLB Tyus Bowser - Torn Thumb Ligament
BAL TE Isaiah Likely - Achilles Tendon Tear
BAL FB Patrick Ricard - Dislocated Shoulder
KC QB Patrick Mahomes - Sprained Elbow Ligament

[canuxrok]

John's Journal

Dec 20, 2023 -

What a game! What a drive by Carson Wentz! What a clutch stop by Tre Brown and the defense. Still neck and neck with the 49ers and the Rams are at our heels but with three winnable games to finish the season out there's a real chance we take the division now. That was huge. I have to admit that I disagreed with Pete on starting Wentz. I wanted to see Drew Lock and just have Wentz as an insurance policy while he learns the offense and acclimates to the team. But Pete was right, Carson has the tools and experience and he's going to be the guy leading us into the playoffs and hopefully further.

The doctors tell me that Witherspoon won't need surgery on his torn MCL but they do think that will always be a weak point for him in the future and he may never be quite the same, it all depends on the rehab. Hopefully he bounces back strong for next season, he's already become an elite starting cornerback this season and I'm counting on him locking down one side of the field for the next few years at least. It's going to hurt our defense not having him but Tre Brown had a statement game getting two interceptions against the Eagles. He'll be playing a lot more snaps now so hopefully he continues to make the most of his opportunities.

Apparently Quandre Diggs and Tyler Lockett are still quietly unhappy with the situation since the start of the season with Julian Love taking Diggs' starting spot. They're best friends and Lockett has taken Diggs' side in this. They're both leaders on this team and I'm thinking I may want to cut both of them and refresh the leadership group and locker room culture a bit in the offseason. Diggs has played great for us in key passing downs where we've been using him. Nick Bellore is apparently incensed that he isn't playing more. I may cut him in the offseason too, even though he's been valuable on special teams. I don't need him becoming a distraction.

Speaking of special teams, Tommy Hudson has been good there and I'm thinking I may try to re-sign him in the offseason. I'll have to let Fant walk but signing Hudson to be a TE3 and special teams specialist gives us good depth. I've decided to sign Colby Parkinson for another season. He'll have an $800k signing bonus and a $4 Million salary, which will work out to a $4.4 Million cap cost next season (some of the bonus comes out this year). So provided we can get Tommy Hudson to sign our TE room for next year is pretty set. Colby is a bit concerned about his current usage and playing time but he'll be TE2 next year and he seemed satisfied with that assurance. I've informed Noah Fant and his agent that we won't be pursuing a new contract for him.

I'm wondering if Carson Wentz plays well if we consider signing him in the offseason. I've already extended Lock and we have Geno under contract so likely not but we'll have to see just how well he plays. He has really good chemistry with Jaxon Smith-Njigba compared to our other QBs and also decent chemistry with Metcalf and I see those two as our future starting WRs. Ideally I'd like to pick up a young quarterback in the draft and let Geno and Lock mentor him for a year or two but we'll have to see how things play out with that.

We won't be picking first so Case Rosas out of Texas A&M isn't going to be an an option. He's the consensus number one and probably going to be a franchise QB despite his potential character issues. It's not a QB heavy draft at the top end, with Chris Cloward probably going mid to late first round - not super excited about him anyways. Smaller hand size, can make all the throws but he runs a sloppy two minute drill and can't make plays when the pocket breaks down. Chase Munguia from Louisiana State is slated to go late first early second. He's intriguing at least, 6'5" and 10 and a half inch hands, protects the ball well but doesn't have the arm to make the deep throws. Good mechanics though and lots of room to improve. A guy to maybe take a late round flyer on would be Wally Wasik from SoCal. He's only 6'0" but has 10 5/8" hands. He tested the second highest on the QB IQ test, doesn't throw many interceptions and has excellent footwork and mechanics, which bodes well for his development. He's definitely a wild card, could be a home run or a total flop. An even smaller QB to keep an eye on is the very athletic Mack Dieterich of Kent State. He'll likely go undrafted and if we don't draft anyone he's a guy to consider giving a shot in training camp. Right now I'm not expecting to find a franchise QB at where we'll be drafting in this draft so I'm leaning towards taking a flyer on somebody in the late rounds and if he doesn't pop we'll try again next year.

[canuxrok]

Week 16, Seattle Seahawks (8-6) @ Tennessee Titans (7-7)

Weather: Sunny, 53 degrees, 3 mph wind

Injury Report:

SEATTLE
QB Geno Smith OUT (IR)
DE Mario Edwards OUT (IR)
CB Devon Witherspoon OUT
OLB Uchenna Nwosu DOUBTFUL (Inactive)
DE Dre'Mont Jones DOUBTFUL (Inactive)
OLB Darrell Taylor QUESTIONABLE
OLB Tyreke Smith PROBABLE
RB Zach Charbonnet PROBABLE

TENNESSEE
WR Treylon Burks OUT (IR)
WR Nick Westbrook-Ikhine OUT (IR)
WR Chris Moore OUT (IR)
CB Sean Murphy-Bunting OUT (IR)
DE Denico Autry OUT
OLB Harold Landry DOUBTFUL (Inactive)
LB Monty Rice DOUBTFUL
OLB Rashad Weaver QUESTIONABLE
WR Kyle Philips QUESTIONABLE (Inactive)
QB Malik Willis PROBABLE
P Ryan Stonehouse PROBABLE

Point Spread: Tennessee by 1.

Starting Quarterbacks:

Seattle - Carson Wentz (49-76, 64.5%, 500 Yds, TD, 3 INT, 71.1 QBR)

Tennessee - Ryan Tannehill (118-223, 52.9%, 1382 Yds, 8 TD, 3 INT, 78.3 QBR)

Recap:

1st Quarter
Seattle receives the opening kickoff but the very first play from scrimmage Wentz is sack and fumbles it. Tennesse recovers it on the Seattle 19. Three running plays move the ball to the 6 yard line and Ryan Tannehill finds RB Derrick Henry in the end zone to capitalize off the the early turnover. Tennessee 7, Seattle 0. Seattle would move the ball on their next drive, picking up three first downs before being stopped on a 3rd and 11 from the Tennessee 26. Jason Myers came out and hit the 42 yard field goal. Tennessee 7, Seattle 3. Seattle's defense forced a three and out when Darrell Taylor sacked Tannehill to turn a second and short into 3rd and 7 and Tannehill's third down throw was incomplete. The Seahawks picked up a first down but were stymied after that and punted it back. A 16 yard pass to RB Tyjae Spears got the Titans moving on their next drive. They converted a 3rd and 2 to keep the drive going and picked up another first down on the ground. An 18 yard completion to WR DeAndre Hopkins gave them a first down at the Seattle 27.

2nd Quarter
They moved the ball on the ground, picking up another first down in the red zone before Ryan Tannehill closed out the drive with a six yard touchdown pass to Hopkins. Tennessee 14, Seattle 3. On their next possession Seattle moved the ball well, getting a first down on third and seven with a short pass to DeeJay Dallas that went for 19 yards. Dallas would pick up another first down through the air and one on the ground and on a 3rd and 5 from Tennessee's 28 yard line Wentz found Bobo just past the sticks to move the chains. A playaction pass to Metcalf moved them to the ten but after having passes batted down at the line on second and third down Seattle was forced to kick the field goal and Myers made no mistake on the 19 yard chip shot. Tennessee 14, Seattle 6. On the Titans next drive a pass interference flag on CB Coby Bryant gave them the ball at the Seattle 38. A few plays later Tannehill found DeAndre Hopkins open and Hopkins took it the rest of the way for a 21 yard touchdown. Tennessee 21, Seattle 6. The Seahawks took the ball with 3:09 left in the half and down two scores already. Wentz moved it downfield quickly, completing multiple passes to Will Dissly and D.K. Metcalf, getting help from a Tennessee roughing penalty and surviving a D.K. fumble when Nick Bellore fell on the ball to recover it for Seattle and keep the drive alive. Dissly caught a ten yard pass to set up a first and goal at the two minute warning and Wentz went back D.K. in the end zone for their first touchdown. Tennessee 21, Seattle 13. The Titans tried to get another score before the half was out but when Ryan Tannehill was sacked by OLB Derick Hall and DE Mike Morris they instead let the half run out.

3rd Quarter
The Titans would start with the ball. They made a couple of third down conversions on passes to Derrick Henry and TE Trevon Wesco to keep their drive moving. On first down Tannehill connected on the screen pass to Henry but after gaining five yards he was stripped by Coby Bryant and Derick Hall pounced on the ball for Seattle to regain possession at their own 34. The Seahawks couldn't do much with their good fortune, picking up one first down on a 3rd and 9 handoff to DeeJay Dallas that gained 13 yards before being stopped when CB Roger McCreary defended a third down pass to Lockett. Dickson's punt bounced out of the end zone for a touchback. Tennesse wasted no time moving the ball towards Seattle territory with Tannehill firing a pass to WR Joe Reed for 18 yards to get the drive going. On 2nd and 5 Tannehill would complete a short pass to Tyjae Spears who would use his legs to get past the first down marker but when Woolen stepped in to tackle him Spears fumbled it and Seattle's Julian Love recovered the ball and returned it to midfield. Wentz was sacked by DT Naquan Jones to start the drive off but a 9 yard run by Kenneth Walker and then a 12 yard completion to Tyler Lockett on third down got them going the right direction. After a Kenneth Walker fumble was recovered by Jaxon Smith-Njigba DeeJay Dallas gained two yards on 3rd and 1 to move the sticks. On 3rd and 11 Carson Wentz threw a screen pass to Lockett and Lockett gained 17 yards on the play to get a first and goal at the 9. On 3rd down from the eight Wentz scrambled with it and scored. He passed to D.K. Metcalf for the two point convert. Tennessee 21, Seattle 21.

4th Quarter
The Titans first series of the fourth quarter found them at 3rd and 2 on their first set of downs. On the playaction pass Ryan Tannehill was intercepted by LB Devin Bush and Seattle set up shop from the Tennessee 29. The Seahawks had to battle their way forward, converting a 4th and 1 on a quarterback sneak and a third and one with a Kenneth Walker run around left end that brought out the chain gang to confirm it was enough. On third and goal from the five Carson Wentz found Jaxon Smith-Njigba open in the end zone for a touchdown. Seattle 28, Tennessee 21. The Titans answered back with a long drive, moving the ball 71 yards in 12 plays and getting a key 29 yard catch on 3rd and long from TE Trevon Wesco to set up a first and goal on the 6. The scoring play was a swing pass to RB Derrick Henry for the 6 yard TD. Seattle 28, Tennessee 28. Seattle took over with 3:09 left in the game but after Wentz was sacked by DT Teair Tart on second down they went three and out and punted it away. Dickson's 58 yard punt and Nick Bellore's tackle after only a 4 yard return gave Tennessee a starting field position at their own 19. They picked up a first down at the two minute warning. After a sack by DT Jarran Reed on first down pushed them back they picked up the first down on a 15 yard pass to DeAndre Hopkins and followed that up with a 17 yard pass to WR Joe Reed. After three straight incompletions they were forced to attempt the 54 yard field goal but Nick Folk missed it wide left and Seattle took over with 47 seconds left at their own 44. After two incompletions Carson Wentz found Nick Bellore on third down for a 17 yard completion setting up a 56 yard field goal attempt for Jason Myers with four seconds on the clock but he missed wide left and to overtime we go.

Overtime
Seattle wins the toss and starts with the ball. They move it consistently down the field, getting a critical first down on 3rd and 5 when Nick Bellore catches an 11 yard pass to keep their drive moving. A 29 yard playaction pass to Tyler Lockett got them into field goal range but in three plays they moved it only seven yards so Jason Myers would come out on 4th and 3 and make the 29 yard field goal to put them ahead. Seattle 31, Tennessee 28. The Titans needed a field goal to tie or a touchdown to win. They picked up a first down after two short passes and on first and ten from their 39 Tannehill went for another short pass but was intercepted by Jamal Adams at the 43. Game over, Seahawks win in overtime.

Final Score: Seattle 31, Tennessee 28.

Summary:

Three key turnovers in a row by the Titans to start the second half turned the momentum around as Seattle picked up 15 points off those turnovers. Fittingly, in overtime it was another turnover that sealed the deal for the Seahawks when Jamal Adams ended the Titans drive with an interception.

The player of the game was Carson Wentz, going 32-41 for 308 yards and 2 touchdowns, finishing with a 114.2 QB Rating. His counterpart Ryan Tannehill had a good game overall, going 28-37 for 298 yards, 4 touchdowns and 2 interceptions, finishing with a QB Rating of 112.2. Lockett had 117 receiving yards for Seattle on 9 catches while Metcalf had a touchdown and 42 yards on 8 catches. Kenneth Walker carried it 22 times for 64 yards as Seattle stuck with the run. Derrick Henry, Julius Chestnut and Tyjae Spears combined for 108 yards rushing for Tennessee. DeAndre Hopkins had 7 catches for 70 yards and 2 touchdowns and Derrick Henry added to his 43 yards on the ground with 50 yards and 2 touchdowns on six receptions.

Defense Stats:

SEATTLE
LB Bobby Wagner 10 Tckl
S Julian Love 6 Tckl, Ast, FR
OLB Derick Hall 5 Tckl, Ast, 0.5 Sacks
DT Jarran Reed 4 Tckl, Sack
OLB Darrell Taylor Sack, FR
LB Devin Bush INT
S Jamal Adams PD, INT
CB Coby Bryant FF
CB Riq Woolen FF
FB Nick Bellore 3 ST Tckl

TENNESSEE
S Amani Hooker 11 Tckl, Ast, FF
LB Azeez Al-Shaair 8 Tckl, 4 Ast, 0.5 Sacks, 2 TFL
S Kevin Byard 8 Tckl, 3 Ast, TFL, FF
LB Jack Gibbens 7 Tckl, Ast, TFL
OLB Trevis Gipson 3 Tckl, 2 Ast, Sack, 3 Pressures, FF
DT Teair Tart 3 Tckl, 2 Ast, 1.5 Sacks, 4 Pressures
DT Naquan Jones Sack

[canuxrok]

Week 16 NFL News

GAME of the WEEK:
DET (7-8) 37 @ MIN (8-7) 31
DET QB Jared Goff (25-40, 377 Yds, 4 TD, INT, 116.3 QBR *Player of the Game*
DET RB Zonovan Knight 5 Car, 75 Yds
DET WR Amon-Ra St. Brown 8 Rec, 147 Yds, 3 TD
DET TE Sam LaPorta 5 Rec, 95 Yds
MIN QB Nick Mullens 25-37, 294 Yds, 3 TD, INT, 107.2 QBR
MIN RB Alexander Mattison 11 Car, 86 Yds
MIN WR Justin Jefferson 11 Rec, 118 Yds, TD
MIN WR Jordan Addison 8 Rec, 90 Yds, 2 TD
DET S Chauncey Gardner-Johnson 7 Tckl, 2 Ast, PD, FR, INT
DET LB Elliott Heine 7 Tckl, 3 Ast, FF
DET DT Isaiah Buggs 4 Tckl, Sack, FF
DET DT John Cominsky FR, TD
DET DL Aidan Hutchinson 2 Sacks
DET CB Cameron Sutton 3 PD
MIN S Harrison Smith 6 Tckl, Ast, TFL, INT
MIN OLB D.J. Wonnum 8 Tckl, 3 Ast, Sack
MIN OLB Danielle Hunter 3 Pressures
MIN CB Andrew Booth 2 PD

NOTABLE GAMES:
IND (9-6) 23 @ ATL (8-7) 14 (IND QB Gardner Minshew 17-27, 168 Yds, INT; IND WR Michael Pittman 7 Rec, 98 Yds; ATL QB Taylor Heinicke 28-46, 257 Yds, 2 TD, 3 INT; ATL TE Kyle Pitts 8 Rec, 88 Yds, 2 TD; IND LB Zaire Franklin 7 Tckl, 6 Ast; IND CB Julius Brents 6 Tckl, 2 Ast, Sack, 2 PD, INT, FF; IND DE Dayo Odeyingbo 0.5 Sacks, FF, FR; IND S Henry Black PD, INT, FR; IND CB Dallis Flowers INT, TD; ATL CB Mike Hughes INT; ATL S Jessie Bates 3 Tckl, 3 Ast, 2 PD; ATL S Richie Grant 3 Tckl, 4 Ast, 2 PD; ATL LB Lionel Willkens 8 Tckl, Ast, PD)
JAX (10-5) 16 @ TB (8-7) 24 (TB QB Baker Mayfield 18-22, 186 Yds, TD; TB RB Rachaad White 19 Car, 79 Yds, TD, 2 Rec, 11 Yds, TD; JAX QB C.J. Beathard 10-16, 121 Yds, TD *Replaced Lawrence in the 3rd quarter down 24-6*; JAX WR Tim Jones 8 Rec, 96 Yds, TD; TB CB Jamel Dean PD, INT, TD; TB OLB Cam Gill 10 Tckl, Ast, PD; TB OLB Joe Tryon-Shoyinka 5 Tckl, Ast, Sack, TFL; JAX OLB Josh Allen 9 Tckl, Sack, FF; JAX OLB Travon Walker 6 Tckl, Ast, Sack)
BAL (9-6) 13 @ SF (9-6) 44 (SF QB Brock Purdy 17-25, 351 Yds, 2 TD; SF RB Elijah Mitchell 17 Car, 80 Yds, 2 TD; SF RB Christian McCaffrey 19 Car, 73 Yds, TD, 3 Rec, 33 Yds; SF WR Deebo Samuel 5 Rec, 149 Yds, 2 TD; BAL QB Tyler Huntley 10-11, 188 Yds, TD *Replaced Lamar Jackson to start the 4th quarter down 34-6, Lamar had just had four consecutive 3 and outs*; BAL WR Odell Beckham Jr 2 Rec, 93 Yds; BAL TE Mark Andrews 4 Rec, 51 Yds, TD; SF LB Fred Warner 8 Tckl, 3 Ast, Sack, TFL, FF; SF DT Javon Hargrave 1.5 Sacks; SF DE Clelin Ferrell 2 Sacks, 4 Pressures; SF CB Charvarius Ward 2 PD; BAL LB Roquan Smith 7 Tckl, 2 Ast)
CIN (8-7) 9 @ PIT (9-6) 16 (PIT QB Mitch Trubisky 29-41, 277 Yds, INT; PIT WR Diontae Johnson 11 Rec, 139 Yds; CIN QB Graham Meng 9-15, 111 Yds, INT *Injured near the end of the 3rd quarter*; CIN RB Joe Mixon 13 Car, 38 Yds, TD, Rec, 19 Yds; PIT S Keanu Neal 5 Tckl, 2 Ast, 2 TFL; PIT OLB Alex Highsmith Sack; PIT DE Cameron Heyward Sack; PIT CB Patrick Peterson PD, INT; PIT CB Levi Wallace INT; CIN DE Trey Hendrickson 10 Tckl, Ast; CIN LB Ike Resnick 8 Tckl, 2 Ast; CIN S Hamsah Nasirildeen 7 Tckl, 4 Ast, 2 TFL, INT; CIN OLB Akeem Davis-Gaither 6 Tckl, 3 Ast, TFL, FF; CIN DT B.J. Hill 5 Tckl, 2 Ast, Sack, TFL; CIN CB Chidobe Awuzie 3 PD, FF)
DAL (10-5) 31 @ MIA (9-6) 22 (DAL QB Dak Prescott 31-33, 276 Yds, 3 TD; DAL RB Tony Pollard 20 Car, 89 Yds; DAL WR CeeDee Lamb 10 Rec, 113 Yds, 2 TD; MIA QB Mike White 23-31, 373 Yds, 3 TD, INT *replaced Tua Tagovailoa near the beginning of the third quarter after a Tua pick six put them down 31-0*; MIA WR Cedrick Wilson 5 Rec, 209 Yds; MIA WR Tyreek Hill 9 Rec, 92 Yds, TD; DAL S Donovan Wilson 6 Tckl, 2 Ast, TFL; DAL DE Osa Odighizuwa 5 Tckl, 3 Ast, 2 Sack; DAL CB DaRon Bland PD, INT; DAL CB Stephon Gilmore INT, TD; MIA S Jevon Holland 10 Tckl; MIA LB Jerome Baker 7 Tckl, TFL; MIA LB Duke Riley 7 Tckl, Ast; MIA OLB Bradley Chubb 2 Tckl, 5 Ast, Sack)

NOTABLE INJURIES:
NO OG Spencer Anderson - Sprained LCL
CIN DE Joseph Ossai - Quadriceps Tear
CIN CB Mike Hilton - Sprained MCL
CIN QB Graham Meng - Bruised Thumb
HOU TE Brevin Jordan - Major ACL Tear (Career Threatening)
BUF RB James Cook - Partial Patellar Tendon Tear
SEA OLB Derick Hall - Partial Biceps Tear
TEN DT Naquan Jones - Torn LCL
JAX RB Travis Etienne - Sprained Ankle
MIA WR Jaylen Waddle - Sprained Ankle
DEN OLB Dana Lumpkin - Torn Groin Muscle
PHI CB James Bradberry - Strained Back Muscle
PHI WR Joseph Ngata - Hamstring Tear
BAL CB Siran Neal - Partial Achilles Tendon Tear

[canuxrok]

Week 16 NFL Storylines

Josh Allen is healthy, look out
Buffalo was the first team to get to 11 wins this year. They weathered the storm of missing their star QB earlier in the year and now Josh Allen is back and he is rolling. He leads the league in QB Rating and Buffalo is looking dangerous between Allen leading their offense and Von Miller dominating offensive lines on the other side of the ball.

AFC North is totally up in the air still
Cleveland leads the division at 10-5, Baltimore currently has the tiebreak over Pittsburgh but they're both 9-6 and the Bengals are at 8-7 despite missing Joe Burrow for most of the year. This division should come down to the last week of the year with Baltimore playing Pittsburgh and Cleveland playing Cincinnati. Anything could happen.

Brian Hoyer's year in Vegas
In a division with Patrick Mahomes, Justin Herbert and Russell Wilson it's looking more and more like the only team to make the playoffs will be Brian Hoyer's Raiders. Now their success does have a lot to do with a defense that has allowed the second fewest points per game in the NFL, but Hoyer is fourth in the league in passing yards and third in touchdowns.

Jacksonville faltering?
The league's best defense in points allowed has given up 20 or more in three of their last four games and the Jags have lost two in a row, slackening their grip on the top spot in the AFC South and allowing Indianapolis to creep up on them. Safety Andre Cisco is currently listed as doubtful for next week's New Year's Eve matchup agains the Panthers, they will hope he can get healthy enough to play and perform, he leads their team in tackles.

Minshew leading Colts towards playoffs
Since Gardner Minshew has returned to health and resumed his duties as starting quarterback the Colts are 4-2 and have climbed into serious playoff contention. They will have to contend with the 10-5 Las Vegas Raiders next week but a victory there would put them in a good position to make the playoffs. Indianapolis is top 5 in the NFL in both total yards and yards allowed, and top 3 in both rushing yards and rushing yards allowed, but they have the second worst turnover ratio in the league at -13 and if they want to be taken seriously Gardner Minshew (tied for a league worst 16 interceptions) is going to have to protect the ball well in the next couple of games.

Heavyweights in the NFC East
The only two ten win teams in the NFC are both in the East Division. Philadelphia and Dallas are also 1 and 2 in the league in points scored. Dallas holds the tiebreak and if things stay as they are it will be Philly in the top wild card spot while the Cowboys claim the division but with two weeks to go a lot can still happen. Dak Prescott is having an MVP calibre season for the Cowboys, 2nd in the NFL in QB Rating and Passing yards, 1st in the NFL in Passing TDs and only 3 interceptions all season - he hasn't thrown an interception since Week 10, that's 160 straight pass attempts without an INT and that's his second best stretch of the season, he went 184 attempts through five games earlier in the year. Dallas has won five straight games after a slow start while the Eagles have faltered lately.

Is Detroit still in it?
After struggling early in the season the Lions looked out of it with a 3-6 record but were coming on strong when they lost two in three weeks to mostly end their chances but they just beat division leader Minnesota and play them again at the end of the year. They have an incredibly tough test coming up, going into Dallas to take on the red hot Cowboys, but there are still scenarios where they beat the Vikings in the last week of the season and sneak into the playoffs as the top seed in the NFC North. Jared Goff still leads the league in passing yards.

Can the Falcons pull up out of their nose dive in time to still make the playoffs?
Atlanta was 8-3 and looking like a shoo in for the top seed in the NFC South when the wheels (or wings) came off. They've been in a four game tailspin and Tampa Bay has taken over the division lead on a tiebreaker. The Falcons have two road games to end the year but both are winnable, against the Bears and the Saints. Can Taylor Heinicke turn things back around? After throwing only four interceptions through the first 13 weeks of the season he has 4 in his past three games, including three last game against Indianapolis. Atlanta is hoping that outing was an aberration.

NFC West is hot
After the Seahawks lost Geno Smith the NFC West was absolutely up for grabs and the 49ers and Rams are both gunning for that top spot but Seattle has won 2 in a row with Carson Wentz at the helm to stay on top for now. Whoever loses first might be out in this division. The Rams have fought their way back into the conversation without Matthew Stafford as Dwayne Woodruff is second in the NFL in passing TDs and their last two wins have been blowouts. Is Woodruff settling into running an NFL offense just in time for the playoffs? Aaron Donald continues to wreck backfields with 11.5 sacks so far this season.

[canuxrok]

Seattle Seahawks Week 17 Preview

Opponent: Pittsburgh Steelers (9-6)

Injury Report:

PITTSBURGH
C Mason Cole OUT (IR)
S Minkah Fitzpatrick OUT (IR)
DE Cameron Heyward OUT
WR Allen Robinson DOUBTFUL (Inactive)
CB Desmond King QUESTIONABLE
TE Pat Freiermuth PROBABLE

SEATTLE
DE Mario Edwards OUT (IR)
QB Geno Smith OUT (IR)
OLB Derick Hall OUT
CB Devon Witherspoon OUT
DE Dre'Mont Jones QUESTIONABLE (Inactive)
RB Zach Charbonnet PROBABLE
OLB Tyreke Smith PROBABLE
OLB Darrell Taylor PROBABLE

Point Spread: Pittsburgh by 1

Starting Quarterbacks:

Pittsburgh - Mason Rudolph (163-256, 63.7%, 1771 Yds, 9 TD, 6 INT, 85.9 QBR)

Seattle - Carson Wentz (81-117, 69.2%, 808 Yds, 3 TD, 3 INT, 86.4 QBR)

Matchup to Watch:

PIT OLB T.J. Watt (7.5 Sacks, 28 Pressures, 4 TFL, 2 FF, FR) vs. SEA LT Charles Cross (8 sacks allowed, 96.2% pass protection, 20/67 on key run block opportunites)

Keys to Success:

PITTSBURGH

• Spread the ball around on offense
• Make sure to give Mason Rudolph time to get comfortable and settle into his rhythym
• Bring the heat and pressure Carson Wentz into bad throws

SEATTLE

• Stick with Kenneth Walker III and the ground game
• Protect the ball, avoid turnovers at all costs
• Eliminate the run early and get ahead so the defense can focus on stopping the pass

Preview:

Mason Rudolph returns for Pittsburgh. Trubisky managed while Rudolph was out but they are still excited to have their primary signal caller back in action.

The Steelers have struggled to protect their QBs this year and they greatly miss center Mason Cole directing their offensive line. They have allowed 3.2 Sacks per game. Maybe just what the anemic Seahawks pass rush needs as they have managed only 2.3 Sacks per game and are in the bottom third of the league in that regard.

Charles Cross won't have to contend with Steelers sack leader Cam Heyward as he's out due to a broken jaw but he will have T.J. Watt coming at him as the weak side edge rusher. Watt has had a statistical down year by his standards, he was injured in a physical divisional matchup against the Ravens in week 5 and though he only missed a week he hasn't looked quite the same and took longer to return to form than he did to return to the lineup. Still, he has a fearsome reputation as one of the best edge rushers in the league. Charles Cross has struggled lately in pass protection, seven of the eight sacks he has allowed this season have come in his past eight games. It is perhaps not shocking that in that eight game stretch his Seahawks have a 3-5 record. He has missed on a disappointing 3.8 percent of his pass block opportunities.

Kenneth Walker has had an up and down season but with 920 rushing yards so far he has sthe opportunity with a good game against the Steelers to crack the 1000 yard mark on the year. DeeJay Dallas has been a revelation this year, running for 521 yards in a backup role and earning more snaps than second round pick Zach Charbonnet. Dallas has also proven dangerous in the return game, running one punt back to the house already this season.

Carson Wentz has been settling in for Seattle and looks a lot more comfortable in that offense than he did a couple weeks ago but he will have to be on his guard against this ball hawking Pittsburgh secondary. Cornerbacks Levi Wallace and Patrick Peterson have shown their quality all season and have racked up a combined nine interceptions between them.

No matter who is throwing the ball for Pittsburgh Diontae Johnson has emerged as the prime receiving target, with 67 catches for 925 yards to lead all Steeler receivers by a significant margin. They would like to be getting more production from sophomore George Pickens who has struggled to find consistency or chemistry with Mason Rudolph. Pickens has game breaking talent and though he has caught five TD passes this year he has only accumulated 35 receptions on 67 targets and is averaging 10 yards per reception. It would really open up their offense if he could get going to give Rudolph another dangerous option on the outside. TE Pat Freiermuth has been reliable for them all year, catching 53 passes for 542 yards and 3 TDs but he's a bit banged up today and they may try to limit his snaps by giving rookie Darnell Washington more playing time.

This should be a close game that could come down to the final possession. Both of these teams need this win badly to go into the final week of the season in a favourable playoff position. Both of these teams find themselves in very competitive divisions and whoever loses may find themselves on the ropes when it comes to making the playoffs.

[canuxrok]

Week 17, Pittsburgh Steelers (9-6) @ Seattle Seahawks (9-6)

Weather: Sunny, 46 degrees

Recap:

1st Quarter
The Steelers start with the ball. Their first play from scrimmage is a pass to RB Najee Harris that goes for 43 yards and moves the ball to the Seattle 30. After Diontae Johnson made a clutch 9 yard catch over the middle for a first down on third and nine the Steelers had a first and goal from the 2. Najee Harris was stuffed on two plays, gaining only one yard but on 3rd down from the one Pittsburgh punched it in with the quarterback sneak from Mason Rudolph. Chris Boswell missed the extra point wide left. Pittsburgh 6, Seattle 0. Seattle set out to answer back but after T.J. Watt sacked Carson Wentz on second down the Seahawks failed to move the sticks and Dickson came out to punt. Pittsburgh would start from their own 32. They moved the ball steadily forward, getting a big 24 yard run from Harris and picking up four first downs beore being stopped on 3rd and 7 and the Seattle ten yard line when Riq Woolen knocked away a pass intended for Diontae Johnson. Boswell came out and hit the 27 yard field goal. Pittsburgh 9, Seattle 0. The Seahawks picked up a couple first downs on passes to Will Dissly and Tyler Lockett but would go into the second quarter facing a 3rd and 9.

2nd Quarter
Metcalf was open on the playaction pass on third down but he dropped the pass and Seattle would be forced to punt. Dickson's punt bounced to the five yard line before it was downed by Nick Bellore. The Seahawks defense forced a three and out and Pressley Harvin botched his punt, kicking it only 25 yards. Seattle would take over at the Pittsburgh 31. They would gain only 7 yards on three plays and Jason Myers missed the 41 yard field goal attempt wide left. The Steelers went three and out again, with Mason Rudolph being sacked twice, on first down by Uchenna Nwosu and on third down by Boye Mafe and Mike Morris. Seattle takes over at their 39 after the punt. Zach Charbonnet had a clutch nine yard run on 3rd and 2 to keep the drive alive. The Seahawks also picked up a first down on a 14 yard pass over the middle to TE Noah Fant and another one on a 2 yard run on third and one by Kenneth Walker. Nick Bellore caught a fifteen yard pass to move the ball to the 2 yard line. On first and goal Wentz was sacked by DE Isaiahh Loudermilk. On second down from the six Wentz hit Metcalf in the end zone for the score. Pittsburgh 9, Seattle 7. A 41 yard pass to Miles Boykin helped the Steelers move the ball down to the Seattle nine. Boykin caught an 8 yard pass down to the one and then Rudolph found WR George Pickens open in the endzone for a 1 yard touchdown. Pittsburgh 16, Seattle 7. After two incompletions Carson Wentz moved Seattle into the two minute warning with some momentum when he completed a pass to D.K. Metcalf to get to midfield. After the two minute warning he looked to Metcalf again but veteran cornerback Patrick Peterson came up with the big interception. Pittsburgh would move the ball back to midfield but Mason Rudolph was sacked by a blitzing Julian Love on third down to end the half.

3rd Quarter
Seattle starts the half with the ball. On a second and 15 Carson Wentz completes a pass to Jaxon Smith-Njigba for a 22 yard gain and a first down. A face masking penalty on the Steelers gave Seattle another first down and on third and ten at the Pittsburgh 27 yet another first down by penalty was gifted to the Seahawks when S Keanu Neal was flagged for defensive holding. Seattle was unable to sustain their drive any longer when Lockett dropped a pass on third down and Jason Myers came out and hit the 37 yard field goal to bring the Seahawks within a score. Pittsburgh 16, Seattle 10. The Steelers would scratch and claw their way to two first downs with a couple of third down conversions on the next drive but when LB Devin Bush blew up a Najee Harris run in the backfield on third down the Steelers would have to send out the punt team. DeeJay Dallas muffed the catch but managed to recover the ball at the Seattle 7. After gaining a first down thanks to a defensive holding flag Seattle came up flat and Dickson had to punt it away from his own five. The Steelers fair caught the punt at midfield and took over with the ball. They picked up a first down on a 12 yard pass to Darnell Washington and then were the beneficiaries of a Defensive Holding flag the other way when Riq Woolen was called.

4th Quarter
On a 3rd and 7 Mason Rudolph found FB Irving Belvin for a 13 yard gain. On 2nd and 9 Mason Rudolph ran a playaction and completed the pass to Diontae Johnson for the 13 yard touchdown. On the two point convert he would find rookie TE Darnell Washington in the end zone. Pittsburgh 24, Seattle 10. Down by two scores, Seattle went three and out. Pittsburgh started their next drive from the Seattle 43 after a good return. A seven yard run on third down by Najee Harris moved the sticks and got them into field goal range. They picked up another first down into the red zone when Miles Boykin caught a pass for 13 yards. On 3rd and 7 from the Seattle 16 Boye Mafe hurried Mason Rudolph's throw and it fell incomplete. Chris Boswell attempted the 33 yard field goal and was successful. Pittsburgh 27, Seattle 10. The Seahawks weren't about to give up. The first play of their next drive was a 46 yard bomb to Jaxon Smith-Njigba. On 4th and 9 from the Pittsburgh 28 after being sacked on third down Carson Wentz completed a ten yard pass to DeeJay Dallas to keep the drive going. A sack on first down by DE DeMarvin Leal pushed them back to 2nd and 20 and after an incompletion it was 3rd and 20. An 11 yard pass to Metcalf set up another 4th and 9. This time Carson Wentz scrambled for the fourth down, gaining 13 yards down to the four. On 2nd and goal Wentz connected with Noah Fant for a four yard touchdown but the two point convert attempt failed when Kenneth Walker was stopped short by Armon Watts. Pittsburgh 27, Seattle 16. The Seahawks defense showed up for the next series, stopping three straight runs for only six total yards and forcing a punt. Seattle took over at their 31 with 4:18 to play in the game. Carson Wentz ran a slick hurry up offense, completing passes to D.K. for 24 yards, Smith-Njigba for 13 yards, Dissly for 12 and Walker for 9 all in less than a minute. He was sacked on second down by S Keanu Neal to set up a 3rd and 7 from the Pittsburgh 17 but he found Metcalf on a short pass and Metcalf made sure to get the first down, moving the ball to the nine yard line. After a 3 yard run by Kenneth Walker Carson Wentz completed a pass to Will Dissly for six yards and a touchdown. Seattle again failed the two point convert, this time giving the ball to Zach Charbonnet but he too was stuffed by DE Armon Watts. Pittsburgh 27, Seattle 22. At the two minute warning it was 2nd and 8 for Pittsburgh from their own 32. Seattle made two consecutive stops for only a yard and used two of their timeouts. Pressley Harvin punted it only 28 yards and Dallas fair caught it at the Seattle 38 with 92 seconds left on the clock. The drive started well with a 22 yard catch by Will Dissly but then three straight incompletions put Seattle into a 4th and 10. Wentz was in trouble on the play and threw to his checkdown, DeeJay Dallas, at the line of scrimmage and S Keanu Neal was all over it to make the tackle for no gain. The ball would go over on downs and the Steelers would run out the clock for the win.

Final Score: Pittsburgh 27, Seattle 22.

Summary:

The Seahawks spotted the Steelers an early lead and just never caught up. At the end of the day when they had a chance for a last minute drive to win it Wentz threw three straight incompletions and then a 0 yard pass on fourth down. Mason Rudolph earned player of the game honours, going 22-32 for 241 yards and 2 touchdowns. Diontae Johnson was his favourite target, catching 7 passes for 65 yards and a touchdown. Najee Harris was their best weapon, gaining 130 yards from scrimmage. Seattle failed to generate any kind of run game, managing only 36 yards on 17 carries between their three runningbacks. Wentz was 28-45 for 288 yards, 3 touchdowns and an interception. Metcalf had 87 yards receiving and a touchdown on 9 catches while Lockett was double covered much of the game and limited to 16 yards. Wentz was sacked five times and Seattle sacked Rudolph 3 times.

Defensive Stats:

PITTSBURGH
S Keanu Neal 8 Tckl, 3 Ast, Sack, TFL
LB Elandon Roberts 6 Tckl, 3 Ast, PD
OLB T.J. Watt 4 Tckl, Ast, Sack, TFL
DE DeMarvin Leal Sack, 3 Pressures
CB Patrick Peterson INT
CB Levi Wallace 2 PD
S Damontae Kazee 5 Tckl, 2 PD

SEATTLE
LB Bobby Wagner 9 Tckl, PD
OLB Boye Mafe 9 Tckl, 0.5 Sacks, 5 Pressures, FF
DE Myles Adams 6 Tckl, Ast, TFL
S Julian Love 3 Tckl, 3 Ast, Sack
OLB Uchenna Nwosu 3 Tckl, 2 Ast, Sack
LB Devin Bush 3 Tckl, TFL