Russell Wilson’s sluggish return dooms Seahawks’ season
Russell Wilson’s return from injury hasn’t panned out like anyone in Seattle had hoped. After a miraculous recovery from a finger injury, Wilson and the Seahawks are 0-3, losing to the Packers, Cardinals and Football Team — essentially ending all playoff hopes.
The Hawks’ most recent 17-15 loss in the Nation’s Capital was a crippling blow, particularly given Russell Wilson’s level of play.
Wilson had several opportunities to capitalize of open receivers but missed his chance too often. Perhaps the Wisconsin product isn’t fully healed from last month’s surgery. Though Seattle head coach Pete Carroll refused to be drawn on excuses after the loss.
“The film doesn’t lie, you know. We’re missing some stuff,” Carroll said postgame. “I don’t know what to make of it. Other than the fact we got to keep battling and keep trying to figure it out. I felt like there’s some guys open tonight with some chances and unfortunately didn’t pick it up.”
The Seahawks’ offense were inefficient all evening, going 4/12 on third down, unable to keep the ball and in turn, pouring pressure on their defense. Crucially, Seattle were destroyed in the time of possession battle, with Washington holding the ball for 41:40 of 60 minutes.
Seattle had just 49 offensive plays last week against Arizona and outdid themselves on Monday Night Football, reaching a new season-low of 45.
Wilson too, has struggled, completing just 56.1% of his passes since his return in Week 10. The Seahawks have scored a total of 28 points over the last three games — an average of just over 9 points per game.
“He needs to make his plays when he gets his chances,” Carroll said. of Wilson “I can’t imagine that he won’t. I can’t imagine that he won’t get it done.”
Russ may well improve on his current showings — it’s almost inevitable. Though it does seem too little, too late with the Hawks sitting two games outside the NFC’s final wildcard spot. Startlingly, the Detroit Lions are the only squad with a worse record than Pete Carroll’s side.