Seahawks defense predictably ripped apart in 30-17 loss to Vikings

This might be a bad team, folks.

The Seattle Seahawks (1-2) are on a rare two-game losing streak and really were much worse than the 30-17 scoreline suggest. It was another pitiful defensive display by the Seahawks, as the Minnesota Vikings (1-2) punted just twice, one of which was after they ran out most of the clock. Kirk Cousins was surgical, going 30/38 for 323 yards and 3 first-half TD passes. Justin Jefferson had 118 yards on 9 catches and a touchdown, while Alexander Mattison rushed for 112 yards and got another 59 receiving in place of the injured Dalvin Cook.

Russell Wilson (23/32 for 298 yards and a TD) started hot, as did Chris Carson (12 carries for 80 yards and a TD) and DK Metcalf (6 catches for 107 yards and a TD), but the offense died in the 2nd half yet again. No points after halftime and quickly stalled out drives. It was a shambolic display and questions have to be asked about whether or not this team is good enough to make the playoffs, let alone compete for the NFC West.

1st Half

The Seahawks got the ball first and were surgical. A 9-play, 75-yard drive that included 3rd down conversions by Chris Carson and DK Metcalf, the latter getting the 10-yard touchdown by taking advantage of soft coverage by Bashaud Breeland and extending the ball across the goal-line. 7-0 Seahawks.

Minnesota’s response? A touchdown drive so easy that they never got to 3rd down. Seven plays for 70 yards capped off by a Kirk Cousins strike to Tyler Conklin, who beat Jordyn Brooks in coverage rather easily. 7-7.

Seattle had a promising drive stall out in field goal range after a block in the back penalty on Alex Collins negated a Tyler Lockett catch-and-run 1st down on a screen pass. Jason Myers connected from 53 yards out for his 37th straight made field goal. 10-7 Seahawks.

After a Vikings three-and-out, the Seahawks rattled off an easy 6-play, 76-yard drive with Chris Carson scampering for an untouched 30-yard score on the left side. I mean absolutely no one got near him. 17-7 Seahawks.

A costly holding penalty by Ugo Amadi negated a three-and-out by the Vikings offense. Instead they carved up this ghastly defense and on 3rd and 13, Kirk Cousins threw a dart to Adam Thielen who beat D.J. Reed in coverage for a touchdown. 17-14 Seahawks.

Another promising Seahawks drive stalled out with Wilson throwing it away on 3rd and 3 from Minnesota’s 26. Jason Myers’ field goal streak came to an end with a wide left miss from 44 yards out. Naturally, that led to a touchdown. A 12-play, 66-yard drive capped off by Cousins hitting Justin Jefferson on a slick route that beat D.J. Reed. 21-17 Vikings.

2nd Half

Minnesota got the ball to start the 2nd half and gashed the Seahawks some more and kept converting 3rd down, right up until Darrell Taylor got a huge strip sack of Cousins that prevented another TD from going on the board. Greg Joseph made his field goal from 44 yards out to extend the lead, with half the quarter chopped off. 24-17 Vikings.

Seattle ran five plays in the 3rd quarter and punted. Minnesota had another casual 11-play, 70-yard drive but the defense stiffened up in the red zone and Joseph was once again tasked with field goal duties. 27-17 Vikings with 13:47 left.

Another drive by Seattle stalled and Tyler Lockett walked off with a knee injury. Initially it looked bad and it could still be serious, but that was the scary moment. His lost fumble was overturned to a catch and down by contact, but the Seahawks punted for some stupid reason and the Vikings easily racked up 88 more yards and kicked another field goal. 30-17 Vikings with 4:31 to go.

The Seahawks couldn’t score on the must-score drive, with Penny Hart getting mugged on the desperation 4th down play but ultimately no DPI. It’s an incomplete pass for Wilson and the Vikings pretty much ran out the clock. 30-17 Vikings final.

Seahawks injury report

DE Kerry Hyder Jr did not return after a 2nd quarter concussion.

LB Jordyn Brooks was carted off with an apparent leg injury in the 4th quarter. Turns out it was cramps.

RT Jamarco Jones had an upset stomach and was replaced by Jake Curhan.

WR Tyler Lockett suffered a 4th quarter knee injury but somehow did return.

Next week’s opponent

Another road game for the Seahawks as they take on the San Francisco 49ers (2-1) on Sunday, October 3rd at 1:05 PM PT on FOX.