The Seattle Seahawks achieved a narrow victory over the Indianapolis Colts in their latest matchup. However, the win belies several underlying issues, particularly on offense. An All-22 analysis reveals key highlights and lowlights that may impact future games.
Offensive Line Struggles
The offensive line’s performance was a significant factor in the Seahawks’ struggle to establish a running game. Frequent penetration from the Colts’ defensive line thwarted the Seahawks’ offensive strategies.
- Interior defenders often disrupted zone concepts.
- Guards failed to generate lateral movement, resulting in ineffective blocking.
- Running backs were forced to redirect before receiving the ball.
As a result, Seattle found itself in too many unfavorable passing situations, limiting offensive balance. Misguided play calls, such as a full-slide to the left despite defensive threats on the right, exacerbated the problem. This left Sam Darnold vulnerable to pressure.
Quarterback Performance
Sam Darnold’s performance mirrored the inconsistency of the Seahawks’ offense. He demonstrated moments of competence, paired with misreads and hesitation.
- Darnold displayed good decision-making and accuracy on some throws.
- He struggled with timing and often failed to exploit straightforward coverage structures.
While Darnold did not completely falter, he missed opportunities that could have elevated the offense. His ability to identify leverage pre-snap was lacking at times.
Inadequate Game Plan
Coach Klint Kubiak’s game plan struggled to adapt to the dynamics of the game. Despite failing running plays, Kubiak continued calling predictable early-down plays.
- Only eight play-action attempts out of 36 passing plays were executed.
- Limited use of pre-snap motion failed to clarify defensive setups.
Key players like Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Rashid Shaheed were frequently overlooked, despite winning their matchups against the Colts’ secondary, which was missing two starting cornerbacks.
Defensive Dominance
In contrast to the offensive struggles, the Seahawks’ defense performed admirably. Byron Murphy II and Leonard Williams were instrumental in controlling the game.
- Murphy consistently penetrated the Colts’ offensive line, disrupting runs.
- Williams commanded attention at the point of attack, collapsing the pocket and forcing errors.
Their combined efforts fostered a defensive performance that limited the Colts’ offensive rhythm.
Impact Players
Rashid Shaheed’s speed was a game-changer, manipulating defensive alignments and creating opportunities for his teammates. Meanwhile, Jaxon Smith-Njigba served as a reliable target for Darnold, consistently making critical plays.
- Shaheed’s vertical routes stretched the defense.
- Smith-Njigba showcased excellent route running against zone coverage.
This win counts for Seattle, but the All-22 analysis reveals salient issues, particularly on the offensive front. Improvements in the offensive line and adaptations from the coaching staff are vital as the Seahawks move forward in the season.
