Seattle Seahawks’ Missed Opportunities and Misfortune Lead to Defeat Against Cincinnati Bengals
In a disappointing turn of events, the Seattle Seahawks fell to the Cincinnati Bengals with a final score of 17-13. The Seahawks had several chances to secure victory but were unable to capitalize on their opportunities, ultimately leading to their defeat and a 3-2 record for the season.
Throughout the game, the Seahawks found themselves in advantageous positions multiple times. However, their inability to convert these opportunities into points proved to be their downfall. Seattle reached the Cincinnati 9-yard line or closer on four occasions in the second half alone, but were stopped three times, twice on downs and once due to an interception. Another time, they had to settle for a field goal instead of a touchdown.
Despite outgaining the Bengals 381-214 in total yardage and holding their supposedly potent offense to just 4 yards per play, the Seahawks couldn’t translate their dominance into a win. This loss is sure to leave a bitter taste and haunt them as they move forward in the season.
Taking a closer look at the performance of the players, quarterback Alex Smith had a mixed outing. While he threw for an impressive 323 yards on 27 completions out of 41 attempts, he also threw two interceptions, one of which occurred in the red zone. Smith’s struggles in crucial moments and his failure to make the winning play ultimately cost the Seahawks.
The running game, led by Kenneth Walker III, showed glimpses of promise but failed to make a significant impact. Walker finished the game with just 62 yards on 19 carries and made a critical mistake with a penalty that nullified a potential scoring opportunity. Zach Charbonnet also had a quiet game with only 5 yards on two carries and 14 yards on two receptions.
In the receiving corps, DK Metcalf had another perplexing performance. Although he recorded four receptions for 69 yards, including a brief absence due to a hip examination, Metcalf made a costly error when he appeared to stop on a play that resulted in an interception. Additionally, he received a personal foul penalty for a hit far away from the play. Tyler Lockett, on the other hand, had a more consistent outing with six receptions for 94 yards, including a crucial 36-yard catch late in the game. Rookie receivers Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Jake Bobo also had notable contributions with their biggest outputs of the season.
The tight end group had limited involvement in the game, managing only five receptions for 25 yards collectively. Colby Parkinson seemed to be the intended target on the final play, which could have salvaged the game for the Seahawks. However, it wasn’t meant to be, leaving them without a much-needed touchdown.
Seattle’s offensive line faced challenges due to injuries, with Damien Lewis sidelined and Phil Haynes shifting to left guard. Rookie Anthony Bradford filled in on the right side, while Charles Cross made his return at left tackle after an absence since the season opener. Although the line held up adequately throughout the game, Smith was sacked four times. However, upon review, it became evident that Smith’s tendency to hold on to the ball contributed to the sacks. Nevertheless, the Seahawks must improve their running game, as they averaged just 3.5 yards per carry.
The Seahawks’ defense had a mixed performance that showcased both their vulnerability and resilience. After a shaky start where they allowed the Bengals to score on the first two drives, the defense rallied and delivered one of their best games in years. The front seven, in particular, put pressure on the Bengals’ offense, with Jarran Reed and Dre’Mont Jones tallying sacks. Reed and linebacker Jordyn Brooks also combined for a crucial stop on a third-and-1 play, preventing the Bengals from extending their lead. The defensive line effectively shut down Cincinnati’s running game, limiting them to a mere 46 yards on 15 carries.
In the secondary, the defense showed improvement against a challenging opponent. Despite conceding points early on, they tightened up and allowed just 17 points throughout the game, with three stemming from a turnover. Tre Brown, who started as the left cornerback in the base defense, intercepted Joe Burrow early in the third quarter, providing the Seahawks with an excellent chance to regain control. Safety Jamal Adams contributed with a crucial stop on a third down in the fourth quarter, further highlighting the defense’s efforts. Devon Witherspoon made his presence felt with multiple pass defenses, while Quandre Diggs had arguably his best game of the season with eight tackles and a crucial stop in the second quarter.
Special teams provided some positive moments, with kicker Jason Myers converting two field goals, including a 55-yarder that proved pivotal in the game. DeeJay Dallas also had a noteworthy punt return, aided by a Michael Jackson block, which set up an advantageous field position for the Seahawks.
As with any game with missed opportunities, the focus inevitably turns to the play calls made by the coaching staff. However, upon initial analysis, the play calls seem reasonable, and the defensive coaches deserve credit for adjusting their game plan after the early struggles. Seattle’s decision to go for it on fourth down with just over two minutes remaining was a calculated risk. Nevertheless, questions remain about their inability to score touchdowns during crucial red-zone possessions.
In conclusion, the Seahawks’ defeat against the Bengals was a disheartening result due to missed opportunities and misfortune. Despite outperforming their opponents statistically, their inability to convert those advantages into touchdowns proved costly. Moving forward, Seattle must address their shortcomings and find ways to capitalize on their opportunities if they intend to turn their season around.
