In a close game, Geno Smith led the Seahawks down the field but ultimately the comeback fell short with an interception to seal the win for the Falcons.

Geno Smith was intercepted in the final moments of the game as the Seahawks fell in what we hoped to be a bounce-back game. Previously, we alluded to what Geno Smith could do to right the ship. He performed well and Smith had his first 300-yard passing game since playing for the Jets in 2014. However, the defense performed abysmally and was unable to stop Cordarrelle Patterson.

Seahawks Takeaways From Sunday

1. The Seahawks run defense is a major issue

The Falcons came into Lumen Field on Sunday with a specific game plan in mind. They attempted just 20 passes and ran the ball 31 times. Patterson, a career “Swiss Army Knife,” not only had his fourth 100-yard rushing day in his career but had a career-high 141 yards rushing against the Seahawks. He averaged over eight yards per carry and ran at will including a highlight reel-worthy hurdle. Darrell Taylor needs to really clean up his game when it comes to stopping the run, and Shelby Harris is also desperately needed when it comes to shutting down opposing running backs.

2. We need to learn to manage expectations of this team

Seahawks fans quickly had their hopes dashed after Week Two’s loss to the 49ers. But I think it’s important to remember we came into this season with absolutely no hopes of a playoff run. It should still be considered a rebuilding year and if we finish close to eight or nine wins, it will be a success. Our offense is starting to mesh and we may be a quarterback and a few defensive pieces away from a playoff team. Here’s another look at which quarterbacks the Seahawks could consider in the coming 2023 NFL Draft.

3. The Hawks are not the worst team in the NFC West

Sports media did not shy away from anointing the Seahawks as the worst team in the NFC West and a potential finish with around three wins. After three weeks, the Hawks may actually be better than the Cardinals. With the LA Rams the favorite, there is no clear favorite among the other three and the NFC West will likely not field a wildcard team this year.

Where do we go from here?

This game against a winless Falcons squad was one the Hawks needed to win. We should set the expectation that while the Seahawks may not be competitive against teams on their schedule this season like the Chiefs, Rams or Buccaneers, they have to win games like the upcoming week against the Lions, Saints, Cardinals, Raiders and the Jets. While rebuilding, there’s no reason we cant be close to .500 and narrowly miss the playoffs.

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