The atmosphere at the Seahawks’ headquarters changed from frustration to hope this week, following their 34-14 victory over Atlanta, which helped ease some of the problems that arose during their recent three-game losing streak.
After not using running back Kenneth Walker III enough in earlier games, the Seahawks gave him the ball 14 times, and he gained 69 yards and scored a touchdown.
This added balance to an offense that has relied heavily on Geno Smith, who is leading the league with an average of 270.9 passing yards per game.
The Seahawks (4-3) also improved their run defense after some tough weeks, allowing only 39 rushing yards in the second half and forcing three turnovers.
With a win behind them and a new addition on defense—linebacker Ernest Jones IV from Tennessee—Seattle feels positive about their upcoming game against the Buffalo Bills (5-2).
The Seahawks will need to play at their best against the Bills and quarterback Josh Allen, who now has a dependable target in receiver Amari Cooper.
The Bills have been one of the most consistent teams in the NFL since general manager Brandon Beane and coach Sean McDermott took charge in 2017, making five straight playoff appearances and winning four consecutive AFC East titles.
“You look at all the stats that drive winning, and all the takeaway differential, field position, how well they’ve been running the ball, how well they’ve been playing situational football and defense, their special teams unit, the team doesn’t beat themselves,” said Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald. “If you can create that formula, that’s going to be a tough team to beat on any given day.”
Allen is the only starting quarterback in the NFL this season without an interception. He is just the second quarterback, after Alex Smith in 2017, to have 12 or more touchdown passes without any interceptions through the first seven games.
