Geno Smith started the week as the NFL’s leader in pass attempts. On Sunday, he threw the ball 34 times, but three of those passes ended in interceptions. The Seahawks, who are focused on passing, are becoming less relevant in the NFC.
In the 26-20 overtime loss to the Los Angeles Rams, Smith threw for 363 yards and three touchdowns, but the three interceptions were costly, and Seattle struggled to run the ball effectively.
“They put a lot of trust in me with my decision-making and when they put the ball in my hands,” Smith said. “When my teammates play the way that they played today and give us a shot to win the game, I’ve got to make sure we do.
The things I did today, the mistakes I made, they affected us negatively and really cost us the game today.”
The Seahawks (4-5) have lost four straight games at home and five out of their last six under first-year coach Mike Macdonald, putting them in last place in the tight NFC West as they head into their bye week.
“We’re doing everything in our power and then some to create a nightmare at home,” Mike Macdonald said. “And right now we’re not doing it, so we’re going to go to work. So the bye week, it’s a big week for us to get better.”
Kamren Kitchens had two interceptions against Smith, both in the fourth quarter while in the red zone, and he returned the first one 103 yards for a touchdown.
Seattle came into the game near the bottom of the league in rushing offense and improved a little by gaining 107 yards on the ground against the Rams. However, they needed 33 carries to reach that total, averaging just 3.2 yards per rush.
The Rams stopped Kenneth Walker III for no gain on two straight plays during the first possession of overtime, setting up their game-winning drive.
“That was the play call we liked, we like the look,” Macdonald said. “We’ve got to be able to get a half-yard in two shots. Great football teams convert third- and fourth-and-short, and right now we’re not doing that.”
Seattle’s offense put up some strong numbers, finishing with 424 total yards. Second-year receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba had seven catches for a career-high 180 yards and two touchdowns while top wideout DK Metcalf was out with a sprained knee.
The Seahawks also tried to maintain balance by giving the ball to Walker 25 times, but he didn’t break off a big run. His longest gain was 10 yards, and he finished with 83 yards.
Smith said the Seahawks still have plenty of chances to reach their goals this season.
“Eight games to go get it,” Smith said. “Everything we’ve worked for in the offseason, all the hard work we put in throughout the week, this final stretch, this eight-game stretch is what it’s about.”
