Seahawks’ struggles on offense proceed because the playoffs loom

[ad_1] RENTON, Wash. (AP) — Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald would favor to not need to depend on Jason Myers fairly a lot.

Myers scored all of Seattle's factors on Sunday, kicking a franchise-record six subject objectives in an 18-16 win over Philp Rivers and the Indianapolis Colts.

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He has transformed 24 of his final 25 subject objectives. His coach wish to see extra touchdowns.

“It’s not what you need,” Macdonald stated, “however when wanted, it’s nice to have them.”

The Seahawks (11-3) have been struggling on offense earlier than Sunday. Seattle hasn’t scored an offensive landing within the first half since Jaxon Smith-Njigba’s 62-yard TD catch towards Tennessee on Nov. 23. Its final first-quarter landing got here in a win over Arizona on Nov. 9.

“We’ve bought to enhance, be higher, begin sooner,” Macdonald stated. “We’ll have a look at our openers right here. Couple video games the place our openers weren’t hitting in addition to we wish. We’ll have a look at it. However, we need to begin quick.”

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The Seahawks scored six factors within the first half for the third straight sport. They as soon as once more failed to ascertain the run, totaling 3 yards on 9 carries earlier than halftime. Seattle completed with a season-low 50 yards dashing; Kenneth Walker III had 17 yards on 9 carries, each figures his fewest of the season.

“We didn’t run it the way in which we wished to,” Macdonald stated. “It’s form of a bit of little bit of every little thing proper now. A bit bit late within the yr to be saying that. So, I imply, we bought to select it up, actually, on all fronts.”

The struggles include the Seahawks all however assured of a playoff berth. They're making ready to face the Los Angeles Rams on Thursday night time with the NFC West lead on the road.

“We simply must get collectively and perceive the sport plan and execute on the finish of the day,” Smith-Njigba stated. “And I’ll go away it at that.”

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What’s working

Broad receiver Rashid Shaheed got here up huge within the ultimate minute. He returned a kickoff 28 yards to the Seattle 37 and caught a pair of passes from Sam Darnold to arrange Myers' decisive subject purpose. Shaheed completed with seven receptions for 75 yards.

Shaheed bought off to a sluggish begin after being acquired in a midseason commerce with New Orleans, however he and Darnold have been constructing a rapport, Macdonald stated.

“His angle on daily basis, get the reps, be certain each rep is significant,” Macdonald stated. “This time of yr, you don’t get a complete ton of full-speed reps. You bought to handle our apply output, issues like that. So, you bought to benefit from what you get. It’s going to take time. I feel that’s what we’re seeing.”

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What wants assist

Seattle was 2 of 13 on third down, resulting in Myers' six subject objectives and 4 punts by Michael Dickson. The Seahawks rank nineteenth in third-down effectivity this season.

“We thought we had an excellent plan, and we didn’t get it completed,” Macdonald stated. “So, can we game-plan it higher? Yeah, perhaps. Can we name it higher? Yeah. Perhaps in some spots, can we execute higher?

Top off

Second-year defensive sort out Byron Murphy II leads the group in sacks with seven and is tied for fourth in tackles for loss. He had 4 tackles Sunday, and his numbers did not inform the entire story.

“Byron Murphy performed an amazing soccer sport,” Macdonald stated. “He was completely dominant. In all probability single-handedly gained us the soccer sport on protection. He completely performed lights out.”

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Inventory down

Security Julian Love, who injured a hamstring early within the season and missed eight video games, has not been his usually impactful self since returning to motion on Dec. 7. Love has mixed for 2 tackles the final two weeks.

Accidents

LB Derick Corridor (hand) and T Abe Lucas (proper arm/shoulder) have been injured Sunday however returned to motion. Macdonald stated each are advantageous. Macdonald stated it was potential that T Charles Cross (hamstring) will play Thursday. It is not clear whether or not WR Tory Horton (calf), who hasn’t performed since Nov. 2, will play once more this season.

Key quantity

4 — Instances in franchise historical past the Seahawks have gained with out scoring an offensive landing. Seattle additionally gained and not using a landing final season, beating Chicago 6-3 on Dec. 26, 2024.

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Subsequent steps

After Thursday's large sport towards the Rams, the Seahawks are on the street the ultimate two weeks of the common season, at Carolina and San Francisco.