3 Up, 3 Down: Winners, Losers From Seahawks Week 10
For the second straight week, the Seahawks overcame a handful of missed opportunities that extended a game into overtime that easily could've lead to defeat. Thankfully for the Seahawks, their quarterback is Russell Wilson.
After Wilson had a pass intended for tight end Jacob Hollister intercepted by linebacker Dre Greenlaw, newly-signed kicker Chase McLaughlin got caught up in the moment and completely muffed on the potential game-ending 47-yard field goal attempt.
That missed attempt by McLaughlin provided Wilson with another opportunity to provide his team with an overtime victory. Following an 18-yard rush up the middle of the field on a 3rd and short play from Wilson, kicker Jason Myers came through with a game-winning 42-yard field goal to defeat the 49ers 27-24.
Let's dive into our three big winners and three losers from Week 10.
Three Up
Jadeveon Clowney
It only took ten games, but the Seahawks finally received consistent production from their pass rush against the 49ers. Seattle’s success attacking quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo started with Clowney. Along with recording five tackles, the veteran defensive end also generated five hits and his third sack of the season against Garoppolo.
The sixth-year pro also had his hand involved in creating a pair of critical turnovers as well. After defensive tackle Jarran Reed punched the ball loose out of Garoppolo’s hand late in the first half, Clowney recovered the fumble and ran it back 10 yards to the end zone for a score to cut the 49ers lead to 10-7. Later in the third quarter, he recorded a strip sack of his own, which led to a Chris Carson touchdown run. Hopefully for Seattle, they’re able to receive this type of production from Clowney and their defensive line rushing the passer throughout their remaining six games of the regular season and into the playoffs.
Jacob Hollister
With injuries to both receiver Tyler Lockett and fellow tight end Luke Willson, Hollister became an integral part of the Seahawks' passing game for the second straight week. The third-year tight end produced a career-high eight catches for a total of 62 yards along with a short touchdown reception.
In what was Hollister's third touchdown of the season, the ex-Wyoming standout caught a three-yard pass from Wilson to put the Seahawks ahead 14-10. Even though there's a very good chance that Willson will return fully healthy coming out of the bye week, Hollister has proven capable of being the primary tight end for Seattle moving forward.
Quandre Diggs
Making his Seahawks debut, Diggs played a big role in helping his new team get past the 49ers while starting at free safety. While the fifth-year pro was only able to register a pair of tackles, he made a number of big hits in coverage and his third-quarter interception sparked the Seahawks to eventually build a 21-10 lead.
Once Diggs caught the ball that was overthrown by Garoppolo and tipped off receiver Kendrick Bourne's hands, Wilson was able to help Seattle take the lead for the first time of the game with his three-yard touchdown pass to Hollister.
Three Down
Jamar Taylor
Throughout this game, the seventh-year corner surrendered big play after big play. Taylor’s struggles started immediately on the 49ers first drive of the game. After fellow corner Shaquill Griffin had intercepted a pass from quarterback Garoppolo at midfield, the play was ultimately called back due to a holding penalty against him, which extended the drive and allowed the 49ers to kick a 43-yard field goal.
Later in the first quarter, Taylor allowed far too much separation against Bourne, which allowed the third-year pro to easily complete a 10-yard pass into the end zone to extend the 49ers lead to 10-0. If not for a few poorly thrown balls by Garoppolo, Taylor would have likely surrendered even more big yardage plays throughout the game.
Penalties
During this game, the Seahawks were plagued by unnecessary penalties. While at least half of the penalties called against them were questionable, such as a pass inference call on cornerback Tre Flowers during the first quarter, the Seahawks still put themselves in a position for the referees to call a penalty in the first place. In total, the Seahawks committed nine penalties for 75 yards, with most of that coming in the first half.
Along with the holding penalty against Taylor that negated Griffin’s interception, the Seahawks were also charged with a pair of encroachment penalties during the first quarter that helped the 49ers offense continue their drives for a field goal and a touchdown to build a quick 10-0 lead.
DK Metcalf
For the most part, Metcalf didn’t perform all that poorly in this contest. The Seahawks young receiver caught six of his 10 targets for a team-leading 70 yards. However, Metcalf had the ball ripped out of his grasp by safety Jaquiski Tartt on the 49ers two-yard line with just a minute before halftime, fumbling at the worst of times.
That fumble prevented the Seahawks from adding at least field goal, which would have tied the game at 10-10 heading into halftime. Metcalf also had a handful of passes slip straight through his hands that would have sustained offensive drives for the Seahawks, including his dropped pass on 3rd and 2 in overtime that could have given the 49ers another chance to win the game.
