The Seattle Seahawks were driving. Backup running back Zach Charbonnet, starting in place of the injured Kenneth Walker III, rushed for nine yards in the second quarter of Thursday’s eventual 6-3 Week 17 win over the Chicago Bears. Wide receiver DK Metcalf was entangled in a shoving match with Bears cornerback Tyrique Stevenson. Frustrated, Metcalf jabbed Stevenson in the facemask. He was penalized for retaliation, and his personal fouls pushed the offense into a 2nd-and-16 situation as opposed to the scheduled 2nd-and-1.
It was an accurate snapshot of the Seahawks’ season-long discipline issues. Following that miscue, the Seahawks were now averaging a league-leading 34.5 offensive penalty yards per game (517/15) this season, according to Inside Edge NFL. The league average? 25.4 yards, nearly 10 fewer than Seattle’s average weekly output.
The Seahawks have averaged 34.5 offensive penalty yards per game (517/15) this season, worst in NFL; League Avg: 25.4.
— Inside Edge NFL (@IE_NFL) December 27, 2024
Luckily, Geno Smith and the offense overcame Metcalf’s error in judgment. On that 2nd-and-16, Smith connected with tight end Noah Fant for a 13-yard gain, getting the offense into 3rd-and-manageable. Fant came through again, catching a 12-yard pass to give the Seahawks a new set of downs. Metcalf hauled in a 14-yard completion plays later, making up for his 15-yard penalty, and the Seahawks eventually settled for a 50-yard field goal from Jason Myers, taking a 6-3 lead, which would be the final score.
The majority of Seattle’s offensive penalties have been whistled on the offensive line. Pre-snap (false start) and post-snap (holding) infractions have been frequent occurrences. It’s unsurprising when you consider the challenges they’re dealing with up front. They’ve played three different players, all rookies or sophomores, at right guard. Right tackle was a revolving door until Abe Lucas returned. The starting center abruptly retired midseason, thrusting a sophomore into the lineup unexpectedly.
