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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Justin Melo

Seahawks have found success despite awful turnover margin

The Seattle Seahawks played a sloppy football game in Thursday’s 6-3 Week 17 victory over the Chicago Bears, the lowest-scoring game of the 2024 NFL season to date. Ryan Grubb’s offense found little success, gaining just 265 total yards, relying on a pair of Jason Myers field goals and a dominant defense en route to victory. The Seahawks turned over the football and were fortunate to avoid additional giveaways.

It’s been a season-long issue for the 9-7 Seahawks, who guaranteed themselves a winning record to conclude 2024 on Thursday.

Tight end Pharaoh Brown was to blame for Seattle’s lone turnover. Leading 6-3 in the third quarter, Brown allowed Bears defensive back Kyler Gordon to rip the football out of his hands. Gordon ran it back and initial confusion led to a touchdown being called. Review assistance eventually correctly ruled Gordon down by contact, and the Bears punted on the ensuing possession after rookie quarterback Caleb Williams took a 14-yard sack. The defense bailed out the non-existent offense.

The Seahawks failed to win the turnover battle. They finished the game at one apiece after Riq Woolen intercepted Williams on Chicago’s final play, a last-ditch comeback attempt. The Seahawks are now negative-7 in the turnover department, seventh-worst in the entire league. The only teams worse than Seattle in giving the ball away are competing for top-five selections in the 2025 NFL Draft (CLE, LV, JAX, TENN, NYG, NE).

As mentioned, the Seahawks were fortunate to avoid additional miscues. Literally one drive before Brown’s fumble, starting quarterback Geno Smith was strip-sacked by ex teammate Darrell Taylor on 3rd-and-3 from his own 48-yard line. Luckily, starting center Olu Oluwatimi recovered, but a drive that had reached midfield was killed and the Seahawks punted on 4th-and-10 after losing seven yards.

It’s incredible that the Seahawks are 9-7 despite consistently losing the turnover battle. Ball security will be emphasized throughout the upcoming offseason. Before we get there, hopefully the Seahawks will possess an opportunity to win the NFC West and extend their season in Week 18.

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