Seattle Seahawks: Studs and duds in stunning Week 3 loss to Saints
By Samuel Teets
The Seattle Seahawks had a prime opportunity to start 3-0 against the Drew Brees-less New Orleans Saints, but they came up short.
The New Orleans Saints came into CenturyLink Field and handed the Pete Carroll his first home loss during the month of September while as the head coach of the Seattle Seahawks. Even with Teddy Bridgewater starting in place of Drew Brees, the game was never going to be easy.
However, the Seahawks should have been able to keep the game close. Instead, the Saints were on cruise control by the end of the game.
Even though the loss was disappointing, the high-scoring, 33-27 game did produce some notable studs, and even more notable duds, for the Seahawks.
Studs: Bobby Wagner and K.J. Wright
It’s good to see Bobby Wagner and K.J. Wright back on the field together. Wright missed most of last season and, even when he did play, he didn’t have a great year. The Seahawks re-signed Wright in the offseason and extended Wagner on an enriched contract. Both linebackers were all over the field on Sunday.
Marshon Lattimore led the Saints in combined tackles with 12. On Seattle’s side of the ball, Wagner made 17 combined tackles and Wright registered 13. It’s incredible to think that two players could combine for 30 tackles, but that shows how active both Wagner and Wright are. Not coincidently, both linebackers are the only two remaining holdovers from the Legion of Boom defense.
Dud: Chris Carson
While Chris Carson is a good running back for Seattle’s run-heavy system, his fumbling problems will cost him his job if they continue. In the second quarter, Carson coughed the ball up and the Saints returned the ball for a touchdown. Wil Lutz missed the extra point. Later in the quarter, Carson failed to convert on a fourth-and-1 at New Orleans’ 41-yard line.
Carson only has 159 rushing yards through the first three weeks. He has been significantly less effective this year than he was in 2018. He is only averaging 3.5 yards per carry and has already lost three fumbles. He lost three fumbles all last season. If this continues, Rashaad Penny will eclipse Carson as the starter.