Seattle Seahawks: Studs and duds vs. Eagles in Week 12
By Samuel Teets
The Seattle Seahawks struggled offensively against the Philadelphia Eagles, but Seattle’s defense gave their team a significant boost.
Last year, the Seattle Seahawks suffered from playing down to the level of their opponents. While the team is more talented and consistent this season, they still played down to the Philadelphia Eagles’ level in their 17-9 Week 12 victory.
Amid surprising offensive struggles, Seattle’s defense carried the team to victory. The Seahawks, a team not known for forcing turnovers, took the ball away from Carson Wentz and the Eagles five times on Sunday. Wentz threw two interceptions, and the quarterback lost two of Philadelphia’s three lost fumbles.
Even without Jadeveon Clowney, the Seahawks add three sacks and nine quarterback hits to their five forced turnovers. Seattle will need this version of their defense in the coming weeks as they face tougher opponents. With their next game not until Monday night, the Seahawks have a long week to figure out their offense.
Stud: Ziggy Ansah, DE
The injury-prone defensive end was a risky signing for the Seahawks this past offseason, but Seattle needed serious help at the position. The team gave the former Pro Bowler a one-year contract, securing a placeholder for maturing rookie L.J. Collier.
Heading into Week 12, Ansah only had one sack as a Seahawk. That sack came back in Week 4, which was Ansah’s second game with Seattle. He’s undoubtedly been disappointing up to this point. Even a forced fumble and two fumble recoveries can’t mask his struggles.
However, Ansah turned back the clock against the Eagles. The former Lion recorded 1.5 sacks, two tackles for loss, and two quarterback hits. Ansah only had three quarterback hits going into Sunday’s contest. He stepped up admirably in Clowney’s absence.
Dud: D.K. Metcalf, WR
Both D.K. Metcalf and Tyler Lockett had rough games against the Eagles. Lockett was targeted twice and made one catch for 38 yards. Metcalf caught three of his six targets for 35 yards. This was the second game in a row where Lockett went for fewer than 40 receiving yards.
However, Metcalf gets this spot because he just missed on some catchable balls. The rookie doesn’t exactly have the softest hands in the NFL. Still, the rookie second-round pick has a bright future. Right now, he lacks consistency, but that will come with time. Hopefully, Lockett and Metcalf will bounce back next week against the Minnesota Vikings.