Seattle Seahawks: Studs and duds vs. Panthers in Week 15
By Samuel Teets
Stud: Bobby Wagner and K.J. Wright, LB
The perennial All-Pro showed out as the Seahawks faced the Panthers and one of the most dynamic running backs in the NFL. In the first half alone, Wagner recorded seven tackles, two passes defensed and an interception. Across the line, Luke Kuechly posted nine tackles in the first half. Wagner finished the game with 10 tackles while Kuechly had 17.
Wagner’s long-time running mate also had a great day. Wright only made four tackles, but he also deflected two passes and intercepted Kyle Allen twice. With those two picks, Wright set a new single-season personal best in interceptions with three.
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Wright played in just five regular-season games for the Seahawks last season, but the Seahawks signed him to a new two-year deal during the offseason. The former Pro Bowler has rewarded his team with one of the best seasons of his career. Wright has 113 combined tackles this season.
Wagner is also dominating again this season. The future Hall of Famer entered Week 15 leading the NFL in tackles with 129. Since uniting in 2012, Wagner and Wright have combined for over 1,800 tackles.
Dud: Josh Gordon, WR
Don’t get me wrong, that was a beautiful 58-yard grab in the first half. Gordon’s only catch on the day was a finger-tip snag that set Seattle up well early in the game. In his four previous games with the Seahawks, Gordon produced six receptions for 81 yards.
However, one great catch doesn’t entitle you to make a boneheaded play. In the second half, Gordon attempted a deep pass to D.K. Metcalf. Metcalf was double covered, and the ill-advised pass attempt was intercepted by Tre Boston. While Seattle led the entire game, the final difference was only six points. That interception could have been the difference between winning and losing.