Seattle Seahawks: Studs and duds vs. Packers in Divisional Round
By Samuel Teets
The Seattle Seahawks never recovered from a slow start against the Green Bay Packers and fell, 28-23, in the NFC Divisional Round of the 2020 playoffs.
Just like that, the Seattle Seahawks are heading home. Their 2019-20 season is officially over. The fifth seed in the NFC traveled to Lambeau Field on Sunday to face the second seed Green Bay Packers. Green Bay scored within the first five minutes of the game, and Seattle never caught up.
The Packers drove the length of the field and scored on their first possession of the game. Green Bay’s early success serves as an omen for how the rest of the night played out. Aaron Rodgers and company never trailed and peaked with a 21-3 lead at halftime.
The Seahawks did close the gap in the second half, ultimately losing 28-23, but the game always felt like it was in Green Bay’s hands. And with the loss, let’s look at the studs and duds from Seattle’s postseason exit.
Stud: Jadeveon Clowney, DE
Clowney’s 0.5 sack doesn’t tell the tale of his contributions during Seattle’s loss. The former Pro Bowl defensive end played like a ball magnet and often came within inches of making big plays. As it is, he finished the night tied for the team-high in tackles with seven. He also recorded one tackle for loss and two quarterback hits.
While Clowney disappointed during the regular season, the pending free agent stepped up during the playoffs. Against the Philadelphia Eagles, he registered a sack, five tackles, and two tackles for loss. Clowney’s two-game playoff stretch is arguably the best or second-best two-game stretch of his time in Seattle.
As a free agent this offseason, Clowney will demand a huge new deal. A substantial deal could pay out around twenty million dollars annually, assuming Clowney earns similar money to Frank Clark and DeMarcus Lawrence.
Dud: D.K. Metcalf, WR
A week ago, Metcalf set a rookie receiving yards record with seven receptions for 160 yards and a touchdown in the Wild Card Round. Whenever the Seahawks needed a play, Metcalf appeared on cue. However, the Packers held the dynamic rookie in check.
Metcalf finished the night with four receptions on five targets for 59 yards. Those are by no means bad numbers, especially considering how well Tyler Lockett played, but the Seahawks needed a little more from Metcalf.
The future is bright for Metcalf. He showed incredible potential during his rookie season, and he will build on that foundation this offseason.