The Seattle Seahawks, coming off a frustrating three-game losing streak, entered their Week 7 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons desperate for a win. With doubts circling about their ability to bounce back and remain competitive in the NFC, the pressure was on. The Falcons, an emerging team with playoff ambitions of their own, presented a formidable challenge.
However, the Seahawks rose to the occasion, dominating the game from start to finish and securing a much-needed victory to snap their losing skid.
This win sent a strong message to the rest of the league: the Seahawks, despite recent struggles, are still a legitimate contender. Leading up to this matchup, critics had begun to question whether the Seahawks had lost the spark that fueled their early-season success. Issues on both sides of the ball contributed to their losing streak, including an inconsistent offense and a defense that struggled to make key stops. Many wondered if Seattle could rediscover its winning formula in time to stay relevant in the NFC playoff race.
Studs and duds for the Seahawks in their impressive victory over the Falcons
The Seahawks’ dominant performance in Week 7 couldn’t have come at a better time. With three straight losses, their season had started to veer off course, but this victory over the Atlanta Falcons reignited their hopes and put them back on track. With their confidence restored after a much-needed win, the Seahawks seem poised to regain their footing and push forward toward their ultimate goal of becoming a top contender in the NFC.
This victory not only broke their losing streak but also showcased their ability to respond under pressure. As they move ahead in the season, Seattle can build on this momentum and work on addressing the lingering issues that still need improvement. If they can stay focused and consistent, the Seahawks are well-positioned to make a serious playoff run.
STUD - Kenneth Walker III
The Seattle Seahawks offense has long been built around a strong running game, and even with new leadership, that philosophy remains intact. The running game is the foundation of their success, allowing the offense to control the pace of the game and open up opportunities in the passing attack. However, in recent weeks, the Seahawks have struggled to establish consistency on the ground, and it has cost them dearly in terms of momentum and victories.
Against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 7, while Seattle’s running game didn’t deliver eye-popping numbers, it did enough to help the team secure a much-needed win. Kenneth Walker III, Seattle’s lead back, may not have had a career day statistically, but he made his presence felt at crucial moments. Walker found the endzone twice—once on the ground and once through the air—helping the Seahawks dominate the Falcons and break their three-game losing streak.
Walker’s versatility was key to the Seahawks' offensive resurgence. His ability to not only run between the tackles but also contribute as a receiving threat out of the backfield gave Seattle’s offense the balance it had been missing. Although the yardage totals weren’t overwhelming, Walker’s impact on the game was undeniable, as his touchdowns shifted momentum and kept Atlanta’s defense on its heels.
Despite the success, it’s clear the Seahawks still have work to do to fix the overall inefficiency of their ground game. Seattle's running backs were often met with resistance at the line of scrimmage, forcing the offense into tough down-and-distance situations. The offensive line must continue improving its run blocking to provide more space for Walker and his teammates to operate.
If the Seahawks can build on their Week 7 win and establish a more consistent ground attack, it will open up their offense and make them an even more formidable team as the season progresses. Walker’s performance against the Falcons was a step in the right direction, and Seattle will need more of that to remain competitive in the NFC.
DUD - DK Metcalf's knee injury
The Seattle Seahawks finally found their offensive rhythm in a much-needed Week 7 victory over the Atlanta Falcons, but the excitement was dampened by a concerning moment late in the game. Star wide receiver DK Metcalf, known for his size, speed, and playmaking ability, went down with an apparent leg injury, leaving fans and the team holding their breath. The sight of Metcalf clutching his knee sent shockwaves through the Seahawks’ sideline, as he is a vital part of their offensive attack.
After the game, head coach Mike Macdonald addressed the media and provided some cautious optimism regarding Metcalf’s injury. "We're hopeful it’s nothing serious," Macdonald said, though he admitted they would need further evaluation to determine the extent of the issue. While initial reports suggest that Metcalf’s knee injury may not be as bad as feared, any time missed by the star receiver could be a significant setback for the Seahawks as they try to stay in contention in the NFC.
Metcalf has been a cornerstone of Seattle’s offense, providing quarterback Geno Smith with a reliable and explosive target. His ability to stretch the field, make contested catches, and outmuscle defenders has made him one of the most dangerous wide receivers in the NFL. If Metcalf is forced to miss any time, it will put additional pressure on the rest of Seattle's receiving corps, including Tyler Lockett and rookie Jaxon Smith-Njigba, to step up in his absence.
The Seahawks have been dealing with various challenges this season, including inconsistency on offense and a tough NFC schedule. Losing Metcalf for any extended period would add another layer of difficulty for the team to navigate. His presence not only opens up opportunities for other players in the passing game but also draws attention from defenses that are forced to account for his unique skill set.
For now, Seattle will await further tests and hope that Metcalf’s injury is as minor as the initial assessments suggest. His health will be key to the Seahawks maintaining their offensive momentum in the weeks to come.
STUD - Seahawks defense
In the first three games of the season, the Seattle Seahawks defense was a force to be reckoned with, playing a key role in their victories by limiting opponents' ability to score. However, in the next three games, all of which resulted in losses, that same defense seemed to disappear. Seattle’s struggles on the defensive side were glaring as they allowed opposing offenses to rack up points and yards, raising concerns about their ability to compete at a high level throughout the season.
Facing the Atlanta Falcons in Week 7, the Seahawks' defense finally rediscovered its edge, holding the Falcons to just 14 points in a dominant showing. This performance was especially impressive given that the Seahawks were without several key defensive players, making the win even more significant. Despite these absences, the unit stepped up collectively, showing resilience and reminding fans of the defensive prowess they displayed earlier in the season.
A major part of this resurgence came from the pressure the Seahawks were able to apply to Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins. Seattle's defensive front was relentless, disrupting the Falcons' offensive flow and keeping them out of rhythm throughout the game. This pressure helped force errant throws and made life difficult for Atlanta’s playmakers, allowing Seattle’s secondary to shine.
The return to form for the Seahawks’ defense couldn't have come at a better time. Not only did this win snap a three-game losing streak, but it also boosted morale on the team and reignited their playoff hopes. With this renewed confidence, Seattle now has a blueprint to build upon, especially as they continue to navigate a challenging NFC schedule.
If the Seahawks defense can maintain this level of intensity and performance, they have the potential to get back into the playoff picture. The Week 7 win over the Falcons showed that when their defense shows up, Seattle is a team to be feared once again.
DUD - Seahawks running back Zach Charbonnet
The Seattle Seahawks heavily rely on an efficient running game to bolster their aerial attack. When the ground game falters, opposing defenses can hone in on shutting down Seattle's talented wide receivers, severely limiting the offense’s effectiveness. With a young and promising running back duo in Kenneth Walker III and Zach Charbonnet, the Seahawks have the potential to create a formidable rushing attack. However, their running game has been inconsistent this season, necessitating immediate improvements from both backs to support the team’s overall success.
Kenneth Walker III has shown flashes of brilliance at times, but the same cannot be said for Charbonnet, whose performance has been underwhelming. In their recent game against the Atlanta Falcons, Charbonnet struggled to make an impact, finishing with just eight carries for a mere 19 rushing yards.
This lack of production was particularly concerning given the Seahawks’ need for a strong running game to open up opportunities for their passing attack. When Charbonnet touches the ball, it often feels like momentum is lost, hindering the offense’s rhythm and flow.
For the Seahawks to remain competitive, both Walker and Charbonnet must develop a more effective partnership on the field. They need to complement each other’s strengths while consistently finding ways to exploit the defense. Walker's explosive running style can draw attention and create space, while Charbonnet’s physicality can help wear down opponents. The ideal scenario would see them working in tandem to establish a balanced offensive strategy that can keep defenses guessing.
If Charbonnet can step up and find his footing in the coming weeks, it would significantly alleviate pressure on Walker and the entire offense. The Seahawks have the talent to be a dynamic offensive unit, but without a consistent running game, they risk becoming one-dimensional. The time is now for Charbonnet to rise to the occasion, as Seattle’s aspirations for a successful season depend on their ability to execute on the ground.
