Getty Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf at Lumen Field on August 10, 2023.
There are very few nice things to say about the Seattle Seahawks’ performance against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 9.
During the 37-3 loss, the Ravens held Seattle’s offense to 151 total yards. Quarterback Geno Smith and Co. only completed six first downs and converted a third down on twelve attempts.
Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, November 8, Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf commented on how poorly the team played in Baltimore.
“We have to face the truth of what really happened,” Metcalf said. “And what really happened was that we were beaten. They have surpassed us. Out gave us a physical exam. They just beat us.”
The Seahawks’ $72 million receiver caught just one of four targets against the Ravens. Tyler Lockett recorded three catches for 32 yards. Rookie Jaxon Smith-Njigba led the receivers with six catches for 63 yards. Running backs Kenneth Walker and Zach Charbonnet combined for 23 yards rushing.
“Given that you’re an NFL team and you’re coming here on Monday, nobody wants to hear that you just got beat by another team. But that’s the reality of what happened on Sunday. Right now it’s about coming here and fixing our mistakes. Back to the beginning and the basics of football.”
Pete Carroll commented on DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett missing so many practices
Metcalf (ribs/hip) and Lockett (hamstring) have missed several days of practice in recent weeks. Aside from Metcalf being sidelined in Week 7 against the Arizona Cardinals, both receivers were active on game days despite limited practice.
Smith’s interception against the Ravens was a pass intended for Lockett. The Seahawks’ $69 million receiver told reporters after the game that the turnover was due to “miscommunication on our part.”
Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll admitted that the team’s top two veteran receivers missing so many practices has hurt the offense’s ability to get on the same page. Smith has committed eight turnovers (six interceptions and two turnovers) in the last four games.
“It certainly doesn’t help us,” Carroll told reporters Monday. “We have to be out there. Practice is very valuable for us.”
“We need continuity because it is very complex work. We need to make sure we help our young people and also help ourselves communicate. We ask many of them to play as much as they are. Sometimes it’s about passing on the information and realizing that you need to help the guy outside of you too.
“Plus, the older people who were there help the younger ones and make sure they check back so we’re doing a good job. We fell a little behind in a few situations, but it definitely helps us all being out there together. It just helps, that’s why we practice.”
Both Lockett and Metcalf should have more playing time before facing the Washington Commanders in Week 10. “I think they got through this week pretty well and should be in pretty good shape for next week,” Carroll noted.
Pete Carroll implores his offense to give Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith “more help.”
GettySeahawks quarterback Geno Smith at M&T Bank Stadium on November 5, 2023.
Against the Ravens, Smith completed just 46.4% of his passes for 157 yards, zero touchdowns, one fumble and one interception. As fans urge the Seahawks to give backup Drew Lock a chance, Carroll remains steadfast in his support for Smith.
“Offensively, we struggled across the board,” Carroll said. “Everyone had some difficulties in this game, and it just added up to the quarterback being in the thick of it too. We have to do a lot better… I think Geno’s consistent responsibility is a strength of his and it helps the guys around him, but we have to help him. We have to make sure we do our part.”
Carroll placed much of the blame on Smith’s terrible performance on the offensive line, which failed to protect him throughout the match. SI reported: “According to NFL Next Gen Stats, under constant siege, the quarterback handled pressure on 18 of his 33 dropbacks, an eye-opening 54% pressure rate, and absorbed four sacks.”
In Baltimore, Smith played behind the seventh offensive line combination in the last eight games. The constant rotation doesn’t help. “As of Week 4, Seattle ranks 29th in points per drive (1.38), ahead of only the Patriots, Cardinals and Giants,” The Athletic reported.
“During that span, the Seahawks either gained or lost zero yards on 37.7% of their plays, the third-highest mark in the league. Only the Browns and Cardinals, two teams led by backup quarterbacks, were worse.”
Emily Bicks is a strong sports journalist who specializes in covering the Buffalo Bills and Seattle Seahawks. She has been writing for Heavy since 2019 and has interviewed some of sports’ biggest stars, including Jerry Rice, Shaquille O’Neal and Stefon Diggs. More about Emily Bicks
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