Seattle Seahawks' Week 12 Report Card: Grading Each Unit vs. the Redskins

The Seattle Seahawks played host to the Washington Redskins riding a two-game win streak and still clinging to their slim hopes of making a run at a wild-card berth. The team's offense had shown signs of life in recent weeks, despite Tarvaris Jackson playing with an injured pectoral muscle attached to his throwing arm.

Seattle's defense had been solid for most of the season, and when Seattle took a 10-point lead in the second half, fans were optimistic that Seattle would notch their third straight win.

Turns out the defense was a bit too hospitable and the Seahawks' (4-7) 17-7 fourth-quarter lead turned into a 23-17 loss to the Redskins (4-7).

The loss was a difficult one for the team and the fans. It was a game the team could have won, and would have cast a completely different light on their chances down the stretch.

Instead, the only solace fans can take is that Seattle just moved in front of the Redskins in the NFL draft standings, as both teams could be looking at options at quarterback.

Offensive Line: B-

Despite playing with reserves on the right side, the offensive line has continued to open holes for Marshawn Lynch and given Tarvaris Jackson adequate time on most of the team's passing plays.

The issue with the blockers continues to be penalties. The front five avoided the usual mix of false starts and holding calls on Sunday. However, Breno Giacomini was flagged for a late hit, jumping into a pile after the whistle had blown, and an illegal chop block.

The unnecessary roughness call was declined, but the chop block call proved costly. Instead of having the ball on their own 43 with a second and seven, Seattle was backed up to their own 25. Trailing by just three points, the Seahawks were taken out of striking-distance range and faced a 1st-and-25.

Seattle managed 14 yards on the next two plays but had to punt. Their best option to tie the score or take the lead was squandered by a bad penalty.

The offensive line is young and playing with all-new personnel in a new scheme, but come Week 12, these issues need to be resolved.

Receivers: C-

Seattle receivers showed flashes of brilliance on Sunday. Doug Baldwin made a nice catch, followed by a much better move, to bust out on a 24-yard run. Golden Tate also made a nice cut and catch on his touchdown reception.

But for every nice play, there were two head-scratchers. The unit dropped three easy catches early in the game, derailing their offense in the first half. Mike Williams was bailed out by a pass interference call on one of his drops, but he looked disinterested overall.

Pete Carroll mentioned that Williams was taken out in part due to a sore shoulder but also said he wanted to give Ben Obomanu more playing time. 

One has to wonder if Williams was benched or if he was too hurt to come back into the game.

Sidney Rice left the game with a concussion in the first half. His presence on the field was heavily missed. The Seattle receivers struggled to get open without Rice and Williams. 

As much as fans are excited about what Doug Baldwin offers the team, he does not look like a No. 1 receiver. Playing with Tate and Obomanu, Baldwin was still the best option on the field, but the team needs Rice on the field.

Running Backs: A-

Marshawn Lynch ran for 111 yards on 24 carries (4.6 yards per carry). He also added a 20-yard pass reception for a touchdown, extending his scoring streak to five games.

Leon Washington and Justin Forsett were not used much in the run game but did offer some help on third down in pass protection.

Lynch was used less on third down but did manage to get a holding call.

Seattle is clearly focusing on the ground game. Lynch started the season looking disinterested but has exploded for 443 yards in the last four weeks. 

Seattle just has to decide if this is the player they would have next season or if Lynch is responding to contract discussions.

Quarterback: C-

I really struggle with this grade. I could validate a score as low as a D-...possibly lower if I really know if it should be an E or an F. I always wonder which grade comes after D.

Jackson had several terrible passes on the game and could have easily suffered a few more interceptions than he did. 

Jackson's strained muscle is obviously impacting his ability to throw the ball with the velocity needed to make this offense successful. He needed some help from the rest of the offense on Sunday.

The offensive line did what they could, and Marshawn Lynch certainly did everything he could be expected to do.

The receiving corps, on the other hand, let him down. They dropped about a half dozen balls that should have been receptions. This kept Seattle from extending some drives, and certainly impacted Jackson's statistical showing.

Jackson's first touchdown was an easy flip, allowing Lynch to power into the end zone. His second was a solid pass to Golden Tate.

Jackson's biggest issue seems to be reacting to the blitz. He seems to recognize the blitz before the snap, but adjustments to passing routes don't seem to be happening. Jackson has also stopped looking to run the ball, making him a sitting duck in a collapsing pocket.

If Jackson's injury isn't able to allow him to scramble, a change needs to be made. He is still running the offense better than Charlie Whitehurst, but the Eagles are likely going to offer wholesale blitz packages until Jackson can beat them with his arm or his legs.

His final stat line was far from impressive. Without the drops it would have been much more impressive, but his play is suffering from his injury.

Jackson was 14-for-30, 144 yards, two TDs, one INT, 69.3 passer rating.

Defensive Line: B-

The Seahawks' grade for defensive linemen is heavily reliant on the play of Red Bryant. Every week he seems to be blocking field goals or intercepting passes. 

It was more of the same in Week 12. He blocked another field goal and made several great plays in run defense.

Anthony Hargrove also turned in an impressive performance, giving the Seahawks a rare sack from the defensive tackle position. Brandon Mebane added two QB hits and made several nice tackles

Chris Clemons saw a steady stream of multiple blockers and was often held, limiting his impact on the game. Raheem Brock also struggled, with no pressure on the quarterback and just one tackle.

After the defensive line dominating in tackles last week, they only had one tackler in the top seven. They also allowed Roy Helu to average 4.7 yards per carry. 

Linebackers: C

David Hawthorne had seven tackles. What makes that more impressive is he did that in just one half of football, as he left the game early in the third quarter with an injury. The final score (and this grade) could have been much different had he been able to play the entire game.

Leroy Hill led the team in tackles with eight, one of them a tackle for loss. K.J. Wright also had a solid performance after taking over with the radio helmet when Hawthorne left the game.

However, the team still struggles with responsibilities for the tight end and running backs running routes out of the backfield.

David Vobora looked unprepared for the amount of playing time he received. Vobora filled in on the right side after Wright moved to the middle.

On subsequent plays Vobora didn't get to his position before the snap. The first play turned what would have been a sack into a QB hit. The next play he was late getting into coverage, allowing the tight end to get open in the left flat.

Linebackers have been an issue for Seattle over the last few seasons, but there are positive signs from the starting three. Leroy Hill will likely be an important free agent to pursue.

Defensive Backs: B

The defensive backs were certainly a one step forward, one step back group.

Brandon Browner had a costly defensive holding penalty, extending a Redskins drive that resulted in a touchdown. He made up for it later with an interception that set up Seattle's first touchdown.

The same can be said for Richard Sherman. He had several lapses in coverage but also came up with an interception of Rex Grossman.

Earl Thomas had a solid yet unremarkable day. Kam Chancellor looked human for the first time in several weeks, failing to pick up the tight end on several plays. He also lacked the numerous hard hits that he's come to be known for.

One has to wonder if the penalties and subsequent fines in prior weeks are impacting Chancellor's play. Surrendering $60,000 of his annual compensation is a huge hit for a player making $405,000. He was also at risk of a suspension should he commit another infraction on Sunday.

Seahawks fans are hoping to see Chancellor be able to open his play back up again.

Special Teams: B

Leon Washington was good for a few very nice kickoff returns (51 and 35 yards). He wasn't able to accomplish anything in the limited punt return options.

The kickers were solid. Steven Hauschka found the end zone repeatedly, except when kicking off from the 20-yard line following a Golden Tate penalty. He did barely miss from 50 yards on his first field goal attempt, keeping this grade from being higher.

Jon Ryan continues to show he is one of the best punters in the NFL. He had four kicks inside the 20 in six attempts, including a booming 67-yard attempt that helped Seattle with field position. He had no touchbacks and a 43.3-yard net.