Good morning, 12s. Here's a look at what's out there today — Tuesday, December 26 — about your Seattle Seahawks.
Local and national media react to Seattle's 20-17 victory over the Tennessee Titans.
The Seahawks secured their second-consecutive comeback victory on Sunday, defeating the Tennessee Titans 20-17 on the road to climb to the No. 7 seed in the NFC.
After reserve quarterback Drew Lock led Seattle to a 20-17 comeback victory last week over the Philadelphia Eagles, starter Geno Smith returned from a groin injury to do the same in Tennessee. Seattle was held scoreless in the first quarter, before going into halftime down 10-3. Smith would go on to complete 25-36 passes for 227 yards and two touchdowns. The first would go to red-hot fifth-year wideout DK Metcalf, who has scored five touchdowns across his last four contests.
The second touchdown would come in the game's final minute, as Smith led Seattle on a 75-yard drive to take a late lead. With a minute on the clock, Smith threw up a jump ball to tight end Colby Parkinson, who snagged the go-ahead score for his second touchdown on the year. The Seahawks defense would close out the contest on the game's final drive, bumping Seattle to 8-7 and No. 7 in the NFC standings. The win marks the fourth game-winning drive for Smith on the year. Coach Pete Carroll discussed Smith's belief in himself and how his "competitive mentality" has been key to Seattle's success in 2023.
"You've got to be around him to appreciate the competitive mentality that he has," said Carroll. "He's in such a good place. He believes so strongly that it's going to happen, and it's going to get done and his guys are going to come through for him. And that belief it transfers, translates to other guys, they feel him. So they go through and do what they're supposed to do, and it comes out well. He's having an enormous impact on these guys just because his mentality is so strong and so consistent."
Seattle's defense reigned terror on Titans' quarterback Ryan Tannehill, recording six sacks. Second-year linebacker Boye Mafe continued his breakout campaign, recording two sacks to bring his team-leading total to 9.0.
Carroll discussed the team's gameplan to create pressure, and his satisfaction with their execution.
"We came in to rush the passer," said Carroll. "That was the focal point, and we got that done right from the beginning and all the way to the end. I think (Boye) Maye and Dre'Mont (Jones), on the last ride right there. But the guys worked hard all day long. If you look at the last two weeks, the formula has kind of been similar, not one that we are in love with, but it happened. Where they didn't throw the ball for a lot of yards, but they ran the ball pretty well. It's a little different, cockeyed from where we generally try to put ourselves in that position. But it's happened where they're not getting much in the throwing game, and we are doing a really nice to have on a back end and all that."
After winning Week 15 NFC Defensive Player of the Week for his efforts in Seattle's win over the Eagles, safety Julian Love managed to be present for the birth of his son, Noah, and make it to Nashville to be a key contributor in Seattle's victory. Carroll discussed the incredible effort Love made to be prepared for Sunday's contest.
"Anybody that's been through—has babies, you know," said Carroll. "This was as challenging for Julian (Love) as could have been and took him days and days to get through the process. I know he wasn't well rested, but he got through it anyway and did a great job. There was not a guy in our locker room that would worry about him one bit, that he wouldn't be able to pull it off. He did a fantastic job."
Seattle now heads into Week 17, as they prepare to face the Pittsburgh Steelers at Lumen Field. With two games remaining, the Seahawks will look to use their home-field advantage against Pittsburgh to secure a third straight win.
Read more on the thoughts of local and national media following Thursday's contest here:
Matt Calkins of the Seattle Times:Geno Smith proves he is the QB the Seahawks need when it matters.
Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times: Seahawks score go-ahead TD late for second straight week, keep playoff hopes alive.
Adam Jude of the Seattle Times: Three things we learned from another frenetic finish in Seahawks’ win over Titans.
Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times: Four Downs: After another comeback win, what do the Seahawks need to do now to make the playoffs?
Brady Henderson of ESPN's NFL Nation: Geno Smith returns, authors game-winning drive for Seahawks.
Michael-Shawn Dugar of The Athletic: Seahawks come up clutch again, justifying Pete Carroll’s faith and nearing playoffs.
Brandon Gustafson of Seattle Sports 710AM: More late-drive magic vaults Seahawks into a playoff spot.
The Associated Press: Recap: Geno Smith rallies Seahawks with 2 TDs in 4th to beat Titans 20-17.
Brent Stecker of Seattle Sports 710AM: The Big Plays: Geno’s turn — late TD lifts Seahawks over Titans 20-17.
Adam Schultz of Sports Illustrated: Seahawks Coach Pete Carroll Reveals 'Powerful Trait' That Propelled Seattle to Win Over Titans.
Jonathan Alfano of Sports Illustrated: Seahawks Pass Rush Posts Big Numbers in Win vs. Titans.
Social Post Of The Day
Seahawks safety Julian Love breaks down preparation for Sunday's 20-17 win over the Tennessee Titans, as he awaited the birth of his son, Noah, for KING 5.
