Featuring postgame quotes from the following:
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Head Coach Pete Carroll
On this being a tough loss for the team and what his message to the team was.
"Yeah, we played really hard tonight. We were on it and had a chance to play with these guys throughout. There were some opportunities in there that we needed to go the other way and they didn't for one reason or another. There's a couple plays we could have made. We made a big mistake in the running game and gave them that big play on the scoring drive. We just made a mistake on the alignment and gave it to them. We played the running (game) great all night long. We felt like we kind of kept them under wraps, but we needed to score again and get ahead. I thought the response right before half and starting the third quarter was exactly what we needed to get rolling. Unfortunately, the next drive that they got, we didn't get the job done. But it's still tens, you know? It's a really good football game on a Tuesday night."
On what he saw from the offense in general, the slow start for them and where did things fall short.
"Yeah, we just didn't. We just didn't get going. The defense stayed out, had some drives that we hung on into and got off the field and all that. The offense needed to make their conversions and get going. We were one-for-five on third downs in the first half. That's not enough to get rolling. We never got started. It was great to see that we jumped right at the end of half and then jumped back again, had a really good physical drive, running the football and mixing and all that, everything was just right. We needed to just finish. It was a close game the whole night, we just needed one more drive and unfortunately we couldn't generate it."
On what's left for his team with their slim chances of going to the postseason.
"We're playing for each other. We're playing for the cause of loving this game and loving the guys that are in the locker room with us and playing for one another. The relationships that you build during the course of a season like this are unforgettable. They connect you so that you keep battling because that's what it is. That's what it feels like. You saw how hard we played tonight. There's nothing but guys fighting for one another and so that's what we'll do wherever we're playing, whoever we're playing and whenever it happens. It doesn't matter if it's Tuesday night or Sunday or whenever. We're going to go ahead and go. We will overcome the issues and get back to playing and focus on the things that make us have a chance, by practicing well, studying hard, caring and loving this game. We're going to do everything we can to get every single drop out of it as we go down the stretch here."
On Seahawks WR DK Metcalf being irate on the sidelines at the end of the first half and how to bring him back mentally.
"He wasn't checked out mentally as far as going out on the field and playing football. You saw something I didn't see and I didn't feel it. I didn't see that. He was right with it. We needed him to go back to this and that. The plays that we were calling he was totally in. I didn't see anything that distracted. But again, things might have been happening behind me. He was right there when we needed him to throughout and didn't waver."
On if he got any explanations on Seahawks RB DeeJay Dallas fourth down play.
"No. (Inaudible). (Seahawks RB) DeeJay (Dallas) is one of the great players on our team. Team guy smart guy, great chase, great energy. He lost his composure for a flash of an instant and kicks the ball right there. So, he kind of distracted the focus from the call that that was just made. I don't know, those guys make those calls when they make them and sometimes they do, sometimes they don't. It happened quickly and it didn't look very good on the little replay that somebody showed me, but I don't know. I'm not (inaudible) about that call. We need to win the game in all the other ways we could win the game."
On there not being a connection this year between Metcalf and Seahawks QB Russell Wilson and their plays that came up short.
"They're trying their (expletive) off to play right. They're working on their stuff, their routes, their concepts, the calls are there. We're trying to get the ball. We just have to throw and catch it and make the plays and they have to get the job done and throw better. We have to make sure that we make our plays. I know these guys are working really hard to get it done. I am sick that we didn't have a chance to play with (Seahawks WR) Tyler (Lockett) in this game, he would've been a factor in for sure. It's unfortunate because this is really his kind of opportunity. So, (Seahawks WR) DK (Metcalf) had to do it, (Seahawks WR) Freddie (Swain) had to do it, (Seahawks WR Dee) Eskridge had to do it and come through. Those guys did everything they could."
On their first drive in the third quarter being as good as it's been all season and why it worked.
"Well, it was just mixed in really well. DeeJay finished the drive off, (Seahawks RB Rashaad) Penny cramped up coming out of halftime and DeeJay finished off and did a nice job with that. I thought pass protection was as good as it's been also against these guys. I thought we held up well. Our pass rush was as good as it's been also against these guys. There's a lot of positives in there."
On why their play wasn't sustainable in terms of the offense.
"Actually, I don't know. We tried to go right back on and do it again and we didn't make the same first downs that did. The conversions were there in that sequence, and also, we ran the ball really well right there. When the time comes, you have to convert the third downs. We had some good controllable third down situations that we need to make."
On the third-down holding penalty against CB Bless Austin.
"I didn't see it. I think he had three penalties thrown his way and I was told that that two of them weren't penalties, but I don't know that. I can't tell you. I know he is really physical. He knocked a guy down on the last one and (that) was a huge play, like third-and-12, or something like that. We were off the field and they get a first down right there. That's a very, very timely play for us. And, I know he's physical, but I didn't see the actual contact there. So, I have to wait to see the film."
On if the game being moved from Sunday to Tuesday impacted the Seahawks.
"I don't think that had anything to do with anything. It just made it seem like forever to get to this game. It seemed like it was two weeks ago when we played and all that. But, the event here, the stadium was good. You know, our guys were lit up and fired up about this opportunity. They (the Rams) were too. Now, it's going to be taxing the next week and we got to do a nice job of getting back and recovering. It's a short week coming up."
On if the postponement and inactive players put the Seahawks at a disadvantage.
"Well, I don't think it put us in a disadvantage. I think the delay helped them (the Rams). They were able to get some guys back that wouldn't have played on Sunday, I think. But other than that, it didn't hamper us, other than not having Tyler. Tyler's one of the best players we've ever seen and he wasn't there tonight. He didn't quite make it back. He was battling all the way this morning. He would've flown up here in the morning if he could have passed his (COVID-19) test – he couldn't get it done. But we were competing at (inaudible)."
On his reaction to all of the penalties assessed against the Seahawks.
"We've been remarkably good penalty-wise during the course of this season, better than maybe we've ever been with fewer penalties per game and all that kind of stuff. But it seemed like young guys, new guys, that's what it kind of felt like. Making the wrong choice at the wrong time. It just kind of felt like a little bit of inexperience in that running into the kicker, maybe on a third-and-12 you don't have to use your hands as much. You make a good decision there, I don't even know if that's a penalty. Those are things that really we should be able to get through and it should not even be a factor. And those three plays, they (the Rams) didn't do anything, they didn't do a thing. We did all that to ourselves. So, it felt like that it felt like the guys that came up in those situations were new guys. And unfortunately, it wasn't the most experienced guys that we've had around and so maybe that's just part of the newness."
On why the Seahawks were so successful in the pass rush against the Rams.
"Well, I think that (Seahawks LB) Carlos (Dunlap II) took advantage of his opportunity against the guy who came in for (Rams OL Rob) Havenstein (Rams OL Alaric Jackson). I know he had three sacks, I think one of them was on the right side. I think two on the left. They had to play a back-up there. Carlos has been around a long time. He had one of his best games, rushing. So, I thought he took advantage of his opportunities really well. This was a game about opportunities. You know, some of them we captured and some of them we didn't and it's really frustrating to have to live with that."
Thoughts on the play of Seahawks OLB Jordan Brooks.
"Yeah, he was really active. He was really active. I loved the play on the screen of course. That was a game (where) we're under three yards a carry in that game in the first half, playing exactly like we've been playing for months. Really kicking butt in the running game. And then that darn play gets out – the 40-yard play. We just lined up on and missed an alignment. But he was all part of that. I thought he was a big factor, he and (Seahawks LB) Bobby (Wagner), they continue to make the plays. Now we get really good line of scrimmage play from (Seahawks DT) Al (Woods) and from (Seahawks DT) Poona (Ford). And without (Seahawks NT Bryan) Mone tonight, our guys were playing like we've been playing. So, there's some real consistency there. We've got some real strengths there as we're going through this season that keeps showing up."
On how the players who are on the Reserve/COVID-19 list are feeling health wise.
"I'd like to send a message out there. Our guys aren't sick. A couple of guys felt a little something, but they're not sick-sick and they're not feeling really bad. And it's really frustrating for them because they don't feel bad. And the new thing we're dealing with, Omicron, is absolutely on fire, (it's) virulent, but it's not a big factor in how it's affecting us at this point. We're going to learn a lot more, that's on no information and this is with no research, no nothing, but the early indication is that guys feel a little something and then that's it. And so, we have to do a good job of getting back from it. These guys (the Rams) did a nice job getting back. They got some guys back in three or four days. We got to make sure we get that done. I don't think we're done with this thing. I think we're still dealing with it."
Quarterback Russell Wilson
On what was going on offensively.
"I thought the first half really kind of got by us. We didn't have that many plays. I think we only had one series in the first quarter, I believe, is that right? One series in the first quarter, right? And then, second half or second quarter, we didn't get the ball that much. We got the ball right before the half. We marched on the field, made some key plays on that drive, and then next thing you know, we ended up kicking the field goal there, so it made a three-game – a tight game. Got the ball back at half, we were able to run the ball well. We were able to also get the ball out quick to (Seahawks WR) DK (Metcalf) 'D. Calf' a few of those, signal some stuff here and there. We were able to march the ball. (Seahawks WR) Freddie (Swain) made a sweet play. DK made a couple nice plays, big third-down conversion to him in. We end up running the touchdown in. That was huge. The rest of the half the score was 10-10. The score was 10-10, I think there was about eight minutes to go, something like that. It's third and 18 for them and they get the conversion on the first down off the penalty and they ended up scoring on that drive. Made it 17-10. We get the ball back, it's third and one – unfortunately – we go offsides. We think we would've had that first down there on that play. And then next thing you know, it's a huge key situation or whatever. And unfortunately, we don't get the call, don't make the play. I think that there are some plays out there we could have had, we could made and this and that, you know, I felt like I was a little short on DK on that one. I wish I could have had that one back maybe, but other than that, I felt like we played a good game. It was a tight game. We didn't get as much opportunities as we wanted to. We had some third longs, you know, obviously, they're a good defense. They had good pass rushers and stuff and third longs is always tough. So the game got away from us. It was 10-10 and we had a chance to win it, we felt like, and unfortunately, we didn't."
On sensing any frustration from Metcalf after the first half.
"No, he wasn't. We didn't have anything between us or anything like that. There's a moment where he was pressed and we ran the ball on that play, and he did a really good job of shaking (CB Jalen) Ramsey on a really smooth play, like he was saying, "Hey, I'm hot today. I'm going to be ready to go. I'm going to be ready to go." So that was kind of his passion. Wasn't anything wrong or anything like that. Me and him were super connected, you know, so there was nothing wrong or anything like that. He had a great week. He was focused. Highly focused. Ready to roll. So, there was nothing there."
On being 5-9 and how he's feeling about that.
"It's definitely disappointing. I think that the season's been tough just in general with everything going on with everyone and just life. There's a lot of real situations out there going on, you know, and COVID… I think for us, the only thing that we can do is get ready for tomorrow, wake up tomorrow and give everything we have. That's what our job is to do, to wake up and give everything we have every day. That's all I know. It's definitely disappointing, you know, and I feel like this season we had some chances to win some games early on. We didn't unfortunately. I think the season's past, I felt like we've won those close games. I go back to, I think it was 2019, I think we had seven or eight games we won, you know, those close tight-knit games. I go back to early on the season, Tennessee, for example, we could have had that game. A few games just kind of got away from us. What I do know is that I'm grateful for each guy that gives everything every day. I don't expect anything to change with that in terms of their mentality, our mentality, how we're going to work at it every day and work at our craft. That's the character of guys we have in the room. I know that it's disappointing, you know, the good thing is I think that we've always created such a high standard of playing and winning and we found ways to just win these close games. And this year, unfortunately, we weren't able to do it, you know and all I know is we got three more left and we're going to give everything we have."
On the loss of Seahawks WR Tyler Lockett in the game.
"I thought guys were working their butts off. I think that obviously (Seahawks WR) Tyler Lockett's, one of the best receivers in the national football, anytime he is out there, it's always helpful. I'm just glad Tyler's feeling okay, feeling good. It's this COVID thing's very real and he found out he had it. That was always tough. That was tough on all of us. And I know tough on him because I know how much he's cared and put into this. And me and him are texting all week, just checking on each other. We were talking about the game plan, just different things. He's such an amazing person, amazing player, amazing teammate. Anytime he's out on the field, it's always a good thing. Anytime he's just around us, it's always a good thing. So, but I thought guys played their butts off. I thought Freddie, they just brought off and made us a couple nice, really good plays. I thought guys really try to do some special things in those games. We almost had that deep shot to (Seahawks WR) Dee Eskridge, almost came down with it, you know, on the scramble that would've been a huge play. He tried to go, you know, go forward it, he had it. And then they end up, I think, knocking it out and didn't get to see it all the way. But, um, you know, so guys gave everything they had, you know, and, you know, so, but anyway, anytime you don't have Tyler, you want your best players out there. And obviously he's one those guys in the National Football League, but guys played their butts off all week."
On Tyler Lockett being missed due to the lack of production on passes more than ten yards.
"I think that obviously Tyler has the ability to get open and just slow their past the defense. He's been the best of the world ever since he's gotten in the league. Eight years, however many years he's been playing, that's what he does best. I think that in the midst of the game, you know, that'd a really good pass rush. You know, we try to slow them down. We did a good job of slowing down for the most part and, and they made a couple plays, you know, I gave DK a nice double move on one of them. That's the one I got hit and Joe makes a great catch on it, but that was a touchdown. Unfortunately, I got hit right when I threw it, but there's some key moments in there. You know, and obviously Tyler's, he's one of the best at it."
On trying to go to DK Metcalf on completion to Gerald Everett.
"Yeah, I got my arm hit right when I threw it and I was actually going to Metcalf and they kind of chopped my elbow right when I threw it. So, my wrist or whatever."
On the fourth down play to Seahawks RB DeeJay Dallas and the no-call.
"Unfortunate. I think that DeeJay's supposed to run a different route. I kind of told him, 'Hey, run this one right here, you know?' And without saying the name of it, (I) told him to kind of go out and release on this one and just free release. And it was the perfect look. I mean it was and unfortunately rushed. And they got right down the middle there kind of. Unfortunately, and tried to get the ball to DeeJay and got hit, right when tried to release it and he got hit right when the ball was kind of getting to him. Obviously, that was a huge play. Could have been a big moment, obviously, 'cause the score right there was 17-10 and the ball would've been on a – I don't know what the 32 yard line, 30 yard line roughly. I don't know exactly, but that was a big moment and there's so many other moments in that game. I felt like we could have capitalized and the game was 10 to 10 with eight minutes to go or whatever. So it was there for us and unfortunately got away."
On if he is playing up to the level he wants to play at.
"Well, where I wanna be is whatever our record could be – 10 and whatever it could be. That's where I want to be. Unfortunately, I've been getting better every week. I had a great game last week and everything else. We had some key moments the past couple weeks. (We) had great weeks and they made a couple plays here and there. Like I said, we didn't have the ball that much. We tried to do some different things, try to slow them down, up front. And we did a good job of that for the most part. There's just some key, key moments in there, you know? And so, I think that to answer your question, I'm always going to keep working no matter what. I'm never where I want to be just because I always want to work in my game. I always want to continue to get better every day. There's a tough, tough battle today. I mean, like I said, the scores 10-10. The game was right there and unfortunately got away with a couple key moments of miscues and stuff like that. So, I always stay encouraged. I'll always keep working and that's all I know."
On if they are still approaching the season as if they got a shot at the playoffs.
"I don't know all the math of it all. All I know is what we want to approach it as is that we have a job to do and we have a opportunity to go play as tough as we can as hard as we can for our fans and for our own families and our careers and just try to do things right. There is no other way. You're always going to try to do things right in the right manner, the right approach at the highest, highest level. You know, it's a good football team we played today. It was a good game. Unfortunately, we didn't win it. And what we do know is that the next day is the only day we get and so we're going to do everything we can to give it all we have. And that's the only approach we know Mike. It's disappointing we didn't get to win it today. Obviously, we've been playing some good football. I thought that this game was a good game. Just like I said, it didn't end up the way we wanted it to late in the last, you know, five, six minutes of the game really. And we've won so many of those moments and I think to key moments, key penalties, key little things like that. Those things can't happen in those kind of tight situations with great teams. And so, all I know is I'm gonna stay encouraged and I don't know any other way. I give everything I have for these guys in this locker room Seattle and just everything I have every day and just our fans and I love this game every day. I'm going to come with the right approach, the right mindset, and that's all we know. I know everybody else is going to do the same."
Free Safety Quandre Diggs
Tight End Gerald Everett
Defensive End Carlos Dunlap II
The Seattle Seahawks take on the Los Angeles Rams for Week 15 of the 2021 season. This album will be updated throughout the game. Game action photos are presented by Washington's Lottery.