3 Seahawks Players and Personnel Most at Fault for Heartbreaking Loss to Packers
By Scott Rogust
The Seattle Seahawks came so close to earning the upset victory over the Green Bay Packers in the NFC Divisional Round. Yet, they fell just short, losing 28-23 at Lambeau Field on Sunday.
There are plenty of moments that could have altered the outcome of the game. But here, we're focusing on specific individuals whose performances ultimately cost them the win.
3. WR Malik Turner
The Seahawks looked to be in prime position to get into Green Bay territory and potentially score a game-winning touchdown. But that would never come to fruition, thanks to receiver Malik Turner. On 1st and 10 on Seattle's 37-yard line, Wilson attempted a pass to Turner which looked to get them past the 50. Instead, the ball hit Turner right in the chest and fell to the turf. Seattle was forced to punt two plays later, and unfortunately for them, they never got the ball back.
2. OC Brian Schottenheimer
Another year, another Seattle playoff loss caused by terrible playcalling by offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer. Last year, the Seahawks stubbornly ran the ball against the Dallas Cowboys instead of it. In 2020, he did it once again. The Seahawks handed off the ball to their running backs 17 times for a grand total of 46 yards. You have Russell Wilson, throw the ball! Of course, they allowed him to pass in the second half, but that was after facing a huge deficit. Also, there were no designed runs for Russ, who we know makes the most of every play he has the ball in his hands.
1. DC Ken Norton Jr.
While there were some bright spots for the Seahawks defense, it was a far from ideal performance from Ken Norton's squad. Perhaps the most fatal flaw of his game plan was his entire secondary being unable to defend Davante Adams. Seattle couldn't stop Green Bay's stud receiver, as he caught 8-of-11 targets for 160 yards and two touchdowns. Not to mention, he toasted two defensive backs on the crucial third-down reception in the closing minutes of the fourth quarter. On top of that, the Pack converted NINE of 14 third downs. Unacceptable. Talk about being ill-prepared.