Renton, United States.— The last time Pete Carroll and the Seattle Seahawks went 2-5, expectations were different.
That was 10 years ago. At the time, the Seahawks were in transition and laying the pillars for their rise to the top of the NFL. This was before Russell Wilson came along and became the franchise quarterback, before linebacker Bobby Wagner was drafted, becoming the leader on defense.
Seattle wasn’t supposed to stand out – it was too premature – by starting the 2011 season 2-5.
That’s why this 2-5 start for the Seahawks is troubling, especially after Monday’s 13-10 loss to New Orleans. It is a team with palpable signs of retreat, away from the foreground and adding to mediocrity.
“It’s not a great feeling,” Wagner said. “It’s not a position we thought we were in, it’s like going back to the beginning.”
It was an ugly loss, marked by lethargic offense, poor calls by quarterback Geno Smith who was sacked multiple times, two missed field goal attempts and puzzling defensive penalties.
The Seahawks were supposed to be contenders this season, but have been overwhelmed and aimless as Wilson was ruled out with a finger injury.
IT WORKS
After being smashed at the start of the season, Seattle’s defense deserves a bit of credit after improving the past two weeks and not allowing as many yards and time of possession. The Saints had 304 yards, the fewest allowed by the Seahawks.
They were small steps for a defense that was pulled in early in the season, but perhaps a sign of continued improvement.
NEED HELP
Of course, the Seahawks don’t have their franchise quarterback, but Shane Waldron was supposed to bring ingenuity and creativity to Seattle’s offensive scheme. They’ve been outmatched so far and that’s even before Wilson’s injury.
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