The Seattle Seahawks ended their three-game losing streak in style on Sunday, overpowering the Atlanta Falcons with a 34-14 win at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Led by a solid performance from Geno Smith and a relentless defense, Seattle put together their most complete effort of the Mike Macdonald era, silencing critics and showcasing their true potential.
With a balanced attack on both sides of the ball, the Seahawks controlled the game from the opening whistle. Smith threw two touchdowns, and Ken Walker III found the end zone twice, despite playing through an illness. The defense, which had struggled in recent weeks, came up big with a strip-sack by Boye Mafe, leading to a fumble recovery and touchdown by Derick Hall. It was a complete team victory that reignited hopes for a deep playoff push.
Ken Walker III Shines on His Birthday
Ken Walker III, despite battling illness, played an essential role in Seattle’s offensive success. The third-year running back celebrated his birthday by scoring two touchdowns and setting the tempo with strong runs. Walker’s ability to bounce back from his midweek health concerns was crucial to the Seahawks’ offensive balance.
- Walker finished the day with 104 total yards, including two rushing touchdowns.
- His first touchdown came in the second quarter, capping off a 60-yard drive that put Seattle up by two scores.
- In the second half, he added another touchdown to put the game firmly out of reach.
Macdonald praised Walker’s toughness and determination in his post-game press conference: “Ken was sick all week, but he fought through it. The way he ran today shows his character and heart. We needed him, and he delivered.”
Walker’s resilience, combined with Geno Smith’s precision passing, helped the Seahawks sustain long drives, keeping the Falcons’ defense on the field and tiring them out as the game progressed.
Opportunistic Defense Answers the Call
Seattle’s defense, which had struggled to create turnovers in recent games, turned the tide against Atlanta. Boye Mafe’s strip-sack of Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins was the game’s turning point, with Derick Hall returning the fumble 64 yards for a touchdown.
Here’s how the defense performed:
- Three interceptions of Kirk Cousins, stifling Atlanta’s offensive momentum.
- Six tackles for loss and constant pressure on Cousins, including three sacks.
- A much-improved performance in stopping the run, allowing just 65 yards on the ground.
The Seahawks defense, maligned for weeks, stepped up when it mattered most, and head coach Mike Macdonald was quick to acknowledge their contribution. “Our defense was outstanding today,” Macdonald said. “From start to finish, they executed the game plan perfectly. They forced turnovers, applied pressure, and didn’t allow Atlanta to gain any momentum.”
Seattle’s ability to force mistakes and capitalize on them was a significant reason for the win. Hall’s fumble return for a touchdown gave the Seahawks a 17-point cushion in the fourth quarter, effectively sealing the victory.
Geno Smith’s Steady Hand Leads the Offense
While Geno Smith’s numbers weren’t eye-popping, the veteran quarterback played a smart and efficient game. He finished with 198 passing yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions, managing the game and making critical throws when needed.
- A 35-yard touchdown pass to DK Metcalf in the first quarter to open the scoring.
- A perfectly placed 18-yard strike to Tyler Lockett in the second quarter to extend the lead.
- No turnovers, despite facing heavy pressure from Atlanta’s defense.
Smith’s ability to spread the ball around kept the Falcons’ defense guessing. Metcalf, Lockett, and rookie receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba each made crucial catches in key moments, allowing Seattle to maintain control of the game. “Geno was calm, collected, and in command,” Macdonald said. “He played within himself, made the right reads, and gave our guys chances to make plays.”
Looking Ahead: Seahawks Prepare for Buffalo
With the losing streak snapped and a critical road win under their belts, the Seahawks now turn their attention to next week’s clash with the Buffalo Bills. The victory over Atlanta was a confidence booster, but Seattle knows they will face a much tougher test in Buffalo, one of the AFC’s top teams.
- The Bills are currently 5-1 and feature one of the league’s most explosive offenses.
- Seattle will need another complete performance to pull off a road upset, especially with the game being played in prime time.
Macdonald acknowledged the challenge ahead, saying, “Buffalo is an elite team, no doubt about it. But if we play like we did today—team football—we’ll give ourselves a shot. We’ll enjoy this win tonight, then get back to work tomorrow.”
Seattle’s victory over Atlanta proved they are capable of playing dominant football on both sides of the ball. With Buffalo looming, the Seahawks will need to build on this momentum and continue to fine-tune their game if they hope to take down another top-tier opponent.
