The Seattle Seahawks suffered a frustrating 17-13 defeat to the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday, but they are not letting the result dampen their spirits. The Seahawks believe that the loss will help them grow and improve as a team, and that they have what it takes to compete with anyone in the league.
Defense Shuts Down Bengals After Early Struggles
The Seahawks defense had a rough start to the game, allowing the Bengals to score touchdowns on their first two drives. However, they quickly adjusted and shut down the Bengals offense for the rest of the game, giving up only three points on a field goal that came after a turnover.
The Seahawks defense held the Bengals to only 76 yards of offense after their first two drives, and forced five punts and an interception. The interception was made by cornerback Tre Brown, who returned from a concussion and made his 2023 debut. Brown made a great play to break up a deep pass intended for Ja’Marr Chase, one of the best receivers in the league.
Safety Jamal Adams also returned from a concussion and made an impact on the defense, recording six tackles and a pass defensed. Adams said that he felt like the defense was just getting started, and that they had great chemistry and communication.
“I feel like we’re just getting started,” Adams said. “Obviously, just having everybody out there, that’s the key. Just flowing and understanding where everybody’s going to be. Communication-wise, playing as one. But the sky is the limit. We just have to keep working, put our heads down and just continue to get better.”
Offense Struggles in Red Zone
The Seahawks offense moved the ball well against the Bengals defense, gaining 388 yards and 22 first downs. However, they failed to capitalize on their opportunities in the red zone, scoring only one touchdown and two field goals on six trips inside the 20-yard line.
Quarterback Geno Smith threw for 323 yards and a touchdown, but also had two costly interceptions, one of which came in the red zone. Smith took full responsibility for the loss, saying that he needed to play better and make better decisions.
“It’s on me,” Smith said. “I’ve got to be better. I’ve got to make better throws. I’ve got to make better reads. I’ve got to protect the ball better. I’ve got to lead this team better.”
Smith also praised his teammates for their effort and support, saying that they fought hard and never gave up. He said that he had confidence in himself and his team, and that they would learn from their mistakes and bounce back.
“We’ve got a great group of guys in this locker room,” Smith said. “They never quit. They never point fingers. They always have my back. And I have theirs. We’re going to stick together. We’re going to watch the film. We’re going to correct our errors. And we’re going to come back stronger.”
Carroll Remains Optimistic About Future
Seahawks coach Pete Carroll said that he was proud of how his team played, despite the outcome. He said that he loved their competitiveness and toughness, and that they were very close to winning the game.
He also said that he was optimistic about the future, and that he believed that the loss would help them grow and improve as a team.
“It was the red zone stuff that got us, we needed our touchdowns,” Carroll said. “. So our numbers will look like crap there in the red zone. But man, we were so close to winning that football game. Give (the Bengals) credit, they hung in there and got it. But I love the way we played today. I know we had our penalties and we had some stuff and there’s always stuff to get better, but that’s a freakin’ competitive group man, they fought their ass off today, both sides of the football. It’s going to help us down the road, we’re going to keep playing really hard, we’re going to keep playing tough, and we’re going to make it hard on everybody we play.”
Carroll also shared a message of encouragement with his team after the game, telling them not to be discouraged by the loss, but to use it as motivation for their next game.
“We’re leaving frustrated, but we know what’s ahead of us,” safety Julian Love said. “That was a message coach Carroll shared.”
The Seahawks will look to bounce back from their loss next week when they host the San Francisco 49ers at CenturyLink Field.
