The Seattle Seahawks faced a pivotal moment in Week 17, securing a 6-3 victory over the Chicago Bears on Thursday night. However, despite their win, the weekend unfolded unfavorably for the Seahawks as key outcomes went against them, officially eliminating them from playoff contention. The Rams’ Saturday night triumph over the Cardinals ensured their NFC West title and sealed Seattle’s postseason fate.
Seahawks Eliminated from Playoff Contention
Reflecting on the turn of events, rookie head coach Mike Macdonald acknowledged the challenges, stating, “It wasn’t optimal, obviously. It’s disappointing, but you’ve got to make the best of it for the rest of the week.” With their playoff hopes dashed, the Seahawks (9-7) now look ahead to their Week 18 regular-season finale against the NFC West champions, the Los Angeles Rams (10-6), scheduled for Sunday, January 5, at 1:25 p.m. PST in Inglewood, California.
Despite their postseason elimination, the Seahawks are motivated to close out the season on a high note. A victory against the Rams would secure their third consecutive winning season and demonstrate their resilience and football character.
Mike Macdonald Emphasizes Seahawks’ Football Character
Coach Macdonald stressed the importance of maintaining high standards, even in the face of adversity. “For us, the first thing is it’s an opportunity to go and get 10 wins, and that’s what’s important right now,” Macdonald said. “There’s a standard here of what we’re trying to establish, and we want to show off our football character—what type of team we are, what type of people we are, and how we’re going to play.”
The Seahawks plan to field their best lineup against the Rams, with Macdonald confirming that no healthy players will be rested for developmental purposes. “We’re going to play to win the game,” he stated. “If someone is at risk of making something worse long-term, then we’ll definitely consider that, but guys are going to want to play. If it’s safe for them to be out there, they’re going to be out there.”
Geno Smith Eyes Milestones and Seahawks Records
Quarterback Geno Smith, in his third season as Seattle’s starter, has a significant opportunity to make history in Week 18. Smith is on the verge of breaking his own franchise record for single-season passing yards, needing just 185 yards to surpass 4,282. Additionally, a 10th win would mark the Seahawks’ best regular-season performance since 2020 and bolster Smith’s case for a contract extension heading into 2025.
ESPN’s Brady Henderson highlighted Smith’s potential contract bonuses, including $2 million for reaching 4,282 passing yards and an additional $2 million for maintaining a completion rate above 69.7555% (he currently sits at 70.2359%). These achievements underscore Smith’s perseverance behind a struggling offensive line and his role in leading Seattle through a challenging season.
Lessons from a Season of Highs and Lows
Reflecting on the season, Macdonald pointed to key moments where the team fell short, such as the home loss to the two-win New York Giants in October. “If you’re not in charge of your own destiny, you’re always going to think of moments you could have taken advantage of to put yourself in a better position,” he noted. Despite the setbacks, Macdonald praised the team’s growth, resilience, and commitment to their process.
Seahawks Look to Spoil Rams’ Playoff Seeding
While the Week 18 matchup against the Rams has no bearing on playoff berths, Seattle still has plenty to play for. A victory would disrupt the Rams’ playoff seeding and provide a morale boost for the Seahawks organization and its fans. “It’s not an optimum condition,” Macdonald said, “but as a football team and organization, we have a high standard about how we want to play. That’s what we’re chasing.”
As the Seahawks prepare for their final game of the season, they aim to showcase their football character, finish strong, and lay the foundation for future success. The outcome of Week 18 will not only define their 2024 season but also set the tone for the years ahead.