Seahawks Pass Rush Posts Big Numbers in Win vs. Titans
The Seattle Seahawks' pass rush, just like the team as a whole, has had its share of ups and downs this season, but Sunday's game against the Tennessee Titans certainly marked a high point.
All day long, the Seahawks' front seven simply overwhelmed the Titans' offensive line to the tune of six sacks on the day, Seattle's second highest total in a game this season.
With the offense sputtering for most of the game, the defense, and particularly the pass rush, helped keep the game close enough for the Seahawks to pull off a 20-17 comeback win and go home happy for the holidays.
"We came in to the rush the passer, that was the focal point, and we got that done right from the beginning and all the way to the end," Seahawks coach Pete Carroll told reporters after the game. "I think (Boye) Maye and Dre'Mont (Jones), on the last drive right there. But the guys worked hard all day long. If you look at the last two weeks, the formula has kind of been similar, not one that we are in love with, but it happened."
The number of sacks is great, but what's even better is the timing of some of them. After the Seahawks took their first lead of the day, the Titans had just under a minute to try and tie the game or re-take the lead. However, they couldn't get much going on their last-gasp drive thanks to two key sacks, one from Mafe and one from Jones.
Seahawks Rapid Reaction: Geno Smith, Pass Rush Come in Clutch in 20-17 Win vs. Titans
"It's always something you're working toward, but at the end of the day, the big picture is getting the W," Mafe told reporters. "Making sure that I'm doing everything that I can in my manner to help the team."
Now on a two-game winning streak after losing the previous four, Seattle's playoff hopes are alive and well once more, in large part thanks to an outstanding defensive performance on Sunday.