3 Dumb Mistakes by Pete Carroll in Seahawks Sunday Night Football Loss to Rams
By Scott Rogust
The Seattle Seahawks entered Week 14 with a chance to maintain their NFC West lead and knock the rival Los Angeles Rams out of playoff contention. That didn't happen, as the Seahawks lost 28-12 to drop down to the No. 5 seed in the NFC playoff race.
If you wanted to find an individual to point the finger of blame towards, look no further than head coach Pete Carroll. Here are three dumb mistakes by the veteran coach that cost Seattle at a chance for their 11th win.
3. Playing Like They Have a Lead
Seattle runs on first down & lets the last 30 seconds of the third quarter expire, holding up 4 fingers as they walk to the sideline.
— Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) December 9, 2019
It’s as if they’re up two touchdowns instead of down two touchdowns.
After a third quarter pick-six by safety Quandre Diggs, it looked like the Seahawks were primed for yet another second half comeback. That was far from the case. Seattle owned the final possession of the third quarter, and Pete Carroll coached like he had the lead. Down 21-9, Carroll ran out the clock...something he shouldn't be doing when down by two scores!
2. That Fourth Quarter Field Goal Decision
The Rams' win probability went up after that Seahawks FG. pic.twitter.com/vAyPIiq9JR
— Steven Ruiz (@theStevenRuiz) December 9, 2019
Pete Carroll really needs to work on his game-management skills. After Todd Gurley extended the Rams' lead to 28-9 in the fourth quarter, Seattle worked its way into the red zone. Facing a fourth-and-15 down 19 points, Carroll called for a Jason Myers field goal attempt. However, Los Angeles' win probability actually increased after the three added points by Seattle. Why aren't you going for touchdowns in situations like these, Pete? Did you take some advice from Jason Garrett? If so, stop doing that.
1. Lack of In-Game Adjustments Once Rashaad Penny Went Down
One of the reasons the Seahawks had won five consecutive games entering Week 14 is the emergence of Rashaad Penny in the running back committee. However, Seattle was dealt a significant blow after Penny suffered a game-ending knee injury in the first quarter. Despite that, Carroll continued to run the ball at will with Chris Carson. Without an effective change of pace back like Penny, that's simply not going to work. You have Russell Wilson, who's pulled off miracle wins with his arm numerous times throughout his career. Let him throw it! Imagine if Carroll made a brutal mistake like this in the Super Bowl...oh wait, he did.