Winners and Losers from a disappointing Seahawks loss to the Commanders

The Seattle Seahawks endured a disappointing loss to the Washington Commanders, ending their season with a 33-31 defeat. The game was a stark reminder of the team's struggles, with many factors contributing to the loss. Despite some bright spots, the team showed vulnerability in various areas of their performance.

Winners:

Jaxon Smith-Njigba, the Seahawks' dual-threat receiver, showcased his skills with 14 yards on a single completion and 128 yards and two touchdowns on the season. This performance highlights his continued effectiveness in the offense. Tory Horton and Cooper Kupp also contributed significantly, with Horton amassing 48 yards and Kupp adding 46 yards and a touchdown.

The Seahawks' passing offense, while still relying heavily on Jaxon Smith-Njigba's production, was welcomed as a departure from previous games. Brian Fleury's decision to unleash A.J. Barner as a pass-catcher proved fruitful, as Barner had five catches for 69 yards in his first start since the preseason. Despite a costly pick-six by Sam Darnold, the quarterback put together a solid game with 379 passing yards and four touchdowns.

Eric Saubert made a notable return to the end zone, scoring a touchdown following his impressive two-point conversion in franchise history.

Losers:

Jadarian Price's ball security became a significant concern, as he fumbled twice in the game. This has been a recurring issue for the rookie, raising questions about his role in the backfield. Rashid Shaheed's contract is facing scrutiny, with his lackluster performance thus far in the season. Shaheed had just two catches for 14 yards, making his $17 million/year value questionable.

The Seahawks displayed sloppiness in penalties, committing eight accepted penalties, including multiple pre-snap penalties on Smith-Njigba and a false start on A.J. Barner. These errors likely contributed to the team's struggles in the offensive zone. The run blocking, overall, was abysmal, with the Seahawks failing to reset the line of scrimmage in their favor, particularly on the right side of the field.

The running backs, Emanuel Wilson and George Holani, failed to provide any standout performances, with Wilson's plodding style exposed in short-yardage situations. Finally, rookie A.J. Finley's first start may have been his last, as he was picked on all game and did not record any significant plays against him. His performance highlights the challenge of transitioning from preseason success to regular-season action.