Seattle – That’s not the way you want to perform with your boss in the stands.
Seattle Seahawks coach Pete Carroll joked around with owner Paul Allen before the game Sunday, but there was little to laugh about later after an ugly 42-24 loss against Kansas City at Qwest Field.
And now the Seahawks are reeling, having lost four of their last five games by an average of 24 points.
“We played like garbage out there. That’s what it is,” said a steaming Carroll, who vowed that there would be changes after his coaching staff evaluated the film today.
Defensively, the Seahawks again were steamrolled by a more physical opponent, with the Chiefs piling up 270 rushing yards. The Seahawks gave up 503 total yards, the third time they’ve allowed at least 500 yards this season.
The Chiefs arrived with the NFL’s top-ranked rushing offense, so Seattle knew what to expect.
Nonetheless, the Seahawks could not stop the fleet feet and hard-charging style of Jamaal Charles, who ran for 173 yards and a touchdown on 22 carries. Thomas Jones added another 68 yards on 20 carries.
“They had creases and they hit them,” said Seattle linebacker Aaron Curry. “The blocked up everything pretty good.”
The struggles continued a disturbing trend – the Seahawks have allowed an average of 172 yards on the ground in the past five games.
Kansas City moved the ball just as easily through the air. Receiver Dwayne Bowe lived up to his billing as an explosive playmaker, reeling in 13 receptions for 170 yards and three touchdowns. Bowe’s 13 catches tied a franchise record for receptions against the Seahawks.
As badly as they played in the first half, the Seahawks managed to cut Kansas City’s lead to 21-17 a minute into the second half on a 13-yard touchdown from quarterback Matt Hasselbeck to tight end Chris Baker. The play was set up by a 52-yard pass to receiver Ben Obomanu, who had a career-high five receptions for 159 yards, including an 87-yard score.
Seattle (5-6) would get no closer, and dipped below .500 for the first time this season. The Seahawks fell into a first place tie with the St. Louis Rams in the NFC West.
After winning their first three home games, the Seahawks have lost two straight at Qwest Field.
“We need to win at home,” Hasselbeck said. “There’s just no excuse. That’s something we always do. We’ve always taken pride in that, and we’re losing hold of that part of it. We need to get that back.”
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