BRADY HENDERSON

Seahawks defense struggles early in loss to Falcons

Oct 2, 2011, 11:29 PM | Updated: 11:51 pm

MT-10-2-JG
Michael Turner had 70 of the Falcons’ 121 rushing yards, including 51 in the first half. (Jane Gershovich/710Sports.com)

By Brady Henderson

Defense helped keep the Seahawks afloat during the first three weeks of the season.

On Sunday against the Falcons, that unit couldn’t keep up.

Not with all the weapons Atlanta has on offense, and especially not in the first half. The Seahawks allowed 412 yards, generated no sacks and didn’t force a turnover. It all added up to a 30-28 loss that dropped Seattle to 1-3.

Matt Ryan picked on cornerback Brandon Browner, and picked apart the Seahawks secondary. Atlanta’s quarterback was 28 of 42 for 291 yards and a touchdown pass to tight end Tony Gonzalez, who finished with seven catches for 56 yards. Rookie Julio Jones, the sixth overall pick in April’s draft, had the best game of his young career, catching 11 passes for 127 yards. Michael Turner had 88 total yards and a pair of rushing touchdowns.

“It’s a very, very good football team,” Seahawks coach Pete Carroll said of Atlanta. “It takes a really good effort to get those guys.”

MR-10-2
Matt Ryan threw for 291 yards and added 26 more on the ground. (AP)

More specifically, it takes such an effort for two halves. The Seahawks found that out on Sunday.

The Falcons did most of their damage in the first half, running an effective hurry-up offense and capitalizing on the Seahawks’ inability to get third-down stops when they needed them. Atlanta converted 6 of their 8 third-down chances, none bigger than a 29-yard pass to Jones late in the second quarter that extended a Falcons’ scoring drive.

With Atlanta facing a third-and-13 on their own 35, a stop would have forced a punt and could have given the Seahawks decent field position with a chance to drive for a tying touchdown before halftime. Instead, Ryan hit Jones across the middle for 29 yards and a first down. Seven plays and another third-down conversion later, Turner scored from a yard out to give the Falcons a 21-7 lead.

“They came out and they made their plays on third down,” cornerback Marcus Trufant said.

The Seahawks’ halftime adjustments included more safety presence in the box to slow Turner, who had rushed for 51 yards in the first half. That worked, as Seattle held Atlanta to 29 yards rushing in the second half. The Falcons converted only 3 of their 8 third-down chances, many of which were longer than those they had faced earlier in the game.

“We ran the ball really effectively in the first half, and they did a good job of taking that away from us to a certain extent in the second half,” Ryan said.

Atlanta entered Sunday’s game with concerns about an offensive line that had allowed 13 sacks over the first three weeks — the third highest total in the NFL.

That seemed like a favorable matchup for Seattle, which has playmakers along its defensive line and had sacked Arizona’s Kevin Kolb three times the previous week.

Apparently not. Ryan wasn’t sacked once, and was able to scramble for healthy gains when flushed out of the pocket. He finished with 26 rushing yards on four carries.

“That makes him additionally hard,” Carroll said of Ryan’s scrambling ability. “He’s not a fast guy, he just has a good knack for the run and how to get out, and he did a good job of that.”

Brady Henderson

Rees Odhiambo, a 2016 third-round pick, will compete with Matt Tobin to start at left tackle. (AP)...

Brady Henderson

Tom Cable: Rees Odhiambo, Matt Tobin are Seahawks’ preferred LT options

Tom Cable brought a bit of clarity to the Seahawks' plans at left tackle in the wake of George Fant's season-ending knee injury, saying Tuesday that Rees Odhiambo and newcomer Matt Tobin are the top two options.

7 years ago

Left tackle George Fant suffered an injury in the first half of Friday's preseason game. (AP)...

Brady Henderson

Seahawks injury updates: George Fant set for surgery, K.J. Wright returns

Seahawks coach Pete Carroll said Monday that left tackle George Fant is expected to be back by next season from the knee injury that will sideline him in 2017.

7 years ago

Matt Tobin, 27, started 21 games over seasons with the Eagles. (AP)...

Brady Henderson

Seahawks acquire OL Matt Tobin in trade with Eagles

The Seahawks have acquired offensive tackle Matt Tobin in a trade with the Eagles, making another move to shore up their offensive line after losing left tackle George Fant for the season.

7 years ago

Luke Joeckel played left tackle for his first three NFL seasons. (AP)...

Brady Henderson

Luke Joeckel? Rees Odhiambo? A look at the Seahawks’ LT options with George Fant out for the season

The Seahawks need a new plan at left tackle with George Fant out for the season. Moving Luke Joeckel there is one option, writes Brady Henderson.

7 years ago

Michael Bennett on Justin Britt standing by his side during the national anthem Friday night: “I ...

Brady Henderson

Justin Britt stands by Michael Bennett during national anthem: ‘A very emotional moment’

Seahawks center Justin Britt showed his support for teammate Michael Bennett Friday night, standing by him as Bennett remained seated during the national anthem.

7 years ago

Left tackle George Fant suffered an injury in the first half of Friday's preseason game. (AP)...

Brady Henderson

Seahawks’ George Fant needs ACL surgery, likely out for season

The Seahawks' offensive line was dealt a massive blow with left tackle George Fant suffering a knee injury Friday night that will likely keep him out all season.

7 years ago

Seahawks defense struggles early in loss to Falcons