Macdonald defends OC amid Seahawks’ offensive struggles

The Seattle Seahawks picked up at least one first down on all 12 of their possessions in Thursday night’s 17-14 overtime loss to the Denver Broncos. But aside from that initial success in moving the chains, Seattle’s offense didn’t do much else.

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The Seahawks sustained just two drives longer than 40 yards, scored only one touchdown and committed three turnovers. Seattle’s offensive struggles ultimately handed Denver the victory, despite the Broncos managing just 168 total yards.

During his weekly conversation with Seattle Sports’ Brock and Salk on Friday morning, Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald defended first-year offensive coordinator Brian Fleury when asked about the challenges of taking on play-calling duties for the first time.

“We have high expectations for ourselves,” Macdonald said. “I want to call the perfect game. I’m sure Brian wants to call the perfect play every time. When we don’t, it kills us. But that’s coaching, man. How could you live with yourself any other way?”

“Brian’s well prepared and incredibly smart, but as an offense, we need to look at what we’re doing, how we’re doing it, what we’re asking certain people to do, how we build it throughout the week. We need to look at all those things right now and make sure we’re taking some steps in the right direction quickly.”

Speaking to the urgency of how the Seahawks will need to improve, Macdonald was asked about the growth and development a new play caller like Fleury could experience from game to game. Macdonald admitted even now he doesn’t feel 100% comfortable calling the plays on defense.

“Before games, I’m losing my mind,” Macdonald quipped. “I don’t think it ever ends, but that’s how we roll here. I’m always trying to do it better.”

The Seahawks have a few extra days to game-plan for a primetime matchup with the Kansas City Chiefs on Oct. 25. Macdonald said every part of the team will be evaluated, including Fleury, as they look to snap a two-game losing skid.

“Am I expecting Brian to be perfect? Absolutely not,” Macdonald said. “But I want our offense to act and operate like the Seahawk offense that we’ve envisioned and talked about.”

Mike Macdonald joins Brock and Salk on the day after Seahawks games at 9:30 a.m. for The Mike Macdonald Show. Listen to the full conversation at this link or watch the video at the top of this story. Tune into Brock and Salk weekdays from 6 to 10 a.m. or find the podcast on the Seattle Sports app.

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