Stacy Rost: 3 things to know after Seahawks’ win over Panthers

The Seattle Seahawks haven’t been this well-balanced in all three phases in a decade, which is probably why they’re at 13 wins for the first time since 2013.

Seahawks beat Carolina | Instant Reaction| Box score

It’s also why their single biggest flaw this year — giveaways — didn’t end up costing them Sunday against Carolina. A quick note on that before we get to the good stuff.

The Seahawks have committed the second-most turnovers this season, better only than the Vikings. That’s a problem that could cost them in the playoffs, but for now — and maybe even then — it’s cushioned by elite defensive play.

The Seahawks scored 14 points off of two Carolina turnovers (a DeMarcus Lawrence fumble recovery and Julian Love interception), which was pivotal in their Week 17 win and continued a much more positive trend this year: the Seahawks are second in third-quarter points per game. And for all the turnover issues he’s had this season, Sam Darnold also made some of his best plays of the day on Seattle’s second-to-last scoring drive, featuring 28 yards on back-to-back completions to Jaxon Smith-Njigba deep in Panthers’ territory.

Enough focusing on giveaways. Seattle’s only other critique this season has been a lack of consistency in the run game, which is why it’s worth highlighting Zach Charbonnet’s 110-yard day means the Seahawks had back-to-back 100-yard games from rushers for the first time this season.

More: Seahawks rushing attack finding stride at right time

A note on officiating

The Seahawks pulled this one out, but it wasn’t for a lack of opportunities for the Panthers. Far be it from me to point the finger at officials too much; every team gets bad calls, and I can confidently say there’s no deep state conspiracy to rig this one for Carolina. But this matchup saw a few bad no-calls and officiating quirks.

Former Seahawk and current Panthers cornerback Mike Jackson had an electric game but could’ve been called for unnecessary roughness on his tackle of Seahawks wide receiver Rashid Shaheed. Shaheed was ruled out with a concussion after that play. Referees also missed a horse-collar tackle and facemask by the Panthers on Smith-Njigba.

Where the NFC West race stands

Next up? A Week 18 regular season finale against the 49ers that, in all likelihood, will be for the NFC West and No. 1 seed.

NFL standings

There’s an exception to this: If the Bears and 49ers tie on Sunday night, and the Rams lose or tie, the Seahawks lock up the top seed and the division. But that’s only with a tie between the Bears and 49ers.

A Bears win over the Niners plus a Rams loss to the Falcons on Monday night would give Seattle the NFC West. This scenario would not give Seattle the No. 1 seed because the Bears would still be alive for it.

More on the Seattle Seahawks

• Shaheed among two Seattle Seahawks WRs injured vs Panthers
• Seahawks cash in on defensive takeaways to beat Panthers 27-10
• How bright is Seahawks’ future? These numbers sum it up
• Where Seahawks, Rams, 49ers stand in NFL power rankings
• Why Seattle Seahawks QB Sam Darnold deserves more credit

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