Field Gulls
The Seeahawks have a bit more to do to be definitively in the top-half of power rankings, but also playoff seeding.
It’s power rankings time again, and the Seattle Seahawks are slowly climbing up the ladder.
Following five losses in six weeks and a bye week in which few results broke their way in the playoff race, the Seahawks perhaps saved their season with a 20-17 win over the San Francisco 49ers. While both the Seahawks and 49ers have 5-5 records, Seattle’s 5-5 feels a bit different than San Francisco’s, especially considering how grueling the 49ers’ remaining schedule looks.
Based on a roundup of notable NFL outlets and their team power rankings, the Seahawks remain (deservedly so) in that middle pack, with a range between 14th-17th. Hard to disagree unless you think over the course of the season they’ve played at a level worthy of 7-3 or better.
Week 11 result: Beat the 49ers 20-17
Week 11 ranking: 19
Preseason hot seat: QB Geno Smith
Current temperature of hot seat: Cold
At the very least, it’s cooling after Smith led another game-winning drive Sunday to end a streak of six consecutive losses to the 49ers. Smith isn’t playing well enough to make it a sure thing he’ll get a new contract this offseason to secure his long-term future in Seattle. But he’s faring about as well as can be expected for a quarterback with a struggling offensive line and poor run game. — Brady Henderson
Sunday: Beat San Francisco 49ers 20-17
Seat temperature check: Cool
Mike Macdonald hasn’t done much to improve Seattle’s defense yet. The Seahawks are 21st in the league in points allowed (23.8 per game), but this team still is playing hard for him. Seattle had lost five of six entering Sunday’s game and came from behind twice on the road against the 49ers. The Seahawks are tied for second in the NFC West and play division leader Arizona twice in the next three weeks.
Who knows if the Seahawks can somehow find a way into the postseason dance? Right now, they’re a real long shot and still need a lot to happen down the stretch (which, for them, features a tough slate of opponents) to get there. Still, Sunday’s win at San Francisco was a true statement of mental and physical toughness — and it dealt a huge blow to the rival 49ers’ chances. Seattle slumped into its Week 10 bye with five losses in six tries, sinking below .500 after a 3-0 start. The team waived leading tackler Tyrel Dodson last week, then Connor Williams shockingly retired prior to Sunday’s game. It seemed as if the ‘Hawks were heading to Levi’s Stadium followed by a dark cloud. But the skies finally cleared as Geno Smith...
