The Seattle Seahawks secured a comfortable yet scrappy 24-3 victory over the Miami Dolphins in a game that showcased both promising performances and glaring inefficiencies. Despite a lopsided scoreline, the match was far from a polished display of football. The Seahawks capitalized on the Dolphins’ frequent mistakes, but their own issues, including penalties and lackluster execution, left much to be desired. While the win moves Seattle to a 3-0 record, the performance raises questions about their consistency as they face tougher competition ahead.
Winners
Zach Charbonnet: A Breakout Performance
After facing criticism for his underwhelming ground game against the New England Patriots, Zach Charbonnet bounced back with his best performance of the season. He rushed for 91 yards on 18 carries and added two crucial touchdowns, showing his ability to break through defensive lines with power and agility. Charbonnet’s impressive footwork and ability to break tackles made him a standout in a game marred by sloppy offensive execution.
Charbonnet also contributed to the passing game, catching three passes for 16 yards, leading the Seahawks in total scrimmage yards. His resurgence after a lackluster start to the season positions him as a key asset moving forward, especially with the Seahawks’ running back depth still in question.
DK Metcalf: Consistency and Explosiveness
DK Metcalf continued his strong start to the season, recording his second consecutive 100-yard game. The highlight of Metcalf’s performance was a 71-yard touchdown catch that capped the first quarter, exploiting a coverage breakdown by Miami’s secondary. His ability to stretch the field remains a crucial weapon for the Seahawks’ offense, as his four receptions for 104 yards provided much-needed big plays.
For the first time since 2020, Metcalf has posted back-to-back 100-yard games, signaling his return to form. With another strong showing against Miami, he solidifies his role as Geno Smith’s go-to target in key situations.
Noah Fant: A Reliable Target Emerges
Tight end Noah Fant has quietly improved after a slow start to the season. With Pharaoh Brown sidelined, Fant stepped up and was a perfect six-for-six on his targets, collecting 60 receiving yards. His performance was one of the most efficient for a Seahawks tight end in recent memory and provided an important outlet for Geno Smith, especially in the absence of more established contributors in the passing game.
Fant’s ability to move the chains and provide consistent production offers a glimpse of his potential in Seattle’s offense, where his role could expand as the season progresses.
Defensive Standouts: Derick Hall and Dre’Mont Jones
Derick Hall and Dre’Mont Jones were pivotal in controlling Miami’s limited offensive efforts. Hall, a second-year player, had one of his best games as a pro, registering two sacks and a forced fumble, which brings his season total to three sacks. His improvement from his rookie season, especially in pass rush situations, has been noticeable, as he continues to develop into a reliable edge rusher.
Jones, who had struggled in the first two weeks, rebounded by creating consistent pressure on Miami quarterback Skylar Thompson, even though one of his sacks was more a result of Thompson fumbling than Jones’ efforts. His contribution to limiting Miami to a lone field goal was vital, especially as the Dolphins’ offense seemed out of sync throughout the game.
Linebackers: Tyrice Knight, Tyrel Dodson, and Drake Thomas
Seattle’s linebackers had a standout performance, particularly Tyrel Dodson, who recorded his first sack on a well-timed blitz. Tyrice Knight also delivered with a key run stop on Miami’s first drive, while Drake Thomas showed versatility and energy throughout the game. The linebackers helped stifle Miami’s running game, which struggled to gain traction against a disciplined Seahawks defense.
Losers
Offensive Line: Led by Anthony Bradford
The Seahawks’ offensive line continues to be a source of concern, with Anthony Bradford emerging as a significant liability. Bradford has now accumulated six penalties in just three games, a troubling trend for the young lineman. His inconsistent blocking, combined with critical penalties, hampered the Seahawks’ offensive rhythm. He was also responsible for allowing a sack that directly led to an interception thrown by Geno Smith.
Bradford wasn’t the only problem. Charles Cross struggled, giving up a sack and allowing pressure that contributed to another Smith interception. Connor Williams and Laken Tomlinson were both penalized, compounding the offensive line’s issues. Although Stone Forsythe avoided major mistakes, being the only positive note on the offensive line highlights the depth of the problem.
Dee Williams: Special Teams Struggles Continue
Dee Williams, the Seahawks’ punt returner, continued his streak of questionable decision-making. Williams’ poor judgment in allowing punts to bounce in favor of the opposition has put unnecessary pressure on Seattle’s offense. With Tyler Lockett available, many fans and analysts are questioning why Williams is still handling return duties, especially as his struggles have outweighed any potential contributions.
Devon Witherspoon’s Discipline Issues
Rookie cornerback Devon Witherspoon had a rough game, committing two penalties that hurt Seattle’s defensive efforts. His unnecessary roughness penalty, while not flagrant, was avoidable, and his pass interference penalty was blatant and costly. Witherspoon has now racked up four penalties over two games, raising concerns about his discipline in coverage. While his overall play has been solid, these lapses could become more damaging against stronger competition.
Punt Return Coverage Unit: Special Teams Woes
Special teams were a recurring issue throughout the game, particularly Seattle’s punt return coverage. Last week, they allowed a significant return against the New England Patriots, and this week, Miami’s Braxton Berrios returned a punt for 44 yards, further highlighting the unit’s struggles. Under Jay Harbaugh, the Seahawks’ special teams haven’t lived up to expectations, a worrying trend given how crucial field position can be in tight games.
Final Notes: Seattle’s Inconsistencies Persist
While the Seahawks improved to 3-0, their play has been far from convincing. Geno Smith had a mixed performance, completing 26 of 34 passes for 289 yards, but two deflected interceptions and some questionable throws stood out more than his overall efficiency. Smith himself acknowledged his frustration with the game, saying he was “pissed off” despite the solid stat line. His self-criticism underscores the uneven nature of Seattle’s performance.
Penalties were once again a major issue for the Seahawks, with 11 accepted flags, including multiple infractions by the offensive line. DK Metcalf was flagged for offensive pass interference, adding to the team’s undisciplined display.
On the positive side, Seattle’s defense continues to shine, with strong performances from the secondary and linebacking corps. Riq Woolen, Tre Brown, and Devon Witherspoon were effective in limiting Miami’s dangerous receivers, Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. Though Miami’s quarterback situation was a factor, Seattle’s secondary looks capable of handling elite passing attacks moving forward.
Special teams remain an area of concern, with Jason Myers missing his first field goal of the season from over 50 yards. Combined with the struggles of the punt return coverage unit, Seattle will need to tighten up this aspect of their game.
Looking Ahead: Detroit Lions Loom Large
Seattle’s 3-0 start is encouraging, but their performances have been inconsistent at best. The upcoming game against the Detroit Lions will be a true litmus test for the Seahawks. Detroit’s formidable offense will provide a sterner challenge for Seattle’s defense, while the Seahawks’ offensive line must improve if they hope to maintain their unbeaten record.
Key injuries to Leonard Williams and Byron Murphy II may impact Seattle’s pass rush and secondary depth, adding to the challenge. With tougher opponents on the horizon, including a resurgent Lions team, the Seahawks will need to clean up their mistakes to avoid falling into early-season hype followed by mid-season disappointment.
Despite the win, Seattle’s performance against Miami was a reminder that they still have significant areas to improve. Whether they can rise to the occasion against tougher competition will determine whether their early success is sustainable or merely a flash in the pan.
