RENTON — There were so many flaws that became exposed in the first five games that it was inconceivable the Seattle Seahawks’ unbeaten run to start the season would continue indefinitely.
Yet the overwhelming disappointment that came from Seattle’s 37-34 overtime loss to the Arizona Cardinals was even more evidence the Seahawks believed that no matter their issues, they could find a way to overcome them.
Covering up those problems — mostly on defense — through their 5-0 start took the Seahawks getting near-perfect performances from Russell Wilson and a few key defensive plays in scattered moments for Seattle to remain perfect.
But what came out of the loss to the Cardinals is when Wilson isn’t nearly perfect, the Seahawks are going to have trouble.
“We’re no less disappointed in what happened in that game after looking at the film and getting back in getting after it,” Seattle coach Pete Carroll said Monday. “There was so many opportunities to win the football game. We’ve been in the situation where we count on things to happen in the right place, happen in the right situations and the right complementary play occurs, and we just missed it.”
Wilson was good against Arizona, throwing for 388 yards and three touchdowns. But he also threw three interceptions, two near or in the end zone and the final one setting up Arizona’s game-winning points in the closing moments of overtime.
Wilson shouldn’t always have to be near perfect. But the loss to the Cardinals was a reminder of how thin the margins are for a team struggling badly on defense.
What’s working
The connection between Wilson and Tyler Lockett re-engaged in a big way. Lockett tied the franchise record with 15 receptions and had 200 yards receiving with three TDs in the loss. Lockett is the third player in league history to have those numbers in one game, joining Jimmy Smith and Hall of Famer Steve Largent.
Lockett had been quiet in the weeks before the bye with just six catches in the previous two games combined.
What needs help
Bobby Wagner sounded fed up. No team in league history has allowed more yards (2,875) through the first six games of a season. No team has allowed that many yards through the air (2,212). Early on, Seattle could justify those huge yardage allowances as the Seahawks having big leads and teams trying to come from behind. But that justification seems to have run its course.
“We have the ability to improve, we just have to make our minds up. That’s it. No more talking. No more saying we’re going to do it. We have to go show it,” Wagner said.
