The Seattle Seahawks improved to 3-1 Sunday with a 30-23 win over the Los Angeles Chargers, but head coach Mike Macdonald was hardly satisfied with the way his team finished.
Seattle built a 27-6 advantage before the Chargers rallied in the second half. A major reason for the late drama was a wave of penalties that repeatedly gave Los Angeles opportunities.
The Seahawks finished with 14 penalties for 150 yards, setting a franchise record for penalty yardage in a single game.
“To have seven personal foul penalties is unacceptable on any level, however you slice it. So that’s not us and that’s not going to be how we play football around here.”
Seven of Seattle’s penalties were personal fouls, making the lack of discipline particularly concerning for Macdonald. The Seahawks also forced four turnovers, giving them a significant advantage in the turnover battle.
However, the penalties helped erase much of the cushion Seattle had built. Consecutive 15-yard penalties on Devon Witherspoon and Nick Emmanwori helped extend a Chargers scoring drive and made what looked like a comfortable victory far more complicated.
Seattle also had to deal with an injury scare involving defensive tackle Leonard Williams late in the game. Williams was evaluated for an ankle injury before leaving the field under his own power, adding another concern to an already eventful afternoon.
Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
The Seahawks now sit at 3-1 and remain near the top of the NFC West. But their next challenge will be significantly tougher, with a divisional matchup against the San Francisco 49ers ahead.
Macdonald knows Seattle cannot afford another performance filled with self-inflicted mistakes. The Seahawks found a way to win Sunday, but their coach made it clear that the penalties cannot become a recurring problem.
ALSO SEE:
- Poll: Will Saints Get Another ‘Domecoming’ Celebration Against Falcons?
- NFL Officials Can Dish It Out, But They Sure Can’t Take It
- Sorry, Bucs Fans, Things Are Gonna Get Worse Before They Get Better
