Seattle Seahawks: A Turnaround Victory

The Seattle Seahawks, following a three-game losing streak after their flawless 3-0 start, didn’t find much to smile about. However, their spirits were lifted when they triumphed over the Atlanta Falcons, propelling them back over .500. The victory prompted Geno Smith, their quarterback, to humorously comment on Kenneth Walker III’s performance, which was affected by his illness.

Kenneth Walker III: A Courageous Performance Despite Illness

“Indeed, he was under the weather today,” Smith commented. “But scoring two touchdowns on his birthday, now that’s incredible!” Walker was indeed feeling unwell, so much so that he was added to the Seahawks’ injury report the day before the game, making his participation against Atlanta questionable. Despite the flu-like symptoms that plagued him over the weekend, Walker displayed tremendous resilience, amassing 93 total yards and two touchdowns on 16 touches.

Geno Smith’s Admiration for Walker

“I think he was outstanding,” Smith praised. “Despite feeling sick, he put up a remarkable performance on his birthday. It’s probably the first time something like this has happened, but he’s a player we depend on. I know he wasn’t feeling his best, but the way he battled and delivered on his birthday, I think that’s impressive.”

Walker’s Performance: A Testament to his Resilience

Walker, who was noticeably fatigued during the postgame press conference, thanked Seattle’s training staff for their support in keeping him hydrated. The third-year running back seemed too exhausted to celebrate his first touchdown, a 20-yard run in the second quarter that put Seattle ahead 10-0. He was tripped up at the goal line but managed to gather himself and slowly return to the sideline with minimal celebration.

“Being sick made everything a bit challenging,” Walker admitted. “But we clinched the victory, which is all that matters.” Walker’s second touchdown was a 17-yard catch in the third quarter, extending Seattle’s lead to 24-14. He managed to outmaneuver Kaden Elliss, thanks to Atlanta focusing on DK Metcalf, and secured a touchdown on a wheel route.

Smith’s Audible Proves Beneficial

“We decided to take a risk there, and he set it up brilliantly,” Smith, who called an audible on the play, recounted. “I believe the excellent protection gave me that crucial half-second I needed to dispatch it, and he made a fantastic catch.”

Walker’s ‘Dirty Bird’ Celebration Drives Seattle’s Victory

Walker’s Performance Despite Illness

In a tribute to former Falcons icon Jamal Anderson of the late ’90s, Walker pulled off a fantastic “Dirty Bird” dance celebration. The dance was a topic of conversation earlier in the week, brought up by Seattle’s running backs coach, Kennedy Polamalu. Interestingly, neither Walker nor his backup, Zach Charbonnet, was familiar with it. After demonstrating the dance, Walker pledged to execute it during Sunday’s game, a promise he fulfilled once he found the strength to celebrate.

Regarding Walker’s performance, Coach Mike Macdonald expressed his admiration, commenting, “Walker was under the weather, yet he ran 14 times, covering 69 yards and caught two passes for 24 yards. We tried to keep him hydrated. His efforts were commendable. Particularly the touchdown run and catch, both were explosive plays. Credit also goes to Geno for an excellent throw, it was teamwork at its best.”

Walker’s Pre-Game Focus

Walker, according to tight end Noah Fant, “got into his zone before the game kicked off.” Fant added, “It was clear he wasn’t in the best of health, but he set that aside and focused solely on the game. It was a sight to behold.”

Seahawks’ Balanced Attack

The Seahawks, who had the NFL’s lowest designed rushing rate at 28.7% over the initial six weeks, found a more balanced strategy in this game. With a growing lead, they were able to execute 22 designed runs out of 56 offensive plays. Smith ended the game with 18-of-28 for 207 yards, two touchdown passes, zero interceptions, and only one sack, even with Seattle’s strained offensive line having to resort to its fourth choice at right tackle, rookie Michael Jerrell.

Seattle’s Defensive Triumph

On the defensive side, the Seahawks forced three turnovers, including a remarkable strip sack by Boye Mafe that Derick Hall transformed into a 64-yard touchdown. Compared to their single takeaway in the past five games and a negative turnover differential in the previous week’s defeat to the San Francisco 49ers, this was a significant improvement.

The combination of Walker’s flu game and San Francisco’s loss to the Kansas City Chiefs has now placed the Seahawks at the top of the NFC West. Reflecting on the victory, Walker said, “It was monumental. We needed that win.”