Pete Carroll expressed deep dissatisfaction with the Seattle Seahawks’ defensive performance, labeling it as “bad ball” in the aftermath of their 28-16 loss to the San Francisco 49ers. Despite forcing five punts and two turnovers against the formidable 49ers offense, the Seahawks defense struggled significantly, allowing a staggering 10.2 yards per play (excluding kneeldowns) and conceding a total of 527 offensive yards.
Carroll: "They were almost like gifts in a sense because of the things that we practiced. …. Just didn't see it and react to it properly. We bit up on a play fake on 2nd-and-9, these guys don't run the football in that situation and there goes Kittle. It's bad ball." https://t.co/sOaI3feUQ7
— Curtis Crabtree (@Curtis_Crabtree) December 11, 2023
Carroll, visibly perturbed during the post-game press conference and in a subsequent appearance on 710 Seattle Sports, pinpointed specific plays that fueled his discontent. Notably, he criticized safety Julian Love for a critical lapse on Brock Purdy’s fourth-quarter touchdown pass to George Kittle, which sealed the victory for the 49ers and thwarted any potential Seahawks comeback.
This was one example Carroll cited of the Seahawks not executing plays/situations they prepared for all week. He said they knew the 49ers typically don't run on second-and-9, and yet several players bit hard on the play fake.
"It's bad ball, and we have to be better than that." https://t.co/1HLyFsxt1j
— Brady Henderson (@BradyHenderson) December 11, 2023
Carroll did not shy away from singling out individual players for their mistakes, highlighting Love’s breakdown and also calling out Jamal Adams for a missed assignment on Deebo Samuel’s 54-yard touchdown in the second quarter.
Pete Carroll on @SeattleSports doubles down saying again it’s the #Seahawks players not executing what they are being coached on defense. Mentions Jamal Adams by name on Samuel long TD, Julian Love on Kittle long TD by situation.
“I don’t mind mentioning these guys. They know.”
— Gregg Bell (@gbellseattle) December 11, 2023
This comment about potential changes, taking care of business and having “things” to do came after spiel about how the 12 explosives they allowed were simple plays they’ve repped/seen before, with Pete specifically calling out Riq (Kittle TD) and Jamal (Deebo TD). https://t.co/UpuXe2fB8k
— Dugar, Michael-Shawn (@MikeDugar) December 11, 2023
The defensive struggles have taken a toll on the Seahawks’ overall standing, as they currently rank 27th by DVOA (Defense-adjusted Value Over Average). Carroll, in his first season with the team in 2010, faces the prospect of this being the Seahawks’ worst defensive ranking if improvement does not materialize.
It’s rare to hear Carroll mention players by name while discussing on-field mistakes, even when it’s obvious who erred. But he did that a few times today, including with Jamal Adams on the first Deebo Samuel TD. https://t.co/2vBxDKIvfl
— Brady Henderson (@BradyHenderson) December 11, 2023
The coach’s frustration underscores the pressing need for a defensive turnaround to salvage the Seahawks’ season and avoid a historically poor defensive performance.
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