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Tariq Wollen, a cornerback for the Seattle Seahawks, failed to tacklePittsburgh Steelers rushing back Najee Harris.
(22) knocks Seattle Seahawks cornerback Riq Woolen (27) away. Steelers victory, 30-23. (AP Image by Lindsey Wasson)

In the second half of an NFL football game on Sunday, December 31, 2023, in Seattle, Pittsburgh Steelers rushing back Najee Harris (22) knocks out Seattle Seahawks cornerback Riq Woolen (27) with a tackle. The Steelers prevail, 30-23. (Photo by Lindsey Wasson for AP)

In their 30-23 Week 17 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday, the Seahawks (8-8) were physically overwhelmed by their opponents, as evidenced by Harris’ rude stiff arm on Woolen. The Seahawks no longer have any control over their playoffs fate; instead, they must win their last regular season game against the Arizona Cardinals and receive assistance in order to advance.

Had the Seahawks won their final two games, they would have qualified for the wild card playoff place. The Steelers’ defeat has altered their postseason plans. To go to the playoffs, they have to defeat the Arizona Cardinals and hope that the Chicago Bears defeat the Green Bay Packers (8-8) in their home game.

Because they have a superior record against NFC opponents than the Seahawks, the Packers are currently ahead of the Seahawks. In conference play, the Packers are 7-5, while the Seahawks are 6-5.

After their performance against the Steelers, the Seahawks find themselves in the unfortunate situation of requiring assistance. The Seahawks’ run defense was horrible; they committed multiple failed assignments and missed tackles, which let the Steelers intimidate them all game long.

The Steelers nearly doubled their season average of 110 yards running, gaining 202 yards on 46 tries, paced by Harris’ 122 yards on 27 carries.

Following the game, Seattle coach Pete Carroll told reporters, “The tackling just seemed like it was really off.” “It seemed like we simply didn’t make the necessary tackles.”

In 2023, the Seahawks have often failed to thwart opponents’ rushing attacks.

The Baltimore Ravens defeated the Seattle Seahawks 37–3 and gained 298 yards of ground play. In their two victories, the San Francisco 49ers averaged 171 rushing yards.

Bobby Wagner, a linebacker for Seattle, stated that against the Steelers, tackling was the main concern once more.

Following the game, Wagner told reporters, “We didn’t make tackles.” “We need to initiate tackles.”

Although the Seahawks defeated the Cardinals 20-10 at home in Week 7, Arizona is a drastically different squad heading into the final regular season game.

Kyler Murray, the quarterback for the Cardinals, was not available in Week 7. Against the Cardinals, the Seattle run defense is expected to be put to the test once more. In the Arizona Cardinals’ 35-31 shock victory over the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday, running back James Connor amassed a season-high 128 yards of running. The Cardinals also gained 221 yards of running.

In the event that the Seahawks’ run defense isn’t improved in time for the Cardinals,