Here are three instant impressions following the Seahawks’ 27-19 against the Houston Texans on Monday night. Seattle improved to 5-2.
Nearly gave this away
This game might have been a Monday Night masterpiece if not for a season-high four turnovers that nearly overshadowed a fantastic defensive performance.
Quarterback Sam Darnold lost a fumble in the end zone that resulted in a touchdown, and tight end Elijah Arroyo also lost a fumble.
Receiver Cooper Kupp had a pass picked off on a trick play that went horribly wrong, and Darnold threw an interception late in the fourth quarter.
After Darnold’s last turnover, the Texans drove to the goal line. However, Seattle’s defense stiffened and kept Houston out of the end zone with 5:04 remaining.
The Seahawks’ miscues marred an otherwise standout performance from receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba who had eight receptions for 123 yards. It was the sixth time he’s topped 100 yards receiving this season.
Hawks defense dominates
Maybe the late start adversely affected the Texans. The game ended after midnight Central time.
Or maybe, the Seahawks defense is rounding into shape like coach Mike Macdonald had hoped.
A short-handed Seattle secondary without cornerback Devon Witherspoon (knee) and safety Julian Love (hamstring), who missed their fifth and fourth straight game, respectively held the Texans in check.
Houston quarterback C.J. Stroud finished with 229 yards on 23-of-49 passing and was sacked three times.
The Seahawks also bottled up the Texans rushing attack, which managed just 56 yards on 17 attempts.
Best in the West?
Heading into the bye, the Seahawks kept pace with the San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Rams while moving into a three-way tie at the top of the NFC West with a 5-2 record.
Seattle lost its opener 17-13 to San Francisco and plays the 49ers in the regular-season finale, which could have playoff implications.
The Seahawks visit L.A. on Nov. 16 and host the Rams on Dec. 18.
Green Bay leads the NFC at 4-1, followed by five teams at 5-2, including the Detroit Lions and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Percy Allen: pallen@seattletimes.com. Percy Allen is a sports reporter for The Seattle Times, where he writes about the University of Washington Huskies men’s and women’s basketball teams and the Seattle Storm.