The Seattle Seahawks took control of their Week 9 game against the Washington Commanders early. Quarterback [Sam Darnold was literally perfect](https://12thmanrising.com/seattle-seahawks-sam-darnold-might-have-just-turned-greatest-half-qb-play-ever) in the first half as he led the offense to 31 points, and his team led 31-7 at halftime. The question wasn't if Seattle would win, but by how much.
In fact, Seattle was embarrassing a bad Commanders defense, one that wasn't terrible in 2024 but has regressed. Injuries aren't the issue; scheme is. This is especially true as defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. seems bent on playing press coverage even though he doesn't have the personnel for it.
A good coach will have a great scheme, but more importantly, adjust based on the players he or she has. Whitt appears incapable of making that adjustment. The Seahawks completely exposed him and the defense as a whole.
Seattle Seahawks might have put finishing touches on Joe Whitt Jr.'s Commanders career
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Ironically, Seattle might have done Washington a favor. As the Commanders were 29th in yards allowed per play (5.9) entering Week 9, 29th in passer rating allowed (104.9), and 23rd in rushing yards allowed per game (128.8), Washington head coach Dan Quinn surely had an idea that Whitt wasn't doing a good job.
The Seahawks should have put the finishing touches on Whitt's career with the Commanders. Washington did slow Seattle's rushing attack in the second half, but it never truly stopped Sam Darnold and the Seahawks' passing attack. If Seattle wanted to try for 50 points, they likely would have gotten there.
For the Seattle Seahawks, there [are still some concerns](https://12thmanrising.com/seattle-seahawks-regret-trading-away-key-players-latest-rumors-true) that could keep the team from making a deep run in the playoffs. Teams have to run the ball effectively, and Seattle simply cannot. The running backs seem talented enough, and offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak is doing a good job overall, so maybe the fits simply aren't where they need to be yet.
Sam Darnold has clearly been terrific, but relying on the passing game to carry the team to a potential Super Bowl is expecting too much from any team. Not unless that team happens to be playing the Washington Commanders defense. In that case, being elite in one facet of the game is good enough.