The Seattle Seahawks did exactly what they were supposed to do on Sunday. They took on an improving Carolina squad with playoff aspirations and showed the Panthers firsthand just how far they had to go to be considered a legitimate contender.
The Seahawks’ defense held Bryce Young and company to a measly 139 total yards – 2.7 yards per play. The defense was dominant enough to allow Sam Darnold time to get his own offense in gear, which he did in the second half, behind the running of Zach Charbonnet.
It was almost a perfect tune-up for a Week 18 showdown with the San Francisco 49ers, with the top seed in the NFC on the line.