The Seattle Seahawks’ playoffs streak is in jeopardy.
They’ve lost four of their last five games, while two of their three wins came against teams with losing records.
Even Russell Wilson’s return from finger surgery did little to bring them back on the winning track against the Green Bay Packers.
Worst, their long-time starting quarterback suffered the first shutout in his NFL career.
What do the Seattle Seahawks look like next year??
"They have a decision to make.. I imagine they would only trade Russell Wilson if they could reload & keep going where they're at" ~@RapSheet#PatMcAfeeShowLIVE pic.twitter.com/GfsOkIcP5W
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) November 18, 2021
At 3-6, the Seahawks’ chances to reach the postseason are grim, mainly because they are five games away from the division leaders, the Arizona Cardinals.
Therefore, they must win in Week 11 to keep their hopes alive.
Otherwise, their campaign will end by the regular season for only the second time in a decade.
Geno Smith Made Seattle Miss Russell Wilson More
When Geno Smith played admirably against the Los Angeles Rams after Wilson checked out due to injury, there was much optimism.
While they ultimately lost the game, Smith completed 10 passes for 131 yards and a touchdown.
He did win a game as the Seahawks’ starter, but it was against the lowly Jacksonville Jaguars.
If they lost in that game, Seattle would be in deeper trouble.
CBS execs when a Jordan Love vs. Geno Smith game became an Aaron Rodgers vs. Russell Wilson game pic.twitter.com/pFZ2mi8YwN
— Matt Schneidman (@mattschneidman) November 13, 2021
But there’s little to celebrate about Smith’s stint as the starter beyond those two instances.
The Seahawks lost consecutive games versus the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New Orleans Saints with him under center.
To his credit, Smith completed 68.4 percent of his passes and did not throw an interception during those two games.
However, Seattle scored only 30 total points in those games.
Lucky for the Seahawks, Wilson quickly recovered from his injury.
I'm going to say: The Seahawks would be better off putting Geno Smith in the game. Russell Wilson rushed back for this week and shouldn't have. He's hurt his team.
— 12th Man Rising (@12thMan_Rising) November 14, 2021
But could it be that the team rushed his return in a desperation act?
Smith was offering little help, and no one can command the Seahawks offense better than Wilson.
Then, the shutout happened, taking the air out of Seattle’s feeble optimism.
The Seahawks might not feel optimistic in Week 11 as well because they will be facing one of the NFL’s best teams.
Will The Seahawks Remain Grounded Against The Arizona Cardinals?
This matchup will be the first of two games between these division rivals this season.
The Seahawks will enjoy home-field advantage in Week 11, but that might not matter because of how the Cardinals are playing.
Yes, the Cardinals might have lost two of their last three games, but they remain a formidable unit.
They won against the San Francisco 49ers without Kyler Murray, A.J. Green, and DeAndre Hopkins.
Living in the moment.@Bwagz reflects on the lessons he learned from an injury suffered in 2014 and how it applies to the Seahawks' situation today. pic.twitter.com/FoHXioEyub
— Seattle Seahawks (@Seahawks) November 19, 2021
Adding tight end Zach Ertz gives Arizona another reliable target in the passing game.
Likewise, James Conner continues to collect touchdowns from all areas on the field.
The Seahawks will have their hands full against the Cardinals, primarily because of their lingering problems on the offensive line.
That’s an advantage that Chandler Jones, Markus Golden, and the Cardinals defense will exploit.
We're looking to bounce back at @LumenField this Sunday.
Check out which of these @NextGenStats powered by @awscloud could make the difference in Week 11. 👀 pic.twitter.com/t6eYJrx89P
— Seattle Seahawks (@Seahawks) November 18, 2021
Seattle will be in an uphill battle, but this game is where they must give their best.
Winning this game will elevate the Seahawks to four wins, giving them a better chance to snatch a Wild Card spot.
Otherwise, their postseason fate might depend on how other teams will perform during the final weeks of the regular season.
NEXT: Russell Wilson Lays Out Impressive Future NFL Goals