The Seattle Seahawks’ 34-14 victory over the Atlanta Falcons on October 20, 2024, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium was more than just a solid win on the scoreboard. As is often the case in football, player performance statistics paint a deeper picture of the game’s outcome. To understand how the Seahawks secured their commanding win, it’s essential to break down the key player statistics from both teams and evaluate the standout performances that played a crucial role in the result.
Seahawks’ Offensive Stars
Quarterback Performance: Geno Smith
Geno Smith led the Seahawks’ offense with poise and precision. In the 34-14 victory, Smith threw for 290 yards and 3 touchdowns, showcasing his ability to read the Falcons’ defense and execute plays efficiently. His completion percentage was impressive, as he completed 25 of 32 passes (78%)—a high rate that is indicative of his accuracy and consistency. Smith’s ability to spread the ball across various receivers made it difficult for Atlanta to key in on one player.
Smith also avoided turnovers, not throwing any interceptions during the game. This was crucial, especially considering the Falcons’ defense had been looking for opportunities to create turnovers, which could have turned the game’s momentum in their favor.
Running Back: Kenneth Gainwell
Seattle’s rushing attack was led by Kenneth Gainwell, who put on a strong performance with 115 yards on 18 carries. His 6.4 yards per carry were impressive, and he also found the end zone twice, contributing significantly to the team’s point total. Gainwell’s ability to hit the hole quickly and break through the Falcons’ defensive line was key to keeping the chains moving. His long run of 32 yards was a highlight and showcased his speed and vision.
Although the Falcons’ defense had been solid against the run leading up to this game, Gainwell’s explosive runs wore them down over time, especially in the second half when the game was still in reach for Atlanta.
Wide Receiver: DK Metcalf
DK Metcalf was a constant threat on the field for the Seahawks, pulling in 8 receptions for 102 yards and 1 touchdown. His 12.8 yards per reception was a testament to his ability to make big plays when needed, stretching the Falcons’ defense with his size and speed. Metcalf’s touchdown came in the second quarter, when he made a strong contested catch in the end zone, pushing the Seahawks’ lead to 17-7.
The Falcons struggled to contain Metcalf, and his performance opened up the field for other receivers like Tyler Lockett, who finished with 6 catches for 75 yards. Metcalf’s physicality and route-running ability make him one of the most dangerous wideouts in the league, and he proved it on Sunday.
Falcons’ Struggles on Offense
Quarterback: Desmond Ridder
For the Falcons, Desmond Ridder faced a tough challenge against Seattle’s defense. Ridder threw for 202 yards on 18 completions out of 34 attempts (52.9%) but struggled with accuracy and timing. He threw one interception and failed to throw a touchdown, which limited Atlanta’s ability to generate scoring opportunities.
Ridder had flashes of good decision-making, but the Seahawks’ defense forced him to rush several throws, resulting in incomplete passes and the key turnover. His interception came in the second quarter when the Falcons were driving and had a chance to reduce Seattle’s lead. Instead, Ridder’s poor decision-making led to a missed opportunity and swung the momentum in the Seahawks’ favor.
Running Back: Bijan Robinson
Bijan Robinson had an underwhelming game against Seattle’s defensive front. The rookie running back gained just 48 yards on 14 carries, averaging only 3.4 yards per carry. Robinson had been a standout performer in earlier games, but the Seahawks’ defense did a good job of limiting his effectiveness by clogging up running lanes and tackling him quickly after the handoff.
Seattle’s linebackers, especially Bobby Wagner, played a key role in neutralizing Robinson. Wagner’s experience and ability to read plays allowed him to position himself perfectly to stop Robinson at or near the line of scrimmage. The Seahawks knew that Robinson was one of the Falcons’ biggest threats, and they made sure to contain him throughout the game.
Wide Receiver: Drake London
Drake London was the primary target in the Falcons’ passing game, finishing with 6 receptions for 81 yards. London, who has emerged as one of the more reliable receivers for Atlanta, was able to make some key catches on short to intermediate routes. However, he was largely neutralized when the Falcons needed him most, especially on third downs.
London’s longest reception came in the third quarter, a 26-yard catch, but the Falcons’ offense struggled to build any significant momentum. Seattle’s defense was effective in limiting big plays, and London’s catches often came with minimal yardage after the catch, which limited Atlanta’s scoring potential.
Seahawks’ Defense: Dominating the Falcons
Linebacker: Bobby Wagner
Bobby Wagner had one of the most impactful performances of the game, recording 9 total tackles and 1 sack. Wagner was everywhere on the field, shutting down running lanes and making key stops in critical moments. His leadership on defense was evident, as he orchestrated the front seven and helped shut down Bijan Robinson and the Falcons’ rushing attack.
Wagner’s sack in the third quarter was particularly important, as it resulted in a loss of 8 yards for Atlanta and pushed them out of field goal range. This was just one example of Wagner’s ability to make plays that stymied the Falcons’ attempts to rally back into the game.
Defensive Line: Jarran Reed and Dre’Mont Jones
The Seahawks’ defensive line, led by Jarran Reed and Dre’Mont Jones, dominated the trenches, generating consistent pressure on Ridder and stifling Atlanta’s running game. Reed and Jones each had 1.5 sacks, contributing to a total of 4 sacks on the day for Seattle. Their ability to collapse the pocket and prevent Ridder from establishing a rhythm made a significant difference in the outcome of the game.
In addition to the sacks, the defensive line was stout against the run, limiting Robinson to just 48 yards. This type of dominant defensive performance was a key factor in the Seahawks’ ability to control the game.
Falcons’ Defense: Defensive Highlights
Defensive Line: Grady Jarrett
Despite the loss, the Falcons did have some positive defensive performances. Grady Jarrett, Atlanta’s standout defensive tackle, had a solid game with 5 tackles and 1 sack. Jarrett was disruptive in the backfield, getting pressure on Smith and forcing him to throw early on a few occasions.
However, despite Jarrett’s strong individual play, the Falcons’ defense struggled overall to contain the Seahawks. They allowed over 400 total yards and could not stop Seattle’s balanced offensive attack.
Cornerback: A.J. Terrell
A.J. Terrell had a respectable performance in coverage, recording 2 passes defensed and allowing only a few big plays throughout the game. He was tasked with covering Metcalf for much of the game, and while he had some success, Metcalf’s size and athleticism were difficult to overcome. Despite this, Terrell showed his ability to contest passes and limit yardage in critical moments.
Conclusion
In the 34-14 victory for the Seattle Seahawks, the players who made the most significant impact were on both sides of the ball. Geno Smith’s efficient passing, Kenneth Gainwell’s strong running, and DK Metcalf’s dynamic receiving set the tone for the offense, while Bobby Wagner and the Seahawks’ defensive line suffocated the Falcons at every turn.
For Atlanta, Desmond Ridder’s struggles with accuracy and decision-making, combined with Bijan Robinson’s inability to get going on the ground, ultimately proved to be the Falcons’ downfall. Despite strong individual performances from players like Grady Jarrett and A.J. Terrell, the Falcons couldn’t sustain enough offensive success to keep pace with the Seahawks.
The game was a clear reflection of how important it is for a team to execute on both sides of the ball, and how key players can tilt the game in their team’s favor. With the win, the Seahawks moved one step closer to solidifying their position in the NFC standings, while the Falcons must address key issues in their offensive play calling and quarterback play as they move forward.
