The Seattle Seahawks did not look competitive on Monday Night Football. Seattle got smacked around by Chicago 34-17 in a crushing loss at Lumen Field. One Seahawks player is taking responsibility for his part in that tough loss.
Seahawk guard Grey Zabel took full accountability for his struggles in Week 8 against the Bears.
“It was a deal, a challenge opportunity for me to grow, get outside my comfort zone and ultimately become a better player,” Zabel said, per Seahawks reporters Gregg Bell. “So at the end of the day, there was a lot of stuff I need to clean up. But that's what practice is for, that's what coaches are for, and we've got some unbelievable coaches and we'll do just that.”
Zabel explained that moving from left guard to right guard was the most challenging move of his football life. Seattle moved his position after acquiring Quenton Nelson from Indianapolis on October 27th.
He also gave credit to Bears defender Jeffery Simmons, who thrived against Seattle's offensive line on Monday Night Football.
“I won’t downplay how good Jeffery Simmons was. And I won’t downplay how bad I was…. Got to wear a blow to the chin,” Zabel concluded.
Simmons finished the game with six total tackles and one sack. He applied plenty of pressure and made more of an impact than can be seen on a simple box score.
Unfortunately, the Seahawks may need Zabel to turns things around rather quickly. Nelson is dealing with a knee injury and may not be able to play in Week 9. That by itself poses an interesting question of whether Zabel should fill in for Nelson or remain in his new position. Beyond that, Seattle also has six different starters who sat out of practice on Thursday. They include key players on both sides of the ball.
Regardless, the Seahawks need to get back in the win column after starting the season 4-4. Hopefully they can pull off a huge divisional win this weekend.
Next up for the Seahawks is a Week 9 home game against the Cardinals.