CURTIS CRABTREE
Associated Press
RENTON, Wash. (AP) — Pete Carroll and the Seattle Seahawks are attempting to regroup after a tumultuous week that saw the trade of receiver Percy Harvin to the New York Jets, and a second straight loss for the first two-game losing streak since the middle of the 2012 season.
The Seahawks sputtered early against St. Louis on Sunday, falling behind 21-3 to the Rams after the first half. Seattle rallied to within two points on twice but couldn’t complete the comeback, losing to St. Louis 28-26, and falling to 3-3.
“It was a really poor start for us and we got behind by enough where we didn’t make it back all the way,” Carroll said. “After we got past about play 20 on both sides of the ball we were fine and we played really good football and saw some things that were really encouraging.”
Special teams weren’t one of those areas.
Multiple blunders cost Seattle. St. Louis had a 75-yard kickoff return by Benny Cunningham, a 90-yard punt return touchdown by Stedman Bailey and a fake punt late in the fourth quarter to convert a first down that allowed the Rams to run out the clock.
Despite the departure of Harvin, the Seahawks’ offense began to return to form in the second half. Seattle scored touchdowns on their final three drives with all three possessions covering at least 80 yards. The Seahawks struggled to work Harvin into the offense this year. Now with Harvin gone, Seattle’s offense showed signs of what made them successful over the past few seasons.
“The third down situation in the second half, (converting) four out of five, was very sharp and that’s the way we like to look,” Carroll said. “Much more in the direction we’re hoping to go.”
The trade of Harvin was a surprise to the rest of the team. Carroll said he had discussions with as many players as he could on the team’s flight to St. Louis on Friday to explain the situation and get their thoughts on the decision.
“We had a really good talk about it and talked with guys from across the board on our team. I think it was pretty clear that it was accepted as the next thing that we had to do and we did the right thing and on we go,” Carroll said.
“They took it in stride. I think they trust our decision making and they’ve stood by us throughout. I don’t think there is any fallout at all. Obviously, like (receiver Doug Baldwin) said, you’re human, you react and you have a response to it but I don’t think anybody had any problem and everybody was concerned about getting to business of playing football. So I think it was fine.”
Fullback Derrick Coleman is likely out 4-6 weeks after breaking a bone in his foot in pre-game warmups Sunday. While linebacker Bobby Wagner (turf toe) and tight end Zach Miller (ankle) won’t make it back this week, the Seahawks could get several players back from injuries soon.
Cornerbacks Byron Maxwell (calf) and Tharold Simon (ankle), center Max Unger (foot), defensive tackle Jordan Hill (ankle) and tight end Luke Willson (groin) could to return to the field this week against the Carolina Panthers. Cornerback Jeremy Lane will return to practice Wednesday after missing the last six weeks on the injured reserve list with a groin injury. He will be eligible to return for Seattle’s Week 10 game against the New York Giants.
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