Seahawks regret end-of-game actions

Dec 12, 2017 - 3:16 AM RENTON, Wash. -- The Seattle Seahawks will not see any suspensions handed down from the NFL for actions taken by several players in the closing moments on Sunday's 30-24 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Head coach Pete Carroll said Monday that the league won't be suspending defensive linemen Michael Bennett, Sheldon Richardson or Quinton Jefferson for their actions on two kneel-down attempts by Jacksonville.

"I really, really don't like the way the game ended for us," Carroll said. "We never want to see football games look like that. The level that we play at, that's not an excuse for going over the top like that. All these guys have heard that and they understand that and we don't ever want to look like that.

"Everybody was remorseful. We don't want to play like that. We don't want to look like that, ever."

Bennett instigated all the action by trying to swipe at a snap by Jaguars center Brandon Linder in a desperate attempt to force a fumble in a kneel-down situation. The futile effort was answered by Linder blocking Bennett to the turf. However, Bennett then hooked Linder's leg, lifted him up and drove him to the ground with added emphasis once the two were on the turf.

Bennett didn't act very remorseful in the immediate aftermath, telling reporters after the game, "I don't have to explain myself."

Bennett has previously been extremely critical of opponents for acts he felt were an attempt to injure him. He blasted Atlanta Falcons tackle Jake Matthews last season when Matthews injured Bennett's knee with a legal cut block that caught him in a vulnerable position.

Now Bennett is rolling into the back of an opponent's legs and driving him into the ground, which could easily have injured Linder in the process. If it had, there is a greater chance Bennett would have been suspended.

"The stuff that happened after that was wrong, but he was trying to get the ball. But after that, it got messy," Carroll said of Bennett's actions.

"He's been told (to stop swiping at the snap)."

Richardson threw a punch in the ensuing scrum, which led to his ejection.

Jefferson was then ejected for a personal foul on the next kneel-down snap for firing off the snap at an offensive lineman as well. As he was attempting to leave the field, fans threw debris at him, which prompted him to stop and yell at the stands. More debris came flying his direction and Jefferson then tried to climb into the stands to confront the fans. He was pulled away from the wall by team equipment manager Erik Kennedy before making his way into the locker room.

"That was wrong. He was wrong," Carroll said of Jefferson. "I've talked to him about it. Professional athletes, people can say whatever they want to say and that's kind of just what comes along with it. You have to be able to deal with it professionally and he lost it. He feels terrible about it. That's not the kind of kid he is and he just emotionally got overrun and he lost it."

Carroll was also flagged for leaving the sideline to address the defensive huddle, telling them to stop the "garbage."

The Jaguars released a statement saying they were investigating the four individuals who threw objects onto the field during the game. If identified, they will be banned from attending games in the future.

Having the trio available for a critical game against division rival Los Angeles Rams next Sunday is significant. Linebackers Bobby Wagner and K.J. Wright are both dealing with injuries that could sideline them for the game against the Rams. With Richard Sherman, Kam Chancellor and Cliff Avril already out for the season, Seattle's defense could be extremely depleted next Sunday.

If they were missing any combination of Bennett, Richardson and Jefferson as well, chances for a victory could become almost unattainable.

--According to a report from TMZ, Seahawks defensive tackle Malik McDowell was arrested early Sunday morning in Atlanta after a verbal altercation with security at the SL Lounge.

He was booked for disorderly conduct and was released on bond.

"I am embarrassed by the situation and my actions on Saturday," McDowell wrote in a post on his Twitter account. "I would like to apologize to the Atlanta Police Department, SL Lounge, the entire Seattle Seahawks organization and my teammates. I am a young man who made a mistake and am constantly working towards getting better."

The Seahawks had already ruled out any return to the field for McDowell this season. He was injured in an ATV accident in mid-July that left him with a severe concussion and additional injuries. He was Seattle's top draft pick in May and has been on the non-football injury list all season.

NOTERS: LB Bobby Wagner left Sunday's game with a hamstring strain that has been an ongoing issue for several weeks. Head coach Pete Carroll said it would take all of this week to know whether he'll be able to play against the Rams. ... RB Mike Davis got hit in the ribs Sunday and felt better on Monday, according to head coach Pete Carroll. His status won't be known until he gets back to practice later in the week. ... LB K.J. Wright "had a good day" on Monday after sustaining a concussion on Sunday. The team won't know his availability until late in the week. ... DE Dion Jordan is expected back at practice on Wednesday. He has missed the last three games with a neck injury that's limited him in practice ever since.



REPORT CARD VS JAGUARS

--PASSING OFFENSE: C -- Russell Wilson was his typical impressive self in the fourth quarter. He had a clean pocket to work from most of the day with just two sacks yielded to the Jaguars' defense. However, three interceptions were critical as Wilson tried to force the ball down the field too often early.

--RUSHING OFFENSE: B-plus -- The Seahawks built upon an improved showing last week against Philadelphia to put together one of their better rushing games of the season. Their 141 rushing yards was the third-most in a game this season. Mike Davis rushed for 66 yards before leaving with a rib injury.

--PASS DEFENSE: D -- The Seahawks recorded zero sacks and just one quarterback hit on Blake Bortles. The lack of pressure allowed Bortles to sit back and attack the Seahawks' depleted back end. While Bortles didn't carve up Seattle's defense, he made enough big plays to sink Seattle.

--RUSH DEFENSE: C -- The Jaguars' top-ranked rushing attack gained 156 yards on 39 carries. Falling behind enabled the Jaguars to stick with their ground attack throughout the game. While they only managed a couple big runs overall, they remained effective enough to keep getting the ball to Leonard Fournette.

--SPECIAL TEAMS: C -- Blair Walsh missed a 38-yard field goal wide right. Seattle's punt return unit allowed a 72-yard punt return that set up a 1-yard Leonard Fournette touchdown run. Terence Garvin forced the only turnover for the Seahawks by causing a fumble on a kickoff return by Corey Grant, which led to a Seattle touchdown.

--COACHING: C-minus -- Keelan Cole's 75-yard touchdown reception came on a play concept that has burned Seattle several times this season. Seattle's defensive front couldn't get any pressure on Blake Bortles. The multiple fights at the end of the game were a poor reflection of a team that has lost its composure too often in kneel-down situations.