Cigar Thoughts, Game 9: Seahawks land the final punch in brawl with Commanders

***As most of you realize, Cigar Ideas is now a podcast. One of many perks of the pod is getting these articles in audio kind, along with our sit-downs with our superb company— like final week’s dialog with Seahawks legend STEVE RAIBLE. You’ll be able to take heed to all of the reveals, together with this text, proper right here:

—

Massive-time gamers make big-time performs in big-time conditions. It’s a regulation of soccer physics and it was the theme of the day for the Seattle Seahawks. Twice they wanted to attain late within the fourth quarter and twice their finest playmakers delivered. It was exceptional resilience in crunch time of a sport that carried with it a large swing in playoff odds and, if we’re being sincere, vibes. The end result of this one was unsure for the period, however Seattle got here by within the clutch and now discover themselves 6-3 whereas sustaining a tie for first place within the NFC West. However how’d they get there?

—

The Washington Commanders, who’ve been constant of their potential to play proper to the extent of their opponents, obtained the opening kick. Devon Witherspoon began the sport by breaking apart a go on first down however the Commanders discovered a primary down anyway and a pair snaps later, Washington QB Sam Howell obtained freaky. In his first full season as a starter, Howell leads the NFL in makes an attempt, completions, interceptions, sacks, and is second in yards. He’s the definition of a high-variance quarterback and on this play, he confirmed why.

Jamal Adams got here free on a well-timed blitz from the QB’s proper however Howell slipped away and ran in the direction of the road of scrimmage across the left aspect. That introduced Boye Mafe, who had dropped into protection, caught between staying together with his man or taking away the scramble. He did neither and Howell lobbed it excessive of him to Brian Robinson. With the protection in disarray, Robinson caught the go and ran unfettered up the left sideline for a 63-yard landing. The saving grace was Washington Joey Sly kicker doinking the additional level however it was nonetheless 6-0 in a blink and was a little bit of a kick within the nuts only one drive into what was alleged to be a get-right sport for this protection.

The Seahawks put collectively a pleasant drive of their very own, utilizing three completions to Jaxon Smith-Njigba and a concentrating on penalty on a third right down to get into area objective vary. On the play that was flagged, a troublesome throw to Tyler Lockett was damaged up with a vicious head-to-head hit from Emmanuel Forbes. Forbes was tossed from the sport and Seattle’s drive stayed alive— as did Lockett, an final result that momentarily appeared unsure instantly after the play. The possession in all probability ought to have gone additional however a profitable 4th & 1 sneak was undone when Seattle, inexcusably, didn’t snap the ball in time. The dearth of self-discipline continues to hang-out this staff, and it value them in a high-leverage state of affairs. Nonetheless, they’d traversed far sufficient for Jason Myers to return out and bang house a area objective within the rain, slicing the deficit in half. 6-3.

The groups traded punts on their subsequent two possessions earlier than Howell made use of a collection of brief completions to get Washington shut sufficient for Sly to hit a area objective, making it 9-3 Commanders. At this level, Seattle had a grand whole of 13 factors of their earlier eight quarters, so it was time to place away infantile issues and get to work. And that’s precisely what Geno Smith did. The drive began with (gasp) a profitable TE display to Will Dissly for 17 and after a deep shot to DK Metcalf was damaged up, Smith whipped a go right into a shrinking window to discover a diving Tyler Lockett for 13.

A run by Zach Charbonnet went nowhere however Smith hit Metcalf over the center and DK muscled his means by like 4 defenders to get 15. A fast-hitter to Charbonnet gained six and it appeared like issues have been gonna hold clicking for an offense that’s been mired in wheel-deep mud for a month. Sadly, consecutive incompletions stymied the drive. The primary toss was batted down however Geno flat out missed the second, a flare go to Charbonnet within the flat that might have nearly assuredly stored the chains shifting. It was a misplaced alternative however I used to be inspired to see this offense in rhythm once more. Nonetheless, they have to discover a method to flip these drives into touchdowns. Luckily, Myers was capable of make his second straight kick and salvage some factors for his or her effort

Down 9-6, the Seahawks protection got here out searching for a cease and that’s exactly what they obtained. An incompletion was adopted by Howell hitting Curtis Samuel for six however Witherspoon made certain it didn’t go any additional. That set the desk for Seattle’s latest addition, and the Massive Cat got here to eat. On third & 4, Leonard Williams beat his man with a bit stunt and swallowed up the Commanders QB for his first sack in a Seahawks uniform.

Seattle’s offense couldn’t do something after the cease, going three-and-out, however their protection stored giving them possibilities by forcing considered one of their very own when Mafe batted away a third down go. This time, the Seahawks appeared extra coherent, stringing collectively a 10-play possession that lined 54 yards.

Smith was off on his first try of the drive however Ken Walker obtained six on 2nd down and Geno slipped out of a sack on third right down to scramble for 13. It was a refreshing reminder that Seattle’s QB is able to performs like that and it was nice to see him hold his head below strain. The subsequent 4 performs have been like watching a boxer deftly land a mixture, as Smith hit Lockett for seven adopted by Walker slithering off proper guard for 13. Then Geno discovered the Nice White Hype Jake Bobo for 11 and one other first down earlier than Walker gashed forward for six to arrange 2nd & 4 on the Commanders 14.

Walker obtained stuffed on the subsequent snap and Smith discovered Colby Parkinson over the center for 3 to arrange 4th & 1. It was the second time Pete Carroll confronted 4th & brief inside area objective vary and for the second time, he tried to go for it. This try, just like the one earlier than it nonetheless, was waylaid by a pre-snap penalty because the Ent Jason Peters obtained known as for a false begin attempting to promote motion from the Washington D-line. As soon as once more it was 4th & 6 and as soon as once more, Seattle settled for 3— 9-9, and that’s the place it might keep till the half, however not with out yet one more hair-pulling show of frustration from the ‘Hawks offense.

After a pair extra punts, the Seahawks discovered themselves with a final probability to take the lead earlier than the break and obtained off to an important begin when Smith hit Metcalf for 16. A number of performs later, Seattle took benefit of a operating clock and the protection anticipating go to steal 12 yards with a Charbonnet draw. That put Seattle on Washington’s 33 however a holding name knocked them again. Smith recaptured many of the yards with a completion to Metcalf over the center however after Carroll used his final timeout with 15 seconds left, Smith did what he merely couldn’t do in that second. With the pocket shrinking round him, Smith hopped round for a bit however neither threw the ball nor escaped. As a defender began to pull him down, he flung a go to nowhere and was flagged for intentional grounding. That penalty carries with it a 10-second runoff in that state of affairs and that was that for the primary half.

The hope was that Seattle may use halftime to scrub up the errors and, while you take the second half as an entire, that’s just about what they did. It took them a bit bit to get going within the third quarter, although. Beginning with the ball, Seattle went three-and-out and Washington opened the second half nearly the very same means they did the primary.

The Commanders would go 41 yards on 5 performs however 48 of them got here on a near-replay of their massive early acquire. As an alternative of Adams blitzing this time, it was Witherspoon and as Howell scrambled left, it was Dre’Mont Jones caught within the DMZ as an alternative of Mafe. Howell hit Robinson once more for practically 50 because the coaches have been left exasperated. Washington would ultimately face third & 10 on Seattle’s 21 however Mafe stated “sufficient”, and prolonged the franchise file with a sack in his seventh straight sport. Sly nailed the kick and Seattle discovered themselves on the ass-end of the rating as soon as once more.

It wouldn’t keep that means for lengthy. Smith kicked off the subsequent drive with an 11-yard go to Metcalf; then, lightning struck. Taking the snap from his personal 36, Smith dropped again and let the strain shut in. Ready till the time was proper, Smith flung the ball into the suitable flat the place it was caught by Ken Walker. Now, it’s been some time since we’ve seen Okay-9 in true open area and he wasted no time reminding us of his house run hitting potential. For the primary time in franchise historical past, none of Seattle’s offensive linemen drifted too far downfield and Walker capitalized. The proficient second-year again weaved upfield then exploded by a deal with 20 yards previous the road of scrimmage. The contact pushed him in the direction of the boundary however he stored his bow pointed at Polaris and completely obliterated the pursuit angles of the remaining defenders up the suitable sideline. 64 yards later, he was diving into the painted grass to present the Seahawks their first lead of the sport at 16-12.

That’s when the water that had been effervescent below this sport’s floor hit the boiling level, and issues actually obtained enjoyable. Two performs into the Commanders’ subsequent drive, Howell felt strain across the finish took off up the center. What he didn’t see was Devon Witherspoon, looking him like a leopard. The rookie nook caught up with the opposing QB and pounced on his prey, sinking his claws into Howell and using him to the turf. As he did, he ripped the ball free the place it bounded into the ready arms of Riq Woolen.

Rapidly, it appeared like Seattle could be prepared to easily play the rest of the sport downhill and put to relaxation the rising sense of insecurity many followers have been feeling. Alas, the Seahawks could be unable to get a primary down and Michael Dickson kicked it again to the guests. Washington’s subsequent drive confirmed actual promise once they transformed consecutive third downs however Jones received the race to Howell on the subsequent 2nd down and Bobby Wagner helped him clear up the wreckage. On the subsequent play, Howell’s deep go over the center was damaged up by Wagner and the Commanders kicked it again to their hosts.

The Seahawks took their time with their subsequent possession, stretching 55 yards over 11 performs, and beginning with a 15-yard throw to Lockett. Charbonnet obtained 11 extra on the subsequent play then an extra 10 on the next one. It put Seattle in scoring vary however, like so many drives earlier than it, they slowed down there, going simply 19 yards on the subsequent seven performs. That introduced Myers out for his fourth area objective try and he did what he’s been doing for 2 months straight now, knocking it by the uprights and lengthening Seattle’s result in seven.

With solely 12 minutes left in regulation, all of the Seahawks wanted to do was every little thing they’d achieved because the opening drive. Alas, they’d run out of gasoline. Sam Howell went again to the one factor that had actually been working in opposition to the ‘Hawks D, which is to say he simply gave it to his operating backs… time and again. First it was Robinson for 15 to the suitable then Robinson for 12 extra to the left as Seattle’s fatigue grew to become evident of their makes an attempt to deal with. Antonio Gibson would acquire seven on the subsequent two carries and after Howell moved the sticks with a brief one to Logan Thomas, he went again to Robinson over the center for 16. The march would culminate on the subsequent play, as Howell launched a ball in the direction of the suitable aspect of the endzone whereas below strain. Gibson, who was wheeling out of the backfield, coasted below it for the 19-yard catch and a game-tying rating. 19-19 and our butts settled again into the well-worn edges of our seats.

At this level there have been eight minutes left and the burden of the distinction between 5-4 and 6-3 settled like a heavy fog over Lumen Subject. All sport we had seen hints that the offense was beginning to come collectively however nearly wasn’t going to maintain tempo with the 49ers. No, the Seahawks offense wanted to be glorious on this drive they usually answered the fucking name.

A false begin obtained the journey off to an inauspicious begin however Smith paid it no thoughts. Geno hit Lockett up the suitable sideline for 11 and Walker reset the downs with a five-yard run. That’s when Smith uncorked his finest throw of the sport, navigating a shifting pocket earlier than feathering a stunning spiral excessive of a dropping linebacker, beneath a crashing security, and into the child-like arms of Tyler Lockett for 20. Walker then wiggled his means ahead for seven yards to make it 2nd & 3 on the fringe of area objective vary. He’d get bottled up on the subsequent play and third down went poorly, when strain compelled a determined dump-off to Noah Fant that misplaced two yards.

That made it 4th & 5 at Washington’s 40, creating a very troublesome choice with lower than 5 minutes left. A area objective could be 58 yards— technically in Myers’ vary however a miss places the Commanders at midfield. A punt would make it robust for Washington however it might additionally give them the possibility to go win it in a tie sport. The third possibility on this triumvirate of decisions was to sac up and go for it. Though Carroll had elected to go for all of it sport, the stakes have been increased this time, and the gap was longer. However Pete stunned us all by protecting the offense on the sphere and never simply to run some onerous rely bullshit.

His religion within the offense was rewarded when Smith dialed up Metcalf on a slant route. The go was excessive— perhaps even uncatchable— however contact got here early and the flags flew. The go interference name stored the ball in Seattle’s hand they usually wouldn’t waste the possibility that they got. After Washington was caught with 12 males within the huddle, Smith went again to Lockett for 16 yards and a facemask on the finish put Seattle on the doorstep. Two performs later, Smith was rolling proper, pulling the string again to most rigidity, and firing an arrow to a diving Lockett within the entrance proper nook of the endzone. On one of many greatest drives of the season Geno appeared Lockett’s means 4 instances and 4 instances they related. That symbiosis put the Seahawks up seven and 4 minutes away from an enormous win.

Simply get one cease. Please.

/sigh

The Seahawks protection was too drained, and the Commanders had remembered what was best. A handful of brief completions took benefit of scissoring routes that crossed up Seattle’s linebackers and it obtained them right down to the 35— together with one to Terry McLaurin on 4th & 1. Howell missed on his subsequent two throws, the second up to now behind his supposed receiver that it stunned a crashing Quandre Diggs, who would possibly’ve been capable of decide it if the considered the ball reaching him was even a distant chance. Nonetheless, what may have been a game-clinching interception created a third & 10 and on this one, Howell went again to his roots. Dropping again, Howell surveyed the sphere and threw a phenomenal go over the center to his school teammate Dyami Brown. Brown elevated, caught it, and received the race to the paint to tie the sport at 26 with lower than a minute to play.

We noticed it in opposition to Detroit. We noticed it in opposition to Cleveland. They got here shut in Cincinnati however total, when the sport has been within the steadiness, this offense has come by. At the moment was no completely different, and Geno Smith and DK Metcalf heard y’all calling for his or her jobs. The possibility to seal the victory began with a swing go to Charbonnet however as an alternative of scampering out of bounds, the rookie deferred to his baser instincts and ran by the face of the closest defender. Sadly, that stored the clock operating and the Seahawks needed to burn a beneficial timeout. Thirty-eight seconds left.

With nobody open on the subsequent dropback, Smith discovered Charbonnet once more however this time Zach wasted no time scurrying to the sideline. Then, bang. DK Metcalf on the left seam for 17 and a primary down. Two performs later, bang once more. Metcalf over the center for about 15 however that wasn’t adequate for Seattle’s gargantuan receiver. Metcalf caught the ball, planted one highly effective foot, and in the reduction of to his left and up the sphere. Defenders piled on him like so many hyenas attempting to take down a lion however they weren’t profitable till Metcalf had dragged them shut sufficient for Myers to win it. That put the ball on the Commanders 25 and all that remained was for Smith to spike it with a pair seconds left.

Out trotted Seattle’s dependable kicker, who has lowkey been one of the vital beneficial Seahawks of the final couple of seasons. Myers had been excellent on his kicks up till that time, however none of these kicks carried the dual burdens of duty and glory like this one did. It didn’t matter. Myers drilled the kick as calmly as if he have been hitting it right into a web on the sideline, sending it finish over finish between the uprights and into Valhalla.

29-26. 6-3.

—

SMOKE RINGS

~Geno Smith responded to the critics by setting a career-high in passing yards and main two consecutive go-ahead drives within the ultimate eight minutes. Within the first half, he displayed a few of the hesitation that’s alarmed us not too long ago and was clearly not on the identical web page as his receivers at instances. Nonetheless, he made the required changes and obtained again to being the Geno Smith that received this area over only one yr in the past.

On the ultimate two possessions, Geno went 9-10 for 100 yards and a game-tying landing. He was calm when issues have been most chaotic and reminded all of us— maybe himself included— that he’s constructed for this. The factor is, good gamers alter and we noticed that occur in actual time with Smith this afternoon. His ultimate line sparkles: 31-46, 367 yards, two touchdowns, no turnovers, and just one sack for one yard. Geno continues to be the man.

~An enormous facet of the offense’s struggles of late has been the run sport’s lack of ability to get going and as we speak we noticed hints of that getting again on monitor. Ken Walker had a couple of good runs however was nonetheless getting hit at or behind the road of scrimmage far too usually. He toted it 19 instances for 63 yards— a slightly uninspiring line till you keep in mind he housed a 64-yard display go. All advised, that’s 127 yards and a rating on 20 touches. I’ll take that on daily basis.

~Behind him, Zach Charbonnet made probably the most of his alternatives. He had simply six carries, most of which got here in opposition to gentle containers, however he maximized these possibilities to the tune of 44 yards. He additionally caught 4 balls for 18 extra, giving him 62 whole yards— a lot of them within the essential ultimate quarter. Between the 2 of them, Seattle’s RBs had 189 yards on 30 touches and you realize that makes Pete Carroll joyful.

~We’ve all been ready for the DK Metcalf Sport and for some time, it appeared like that might be on maintain for no less than one other week. He was shut out within the first quarter however obtained actual busy after that. He caught 4 passes within the second quarter, one within the third, and two for 44 yards on the sport’s ultimate possession. His ultimate line was seven catches for 98 yards however most significantly, when it was profitable time, Metcalf was the man Smith appeared for— and he delivered.

Y’all know I like DK however it’s not like I’m watching him with scales over my eyes. He’s an inconsistent arms catcher and isn’t the contested-catch man we’d all love for him to be. However it’s additionally straightforward to let deal with these imperfections distract us from the large potential he does have. He was every little thing the Seahawks wanted him to be as we speak and I’m hoping this will get him and Geno again in sync for the second half of the season.

~Tyler Lockett’s cuteness is surpassed solely by his consistency, and that reliability was on full show throughout Seattle’s penultimate drive. Smith focused him 10 instances as we speak, linking up on eight of these for 92 yards and the staff’s ultimate landing. He’s sooo good at discovering the tender spots in a protection and snuggling into them like a bit bunny rabbit. A few of Smith’s finest throws went Lockett’s means as we speak and he justified these selections repeatedly.

~Jaxon Smith-Njigba is arriving, however he’s not fairly right here but. He caught three of Smith’s first 4 passes on this sport however was fairly quiet after that, as Seattle’s QB funneled his targets to the 2 veterans. Nonetheless, he caught 4 of his 5 targets for 53 yards and most significantly, he’s earned the belief of not simply Geno, however Shane Waldron as properly. Excited to see what his function appears like by season’s finish.

~The offensive line appeared higher as we speak. In fact, that’s gonna occur while you go from taking part in the 2 finest defenses within the NFL to 1 that simply shipped off their two finest gamers. Even so, they gave up simply the one sack and helped pave the street to 120 dashing yards. Jason Peters added some stability to the suitable aspect, regardless of getting flagged twice, however it appears like we’d lastly have a bridge to Abe Lucas’ return.

~In some unspecified time in the future we’re gonna have to begin speaking about Boye Mafe as one of many nice edge defenders on this league. Mafe had 5 tackles, recorded his seventh sack in as many video games, and broke up a key third down go. He harassed Sam Howell all sport lengthy and is beginning to change into the kind of participant opposing offenses should sport plan for. It’s the one factor this protection has been missing— the one factor I get most jealous of after I watch groups which have a real disrupter. The Seahawks might have discovered theirs, and he’s simply 24 years outdated.

~Exterior of Mafe, I wouldn’t name this an important efficiency by the protection. It wasn’t unhealthy, per se, it simply didn’t have what it took to shut it out on the finish of the sport. Bobby Wagner and Jordyn Brooks obtained sliced up with crossing routes and go performs to Washington’s operating backs. Brian Robinson and Antonio Gibson racked up a exceptional 161 receiving yards and as soon as Washington realized it, they hammered the second degree of the protection with them. Till that time, nonetheless, these two linebackers had performed fairly properly. Wagner particularly, who led the staff with 10 tackles, shared a sack, and broke up a giant third down go.

~Leonard Williams made his first actual influence in Seattle, getting a sack within the first half and offering the stout run protection that was an enormous a part of his enchantment. Dre’Mont Jones rounded out the sack occasion on this one however was considerably quiet in any other case. Actually, that’s a bit to be anticipated as a result of many of the Commanders offensive performs focused the sides, and he’s taking part in on the inside.

~There was some shaky secondary play, highlighted by a few poor protection angles and greater than a sprinkling of missed tackles. Jamal Adams made a few splash performs and Julian Love recorded seven takedowns however there have been simply too many massive performs for my liking and on the finish of the day, it’s the safeties’ job to maintain these from occurring.

The cornerbacks proceed to impress as Devon Witherspoon, Tre Brown, and Riq Woolen locked down the sides of the sphere for probably the most half. Washington’s broad receivers solely had 9 of Howell’s 29 completions because the RBs and TEs did many of the harm. Even the massive 35-yard landing came visiting the center in entrance of the safeties. It’s so good to have a trio of corners like these guys.

~third downs proceed to be a battle for the Seahawks— on each side of the ball. They solely transformed 4 of 14 on offense and allowed seven of 15 on protection. We’ve been speaking about this problem for therefore lengthy I’m type of achieved with proposing options. It’s not like I’m considering of something the staff isn’t. Simply gotta execute. Nonetheless, kudos to Pete Carroll for going for it on 4th down all 3 times he was alleged to— even when two of them have been undone by penalties.

~We gotta give Jason Myers his flowers. Regardless of a tough begin to the season, Myers has locked in and has now made 25 of 29 area targets on the season in addition to all 20 of his additional factors. Seattle received largely as a result of Myers was utterly unflappable as we speak and I’m so grateful to have him kicking for my favourite staff. Bravo, Jason.

—

The discourse across the Seahawks has been fairly morose this week and like, I get it. A 37-3 loss is fairly unhealthy however 5-3 continues to be a reasonably good file and it’s vital to maintain the total image in thoughts when speaking about this staff. A weaker squad would let a beatdown just like the one Seattle obtained carry over to the next week however not these guys. They usually have been examined on this one, too. However good groups overcome adversity they usually depend on their finest gamers to ship when the leverage is at its highest. That’s exactly what occurred this afternoon, because the Seahawks obtained nice performances from Geno Smith, Ken Walker, DK Metcalf, Tyler Lockett, Devon Witherspoon, and Boye Mafe.

It won’t really feel prefer it, however the Seahawks have received twice as many video games as they’ve misplaced this season. And it would really feel simply as shocking to do not forget that they’re tied for first within the division. Their playoff odds are over 80% they usually’ve obtained an important probability to go 7-3 with a win over the Rams subsequent week. I stated it earlier this season however it bears repeating: this staff isn’t excellent however excellent shouldn’t be the expectation. NFL wins are onerous, they usually shouldn’t be discounted. Seattle was pressed all sport lengthy by a staff that repeatedly gave them their finest shot. The Seahawks answered, and that’s what issues most.

I can’t wait to see the place this staff sits after subsequent weekend however till then, onward upwards.

—

I handled myself to a Le Bijou from My Father as we speak, and it was an entire lot smoother than the sport was. I’m in love with My Father cigars due to their unbelievable taste profiles and the truth that they simply by no means appear to overlook. The consistency is exceptional, permitting me to smoke them with confidence. I paired it with Westland Distillery’s Flagship American single-malt whiskey. Westland’s whiskeys are excellent compliments to a very good cigar and I like to recommend any of their stuff the subsequent time you’re lighting up.

—

And in case you didn’t know, we even have our personal cigars now, which you’ll be able to order beneath:

~~ORDER YOUR OFFICIAL CIGAR THOUGHTS CIGARS HERE~~—

We’ve linked up with one of many premier cigar producers on the planet to supply a particular 13-year-aged mix of Dominican tobacco leaf to Cigar Ideas readers for lower than half of MSRP. These cigars, banded and branded by their creator, promote for $35-$40 per stick however we’re capable of supply them to you for simply $169 for a bundle of 10. They arrive with a Mylar bag and Boveda humidification pack so that they’ll keep contemporary whether or not you’ve got a humidor or not. Simply use the link!

—

We’re additionally on YouTube, the place you may catch video clips from the podcast, whole video episodes, and the audio recordings of the articles. Go watch our newest version with Sports activities Illustrated’s Corbin Smith. That is perhaps the easiest way to assist Cigar Ideas, so I recognize the few seconds it takes to love and subscribe.

—

That is the fifth yr of our unbelievable partnership with Seattle Cigar Concierge. They’ve the plug on a few of the most insane stogies available on the market they usually’re providing them to Cigar Ideas readers for 20% off. These are extraordinarily particular sticks, and among the many most fulfilling I’ve ever smoked. To get the hook-up, simply electronic mail SeattleCigarConcierge@GMail.com. They’re carrying over 70 cigar manufacturers with many uncommon releases, together with Davidoff, Opus X, and Padron. You may as well hit them up on Twitter: @SeattleCigars. Simply make sure to point out that you just’re a Cigar Ideas reader. Lots of you’ve got taken benefit of this unbelievable alternative and for many who have all the time puzzled what elite cigars are like, this will one of the best probability you’ll get to step into that world.

The 2023 season of Cigar Ideas can be proud to be sponsored by Fairhaven Floors in Bellingham, WA.