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THE ORION REPORT
week 17
Seahawks vs. Panthers
Final Score: Seahawks 27, Panthers 10
Bank Of America Stadium
Charlotte, North Carolina
Opening Take
This was another slow start for Seattle, a theme that continues to follow this team but once again, they found their footing and took control. Playing in the 1:00 p.m. East Coast time slot, historically a difficult window for West Coast teams, the Seahawks showed poise instead of panic. What dictated this game was the running game, as Seattle leaned into physicality and balance to settle the offense, with Zach Charbonnet setting the tone and Kenneth Walker III adding explosiveness. Just as important, the defense continues to look like it’s in Super Bowl form bend but don’t break, disciplined, and dependable. It has become a staple of this team and the foundation they can lean on when things aren’t clean or fast.
Turning Point
The turning point in this game was the Seahawks defense, once again setting the tone and refusing to let Carolina gain any real momentum. Drives stalled, explosive plays were eliminated, and the Panthers were forced to earn everything. That defensive stability allowed Seattle to settle into the running game instead of forcing the issue. With the defense holding firm, the offense stayed patient, leaned on physical runs, and gradually took control. Classic complementary football, led by the defense.
Notable Players
Zach Charbonnet
This was a tone setter. Charbonnet clearly took the lead in the running game, running with power, decisiveness, and purpose. He kept the Seahawks ahead of the chains and dictated the physical nature of the game.
Kenneth Walker III
Walker provided the explosiveness and balance to complement Charbonnet’s physicality. His presence kept Carolina honest and added another layer to Seattle’s offensive attack.
Sam Darnold
Darnold was uneven at times, with moments of shakiness when pressure arrived, but there were also clear positives. His connection with Jaxon Smith-Njigba is undeniable, showing chemistry and trust in key moments. Barner continues to emerge as a legitimate weapon, giving Darnold another reliable option. When he’s in rhythm, he’s hard to beat the challenge will be maintaining consistency as the stakes rise.
Defense (Unit Performance)
Once again, the defense was the backbone of this team. Bend but don’t break, disciplined, and situationally sound, they consistently put the offense in manageable positions and never allowed Carolina to find a rhythm.
Stat Box
Category. SEA. CAR.
Total Yards: 288 139
Pass Yards: 147 54
Rush Yards: 161 59
QB Comp%: 66.7 58.3
Turnovers: 1 2
T.O.P. 33:15 26:45
Final Thoughts
This was a disciplined, professional win built on defense, physicality, and patience. The Seahawks continue to show they can weather slow starts, lean on a Super Bowl caliber defense, and let the running game led by Zach Charbonnet’s physicality and Kenneth Walker III’s explosiveness establish control. At quarterback, there are moments that invite scrutiny, but there are also clear signs of growth, chemistry, and the ability to deliver when it matters.
Now everything shifts. A massive matchup with San Francisco looms, with postseason implications and pride on the line. Games like that don’t allow for slow starts but they reward toughness, balance, and belief.
Go Hawks
All stats from espn.com Seahawks .com
week 17
Seahawks vs. Panthers
Final Score: Seahawks 27, Panthers 10
Bank Of America Stadium
Charlotte, North Carolina
Opening Take
This was another slow start for Seattle, a theme that continues to follow this team but once again, they found their footing and took control. Playing in the 1:00 p.m. East Coast time slot, historically a difficult window for West Coast teams, the Seahawks showed poise instead of panic. What dictated this game was the running game, as Seattle leaned into physicality and balance to settle the offense, with Zach Charbonnet setting the tone and Kenneth Walker III adding explosiveness. Just as important, the defense continues to look like it’s in Super Bowl form bend but don’t break, disciplined, and dependable. It has become a staple of this team and the foundation they can lean on when things aren’t clean or fast.
Turning Point
The turning point in this game was the Seahawks defense, once again setting the tone and refusing to let Carolina gain any real momentum. Drives stalled, explosive plays were eliminated, and the Panthers were forced to earn everything. That defensive stability allowed Seattle to settle into the running game instead of forcing the issue. With the defense holding firm, the offense stayed patient, leaned on physical runs, and gradually took control. Classic complementary football, led by the defense.
Notable Players
Zach Charbonnet
This was a tone setter. Charbonnet clearly took the lead in the running game, running with power, decisiveness, and purpose. He kept the Seahawks ahead of the chains and dictated the physical nature of the game.
Kenneth Walker III
Walker provided the explosiveness and balance to complement Charbonnet’s physicality. His presence kept Carolina honest and added another layer to Seattle’s offensive attack.
Sam Darnold
Darnold was uneven at times, with moments of shakiness when pressure arrived, but there were also clear positives. His connection with Jaxon Smith-Njigba is undeniable, showing chemistry and trust in key moments. Barner continues to emerge as a legitimate weapon, giving Darnold another reliable option. When he’s in rhythm, he’s hard to beat the challenge will be maintaining consistency as the stakes rise.
Defense (Unit Performance)
Once again, the defense was the backbone of this team. Bend but don’t break, disciplined, and situationally sound, they consistently put the offense in manageable positions and never allowed Carolina to find a rhythm.
Stat Box
Category. SEA. CAR.
Total Yards: 288 139
Pass Yards: 147 54
Rush Yards: 161 59
QB Comp%: 66.7 58.3
Turnovers: 1 2
T.O.P. 33:15 26:45
Final Thoughts
This was a disciplined, professional win built on defense, physicality, and patience. The Seahawks continue to show they can weather slow starts, lean on a Super Bowl caliber defense, and let the running game led by Zach Charbonnet’s physicality and Kenneth Walker III’s explosiveness establish control. At quarterback, there are moments that invite scrutiny, but there are also clear signs of growth, chemistry, and the ability to deliver when it matters.
Now everything shifts. A massive matchup with San Francisco looms, with postseason implications and pride on the line. Games like that don’t allow for slow starts but they reward toughness, balance, and belief.
Go Hawks
All stats from espn.com Seahawks .com
