The Seattle Seahawks, once cruising with a perfect 3-0 record to start the season, are now grappling with a troubling three-game losing streak. What began as a promising campaign, fueled by wins against arguably weaker competition, has quickly unraveled. Losses to formidable teams like the Detroit Lions and San Francisco 49ers, as well as a disheartening defeat to the New York Giants, have exposed several concerning weaknesses for the Seahawks.

So, what exactly is causing Seattle to falter? Let’s dive into the key areas that have led to this troubling stretch of losses.

Turnover Troubles and Offensive Struggles

One of the most glaring issues contributing to the Seahawks’ downfall has been their poor ball security. Throughout their losing streak, Seattle has suffered from a -6 turnover differential, a crippling stat for any team looking to stay competitive. Quarterback Geno Smith, once lauded for his careful management of the offense, has been responsible for several costly interceptions. Though one came during garbage time, the others had a much more damaging effect on the game’s outcome.

The woes extend beyond Smith’s interceptions. Star wide receiver DK Metcalf has fumbled twice during critical moments, both of which were converted into touchdowns by opposing teams. Special teams play has also been shaky, with Laviska Shenault Jr. losing a fumble on a kick return and Dee Williams narrowly avoiding a muffed punt. The defense, meanwhile, has not been able to compensate for these mistakes, forcing only one turnover in the past three games.

In the NFL, winning often hinges on ball control, and the Seahawks have failed miserably in this department. Their carelessness with the ball has put them in losing positions repeatedly, and unlike teams such as the Kansas City Chiefs, they lack the firepower to recover from these mistakes.

Defensive Collapse and Penalty Problems

While turnovers have plagued the offense, the defense has not provided much relief either. Once seen as a sturdy unit capable of making game-changing plays, the Seahawks defense has collapsed during this losing streak. A mix of blown coverages and missed assignments has allowed opponents to score freely, further compounding the team’s struggles.

Penalties have only made matters worse. The Seahawks have been flagged far too often in critical moments, allowing opposing offenses to extend drives and control the clock. This lack of discipline has prevented Seattle from gaining any momentum, especially when combined with their turnover issues.

With their offense sputtering and their defense unable to stop anyone, the Seahawks have consistently found themselves in positions where they can’t recover. Even in games that seemed winnable, like the matchup against the Giants, the final score belied how badly the Seahawks were outplayed.

A Long Road Ahead

At this point, it’s clear the Seahawks need to make some significant adjustments if they hope to salvage their season. While their early success gave fans hope, this recent skid has exposed serious flaws that need to be addressed. From tightening up ball security to fixing the defense’s glaring gaps, head coach Mike Macdonald and general manager John Schneider have their work cut out for them.

The Seahawks are still in the thick of the season, and the upcoming mini-bye week may provide a much-needed opportunity to reset. But without fixing their self-inflicted wounds, Seattle risks extending this losing streak and falling further out of contention.

With pressure mounting, only time will tell whether this Seahawks team can turn things around—or if they’re headed for one of their most disappointing seasons in recent memory.