Seahawks Dominate Falcons with 34-14 Victory Behind Strong Performances from Geno Smith and Kenneth Walker III
The Seattle Seahawks soared to a convincing 34-14 victory against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday, October 20, 2024, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The win snapped a three-game losing streak and pushed the Seahawks back to the top of the NFC West standings, aided by a timely loss from the San Francisco 49ers. This Week 7 matchup saw Seattle’s offense and defense come alive, with quarterback Geno Smith and running back Kenneth Walker III leading the charge.
Quarterback Geno Smith delivered a strong performance, completing 18 of 28 passes for 207 yards and two touchdowns, both without turning the ball over. Smith’s accuracy and composure were key, especially given Seattle’s injury-plagued offensive line, which featured rookie Michael Jerrell starting at right tackle.
Walker, though battling flu-like symptoms, turned in an inspiring performance on his 24th birthday, rushing for 69 yards on 14 carries and catching two passes for 24 yards, including a crucial 17-yard touchdown catch. His 20-yard rushing touchdown in the second quarter gave Seattle a 10-0 lead, setting the tone for the rest of the game. After the win, Smith joked about Walker’s perseverance: “Two touchdowns on his birthday, that was sick.”
Despite his illness, Walker hit the famed “Dirty Bird” celebration after his receiving touchdown in the third quarter. The dance, popularized by former Falcons star Jamal Anderson, was something Walker had promised his teammates after learning the move earlier in the week from running backs coach Kennedy Polamalu.
Seattle’s defense was equally dominant, forcing three turnovers, including a strip-sack by linebacker Boye Mafe that led to a 64-yard fumble return for a touchdown by Derick Hall. The Seahawks, who had struggled to generate turnovers in recent weeks, turned things around in a big way. This defensive resurgence was critical, as Seattle had only managed one takeaway in their previous five games.
Defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald praised Walker and the team’s overall resilience, saying, “He fought through and made big plays when we needed them. And defensively, it was a complete turnaround from what we’ve been seeing. To force three turnovers today was massive for us.”
For the first time this season, the Seahawks maintained a balanced offensive approach, leaning heavily on their run game after building a double-digit halftime lead. Seattle ran the ball 22 times out of 56 offensive plays, a stark contrast to their NFL-low rushing attempts through the first six weeks of the season.
Smith’s second touchdown pass, a perfectly placed throw to Walker on a wheel route, was the product of an audible call by Smith after noticing a mismatch with Atlanta’s linebacker Kaden Elliss. The protection from Seattle’s offensive line allowed Smith the time he needed to make the play, showcasing the team’s growing chemistry despite the injuries up front.
With the win, the Seahawks improved to 4-3 and regained momentum in a competitive NFC West. The team’s balanced offensive attack and opportunistic defense will be key as they push forward in the 2024 season. Up next, the Seahawks return home to Lumen Field, where they’ll look to build on this crucial victory.