The Seattle Seahawks returned to being an elite rushing

offense in 2018 Nazair Jones Color Rush Jersey , and Pete Carroll’s run-first approach that was prevalent from 2012-2014 made its return this season. Russell Wilson is a worlds better quarterback in 2018 than he was from 2012-2014, and now it’s universally recognized that he is elite at his position.So when Brian Schottenheimer and Pete Carroll refuse to deviate from an unsuccessful run-heavy gameplan as they did in Seattle’s 24-22 playoff loss against the Dallas Cowboys, national observers take notice. Wilson’s contract is up after 2019, and The Ringer’s Robert Mays not-so-jokingly brought up the idea of the Seahawks moving on from Wilson because of the way the offense is structured.Wilson only had 27 pass attempts against the Cowboys, but had a higher EPA than Dak Prescott and was far more effective than the bogged down Seahawks rushing attack. And yet, Seattle didn’t have more passes than runs until the final drive of the game (and indeed the season). Six of Seattle’s 13 third-down situations saw them run the ball on the previous two downs. In other words, run-run-pass when run-run-pass wasn’t working.It’s not like the Seahawks are incapable of “unleashing Russ” when the run game is ineffective, and this is a topic that predates Schotty and includes more than a few Darrell Bevell era games. Focusing on this season 12th Fan Color Rush Jersey , they beat the Carolina Panthers despite just 75 yards on the ground, but Schottenheimer adjusted and Wilson tore up Carolina’s secondary. But we’ve also seen them running the ball down two scores in four-minute offenses against the Los Angeles Chargers and Los Angeles Rams. More often than not, “Peteball” wins out over cutting Wilson loose. Perhaps they fear a higher volume passing attack or passing more on early downs is too risky because an early-down sack can kill a drive in ways that consecutive runs tend not to, but you don’t need to be a mathematician to figure out that passing is way more valuable than running.I don’t think Seattle is going to part ways with Wilson. There’s also been no indication that Wilson is that frustrated with the system. He has been sensational and is one of the most greatest athletes in the city’s entire history. But high-profile games like the Cowboys loss will undoubtedly stir up discussion over whether it makes financial sense to tie up that much money to a quarterback on an offense that seemingly values running backs above all else.One thing I do know is that Carroll is not going to abandon what he believes in, for better or worse. It’s brought the team multiple top-10 offenses and a sustained stretch of success that we’ve not seen in any other era of Seahawks football. But is Pete’s philosophy still the best one for Russell Wilson’s prime years? I have my doubts. The Seattle Seahawks are guaranteed a playoff berth if they win against either the Kansas City Chiefs or the Arizona Cardinals, but results from Sunday’s 10 AM slate certainly have thrown out a lot of the room for error should Seattle fall to 8-8.After a slow start, the Minnesota Vikings beat the Detroit Lions 27-9 to improve to 8-6-1 on the season, so they are in good position to make the playoffs themselves. If Seattle loses Tyler Lockett Color Rush Jersey , Minnesota will assume the #5 seed for at least a week.In the most exciting game of the day, the Philadelphia Eagles squandered a 29-16 lead to the Houston Texans, fell behind 30-29, but won on a Jake Elliott field goal with no time left to keep their season alive. Since the Dallas Cowboys prevailed, the NFC East race is officially over, leaving Washington eliminated from postseason contention, and Philadelphia as the only team that can get a wild card spot over either the Seahawks or Vikings.What does this all mean? If the Seahawks lose out and the Eagles beat Washington, Seattle will miss the playoffs. There’s no way around it. However Frank Clark Color Rush Jersey , if Washington beats Philadelphia, the Seahawks win a three-way tiebreaker over both teams and get in even if they finish 8-8.After a prolonged stretch where just about every result went Seattle’s way to get them into this spot, the tables have turned just a bit and the margin for error isn’t as comfortable as it was two weeks ago.But again, a Seahawks win in either of their final two home games means a playoff berth. Two losses? They’re probably out, so we better be big Washington fans if Sunday night’s game against Kansas City ends in defeat for Seattle.