The Seahawks are still in the playoff mix, though the 49ers currently lead the division, after a close win against the struggling L.A. Rams. “Naturally it was a must-win game for the Seahawks, and it keeps us a little bit ahead in the wild card race,” Terry Hollimon said. The Rams were able to keep it close most of the game, but Geno Smith had another strong showing, with 367 yards passing, to lead the team to a win. “That drive at the end of the game was a masterful two-minute drive,” Hollimon said. “He took the field and took the Seahawks down the field to score the winning touchdown to DK Metcalf. It was an incredible, exciting game.” DK Metcalf battled defender Jalen Ramsey but was able to come away with 127 yards receiving and the game winning touchdown. Tyler Lockett had a big day as well with nine receptions for 128 yards and a touchdown. Former Seahawk Bobby Wagner had a strong game and sacked Smith two times and was credited with an interception. “It was an incredible game that he had, but fortunately for the Seahawks, they came out on top,” Hollimon said. With several running back injuries, the Seahawks’ run game is in question. Both Kenneth Walker III and DeeJay Dallas had injuries during the game, and Travis Homer was out for the game with an illness and injury. Tariq Woolen got another interception against the Rams, bringing his season total to six. “Not only is he one of the top rookies in the National Football League right now, he’s actually probably one of the best defensive backs period in the NFL,” Hollimon said. The Seahawks’ run defense struggled again, as the Rams rushed for 171 yards. “If we want to move forward into the playoff picture, we’re going to have to do a much better job of tackling and scheming against these opponents,” Hollimon said. The Seahawks return home this weekend against the 4-8 Carolina Panthers who haven’t won a game on the road since last season. “They’ve got their backs against the wall,” Hollimon said. “They’re going to come out ready to scrap. It’s going to be a rough, tough type of game, a physical type of game I expect. But I expect the Seahawks to win.” Hawk Zone is sponsored by Muckleshoot Casino. Ring in 2023 with a free dance party! The party starts early at 11 a.m., and you can dance through the decades all day. Find more information on the Muckleshoot Casino website. Sponsored by Muckleshoot Casino. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- KING 5's New Day Northwest is Western Washington's only local daytime talk show. Watch it weekdays at 11 a.m. PST on KING 5 TV and streaming live on http://www.king5.com. #newdaynw 🢒 Follow New Day Northwest! 🢐 FACEBOOK 🢒 https://www.facebook.com/newdaynw TWITTER 🢒 https://twitter.com/newdaynw INSTAGRAM 🢒 https://www.instagram.com/newdaynw