The Seattle Seahawks were driving. Backup running back Zach Charbonnet, starting in place of the injured Kenneth Walker III, rushed for nine yards in the second quarter of Thursday’s eventual 6-3 Week 17 win over the Chicago Bears. Wide receiver DK Metcalf was involved in a shoving match with Bears cornerback Tyrique Stevenson. Frustrated, Metcalf poked Stevenson’s facemask. He was penalized for retaliation and his personal fouls put the offense in a 2nd-and-16 situation instead of the planned 2nd-and-1 situation.

It was an accurate snapshot of the Seahawks’ discipline issues throughout the season. After that mistake, the Seahawks averaged 34.5 offensive penalty yards per game (517/15) this season, according to Inside Edge NFL, leading the league. The league average? 25.4 yards, almost 10 yards less than Seattle’s average weekly production.

The Seahawks have averaged 34.5 offensive penalty yards per game (517/15) this season, worst in the NFL; League average: 25.4.

– Inside Edge NFL (@IE_NFL) December 27, 2024

Fortunately, Geno Smith and the offense were able to overcome Metcalf’s misjudgment. On 2nd-and-16, Smith connected with tight end Noah Fant for a 13-yard gain, putting the offense in third-and-control position. Fant came through again and caught a 12-yard pass that gave the Seahawks another set of downs. Metcalf later scored on a 14-yard completion to offset his 15-yard penalty, and the Seahawks eventually settled for a 50-yard field goal from Jason Myers to take a 6-3 lead, the final score would mean.

Most of Seattle’s offensive penalties were called on the offensive line. Pre-snap (false start) and post-snap (holding) violations were common. This is not surprising considering the challenges they face beforehand. They played right back with three different players, all freshmen or sophomores. Right tackle was a revolving door until Abe Lucas returned. The starting player abruptly left midway through the season and unexpectedly moved a sophomore into the lineup.