Geno Smith and the Seahawks are taking their pass-happy offense to the basement of the NFC West

SEATTLE (AP) — Geno Smith began the week as the NFL's all-time leader in pass attempts. On Sunday, he threw the ball another 34 times, three of which resulted in interceptions.

And the pass-happy Seahawks are becoming more and more of a minor issue in the NFC.

Smith threw for 363 yards and three touchdowns 20:26 defeat on Sunday in overtime to the Los Angeles Rams, but the three picks were backbreakers and Seattle continued to be inefficient in the run game.

“They trust me a lot in my decision making and when they put the ball in my hands,” Smith said. “If my teammates play like we did today and give us a chance to win the game, I have to make sure we do the same. The things I did today, the mistakes I made, they had a negative impact on us and really cost us the game today.”

The Seahawks (4-5) have lost four straight at home and five of six overall under first-year coach Mike Macdonald and have fallen to last place in the highly competitive NFC West entering their bye week.

“We are doing everything in our power and more to create a nightmare at home,” said Mike Macdonald. “And right now we’re not doing it, so let’s get to work. So the bye week is a big week for us to get better.”

Kamren Kitchens had two picks against Smith, both in the red zone in the fourth quarter, and Kitchens returned the first 103 yards for a touchdown.

Seattle entered the game at the bottom of the league in rushing offense and improved slightly by rushing for 107 yards against the Rams. But the Seahawks needed 33 carries to reach that total, averaging 3.2 yards per rush. And the Rams stuffed Kenneth Walker III for no gain on consecutive plays on the first possession of overtime to set up their game-winning goal.

“That was the play call we liked, we like the look of it,” Macdonald said. “We have to be able to get half a yard in two strikes. Great football teams convert third, fourth and short balls and right now we’re not doing that.”

Seattle's offense put up some impressive numbers, finishing with 424 total yards. Second-year receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba had seven catches for a career-best 180 yards and two touchdowns with top wideout DK Metcalf sidelined with a knee injury.

And the Seahawks tried to maintain balance by passing the ball to Walker 25 times, but he never broke off a big ball. His longest rush was 10 yards and he finished with 83.

Smith said the Seahawks have plenty of opportunity to achieve their goals this season.

“Only eight more games,” Smith said. “Everything we worked for in the offseason, all the hard work we put in all week, this final stretch, this eight-game stretch is what it’s all about.”

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