Carroll: Wilson trying too hard during Seahawks' 0-2 start

Chicago Bears running back Jordan Howard (24) makes a catch past Seattle Seahawks' Mychal Kendricks during the first quarter on Monday, Sept. 17, 2018 at Soldier Field in Chicago, Ill. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune/TNS)

by Associated Press
| September 19, 2018 1:00 AM

RENTON, Wash. (AP) — Pete Carroll believes Russell Wilson is trying too hard to create opportunities during Seattle’s winless start and in the process is making the kinds of fourth-quarter mistakes that have largely been absent during his career.

“I’m finding Russ over-trying a little bit,” Carroll said during his radio show on KIRO-AM in Seattle on Tuesday, a day after the Seahawks dropped to 0-2 with a 24-17 loss at Chicago. “He’s pressing in difficult situations to try and see if he can come up with a way to make something happen instead of just getting rid of the football.”

The latest example came in front of a national audience Monday night. With a chance to lead a potential late comeback against the Bears, Wilson threw an interception that was returned for a touchdown. He fumbled on Seattle’s next drive while trying to escape pressure. They were the kinds of costly mistakes Wilson has mostly avoided in the past.

Wilson’s final numbers in the fourth quarter against the Bears looked great — 13 of 16 for 157 yards, two touchdowns and two of the incompletions being spikes to stop the clock — but it was completely overshadowed by the mistakes.

It would help Wilson if Seattle’s offense could do anything in the first three quarters to reduce the late-game pressure and urgency.

Wilson was sacked five times in the first half by the Bears, a few of those after he didn’t get rid of the ball soon enough. Offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer also had some questionable play calling in the third quarter when the Seahawks ran just six plays, had zero first downs and gained one yard total.

The Seahawks are now 1-5 in their past six regular-season games dating to last season.