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Seattle Seahawks defenseman Kenneth Walker III (9) runs the ball in the first half of a game against the Atlanta Falcons last Sunday in Atlanta. AP photo

SEATTLE — The mood at Seahawks headquarters changed from frustration to optimism this week as the team recently won 34-14 over Atlanta, putting at least a temporary end to some lingering issues that have emerged during Seattle’s last three losing streak.

After missing running back Kenneth Walker III, the Seahawks turned the ball over to him 14 times and he ran for 69 yards and a touchdown. It provided some balance to an offense that relied heavily on the arm of Geno Smith, and the Seahawks averaged an NFL-high 270.9 passing yards per game.

After a difficult few weeks, the Seahawks (4-3) also improved their run defense. They allowed just 39 rushing yards in the second half while giving up three turnovers.

With a win and another new addition to their defense – Tennessee acquired linebacker Ernest Jones IV on Wednesday – Seattle has every reason to look forward to Sunday’s matchup with the visiting Buffalo Bills (5-2).

The Seahawks will have to play their A game against the Bills and quarterback Josh Allen, who has a new, reliable target in receiver Amari Cooper.

The Bills have been one of the NFL’s most stable teams for the eight seasons since general manager Brandon Beane and coach Sean McDermott took the helm in 2017. They made five consecutive playoff appearances and won four straight AFC East titles.

“You look at all the stats that determine who wins, the takeaway differential, the position on the pitch, how well they move the ball, how good they play situational ball and defense, their special teams units, the team, don’t beat yourself up,” Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald said. “I think if you can create that formula, they will be a tough team to beat on any given day.”

Allen is the only starting quarterback in the NFL without an interception this season and is second after Alex Smith in 2017 to have 12 or more touchdown passes and no interceptions in seven games.

“(He) is just becoming a great decision-maker.” McDermott said. “He approached it very consciously and it is important to him. He knows the value of playing clean football like this and protecting the house.

All five of Buffalo’s wins came against teams with a losing record this weekend.

NO CHOICES

Allen admits he was a bit lucky to start the season without any interceptions.

“They dropped a few, which helps.” said Allen, who has made 286 tackles, including playoffs, since he last threw a pick in the 2023 season finale in Buffalo.

Allen said he makes better decisions and is more in tune with the game plan without being overly conservatistic.

“You’re going to have to take some risks.” said Allen, who recorded a career-high 18 steals last season. “I don’t sit around and try to intercept.”

TEAM CONNECTIONS

Seahawks assistant head coach Leslie Frazier spent six seasons as the Bills’ defensive coordinator from 2017-22 and was also an assistant head coach from 2020-22.

Linebacker Tyrel Dodson also spent time with the Bills, playing four seasons in Buffalo after signing as an undrafted free agent in 2019. Another familiar face, Bills running back Taylor Rapp, grew up in Bellingham and played at the University of Washington, where he was a preseason All-American in 2018.

SLOW START

While Bills defensive coordinator Bobby Babich gets a lot of credit for making changes at halftime, he wishes his team had gotten off to a better start.

“Honestly, I’m tired of talking about a strong second half.” Babicz said. “The guys did a great job of understanding what the offense was doing to us on the break, but we had to do it a little earlier.”

Buffalo scored 95 points in the first half and just 41 in the final 30 minutes. In last Sunday’s 34-10 win over Tennessee, the Bills had 217 yards at halftime and a 10-7 lead. Buffalo shut out the Titans in the final 30 minutes, allowing 72 yards.

METCALF DOUBTABLE

Seahawks forward DK Metcalf suffered an ACL sprain against Atlanta. If he doesn’t play, it will be the second game he has missed in his six-year career.

Receiver Tyler Lockett believes the Seahawks are deep enough to compete in Metcalf’s absence. Receivers also include Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Jake Bobo, Laviska Shenault Jr. and Dareke Young.

“I think we have great depth.” Lockett said.

BAG ATTACK

Seattle’s Derick Hall and Boye Mafe terrorized opposing quarterbacks. Hall has five sacks and Maye has four. Hall was a revelation in his second season, and Mafe set a franchise record last year with a seven-game hitting streak and at least one sack.

Hall and Mafe are the only members of the team under 25 years old to each have at least four sacks this season. The Seahawks are one of only five teams with multiple players with at least four sacks.